Production of sub-micron-sized high-entropy alloy particles and nanoparticles via pulsed laser ablation of CrMnFeCoNi targets in water

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are a class of materials known for their unique properties, including high strength, excellent wear resistance, and good corrosion resistance. Sub-micron- and nanosized HEA particles were fabricated via pulsed laser ablation in liquid using a Cantor alloy target. The Cr20Mn20Fe20Co20Ni20 target was immersed in pure water and ablated using a focused nanosecond-pulsed Nd: YAG laser. A dark solution containing HEA particles was obtained which was stable for about one week before agglomeration and precipitation was observed. The diameters of the obtained particles ranged from several tens of nanometers to several hundred nanometers. Increasing the laser power resulted in higher particle concentration and an increase in the intensity of UV-vis absorption spectra. Electron diffraction was used to confirm that the composition of the particles was close to that of the Cantor alloy, although the concentrations of Cr and Mn were slightly deficient. There was also a weak dependence of the composition on laser power, and all the particles also contained oxygen. Selected area electron diffraction revealed that the composition varied spatially within some particles and that they are mainly polycrystalline. This work shows that HEA particles can be quickly, safely, and effectively manufactured using liquid-based laser ablation, opening the pathway for mass manufacture and disruptive applications in, e.g., catalysis or tribology.