Synthesis of nanoparticles and nanomaterials by pulsed laser ablation in liquid, combined with laser processing of colloidal nanoparticles, constitute a unique green chemistry approach. This process is performed at room temperature and ambient pressure without the need for any chemical additives or surfactants. The rapid growth of global demand for nanoparticles with tunable structure and properties, particularly for applications in clean energy generation, energy storage, and advanced manufacturing, has been driving an accelerated development of laser-enabled synthesis of nanoparticles in liquids.

This thematic issue will cover the recent advances in experimental, theoretical, and computational investigations of laser–materials interaction in liquids. A particular focus is placed on nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, scale-up and application of nanoparticles, manufacturing of nanoparticle-based nanocomposites, and related topics. The topics include, but are not limited to:

• New developments in laser-based nanoparticle synthesis and processing in liquids, such as
  • Laser ablation of bulk targets, thin films and multilayered materials
  • Laser melting and fragmentation of nanoparticles and microparticles
  • Laser reductive particle synthesis
• Applications of laser-generated nanoparticles and nanocomposites in catalysis, energy conversion, additive manufacturing, biomedicine, sensing, optics, and other areas
• Integration of nanoparticles in advanced nanocomposite materials
• Biomedical applications of laser–nanoparticle interactions
• Fundamental studies of laser–materials interaction in liquids and their practical implications

The thematic issue is motivated by the debut of the International Conference on Advanced Nanoparticle Generation and Excitation by Lasers in Liquids (ANGEL) in the United States in 2024; however, the contributions are not limited to those from the conference participants.

Submission Deadline: January 31, 2025