Abstract

Material synthesis is a pivotal aspect of advancing modern technologies. However, traditional fabrication methods often involve hazardous reagents and generate environmental pollutants. Pulsed laser in liquids (PLL) has emerged over the past decade as a highly versatile and eco-friendly alternative, enabling a precise parameter-driven control over material composition and crystallinity without requiring chemical additives. In this review, we evaluate various types of light–matter interactions in PLL techniques, classify them, and elucidate their underlying laser-driven physicochemical mechanisms and interfacial dynamics. The impact of critical operational parameters—such as laser wavelength, fluence, pulse duration, repetition rate, and solvent properties—on material synthesis is discussed. To provide a deep understanding of these complex processes, we summarize recent progress in computational modeling, including atomistic simulations and Monte Carlo methods, which offer mechanistic insights into plasma formation, cavitation phenomena, nanoparticle nucleation, and interfacial dynamics. This review also explores the diverse applications of PLL-derived nanostructures in photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, energy, biomedicine, and sensing. By integrating recent experimental developments with theoretical perspectives, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the PLL field and outlines strategic research directions for unlocking new dimensions in material synthesis.