Preparation and characterization of sodium dodecyl sulfate/Ag nanoparticles constituting branched microfibers

Branched microfibers of sodium dodecyl sulfate/Ag nanoparticles were synthesized using a nanosecond laser at a wavelength of 532 nm. The synthesis process was investigated at three laser intensities (0.38, 0.76, and 1.53 MW/cm2) and five exposure times (5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min). At intensities of 0.38 and 0.76 MW/cm2, with increasing the exposure time, the number of nanoparticles increases until an exposure time of 30 min. Above this, exposure saturation of the number of Ag nanoparticles takes place. A similar effect was detected for the size of nanoparticles at these laser intensities. The saturation effect begins at 5 min of exposure for a laser intensity of 1.53 MW/cm2. The estimated nanoparticle size ranges from 116 to 120 nm based on the exposure time for a laser intensity of 0.38 and 0.76 MW/cm2, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images at low magnification show the branched microfiber structure, while at higher magnifications, nanoparticles of Ag covering these microfibers appear. Electron dispersion x-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Ag. X-ray diffraction results for the particles deposited on a fluorine-doped tin oxide-coated glass substrate were discussed.