Enhanced Q-switching performance of magnetite nanoparticle via compositional engineering with Ti3C2 MXene in the near infrared region

In this work, we reported a new strategy to improve the nonlinear saturable absorption performance of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (FONPs) via the compositional engineering with the Ti3C2 MXene in the near-infrared (NIR) region. Based on the DFT simulation, the band structures and work function were significantly modified by the Ti3C2 MXene doping. By using the open-aperture Z-scan technology, the nonlinear optical features of the FONPs@Ti3C2 nanocomposite were significantly improved, showing the great potential as the saturable absorber in the pulsed laser. With the nanocomposite as the saturable absorber, the passively Q-switched Nd:GdVO4 lasers emitted much shorter pulse durations when compared with the pristine FONP saturable absorber. These findings indicated that FONPs@Ti3C2 heterostructure was a promising saturable absorber for the short pulse generation in the NIR region. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.