Continuous preparation of antimony nanocrystals with near infrared photothermal property by pulsed laser ablation in liquids

Antimony nanocrystals (Sb NCs) are of interest in energy storage, catalysis and cancer therapy for its special physical, chemical and biomedical properties. However, methodology challenges still remain in preparation of colloidal Sb NCs, due to the restricted reaction solution systems, high temperature and time costing for common routes. Herein, size controllable colloidal Sb NCs were continuously prepared by pulsed laser ablation of Sb target in different solvents, owning to the metal nanodroplet explosive ejection and thermal evaporation mechanisms. These well dispersed and stable Sb NCs showed excellent photothermal property in the near-infrared-II window.