Tantra, R (2009) Evaluation and Assignment of Nanoparticle Dispersion/Characterisation Methodologies, to be Developed under PROSPEcT. NPL Report. AS 45

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Abstract

This report presents findings from a literature review, conducted to identify and evaluate tools used for nanoparticle dispersion and characterisation; the end goal is to further develop methods for dispersion and characterisation, to be agreed amongst the partners in the PROSPEcT project. Key findings, displayed mainly as summary tables, provide an overview of the tools, detailing the background technology, their merits and disadvantages. This information is matched against a given a list of criteria considered most relevant to the needs and stated objectives in the project. In the light of our findings, we conclude that:

a) To achieve a stable dispersion, the nanoparticles must first be sufficiently de-agglomerated and subsequently stabilised by the dispersant; stability is dominated by the nature of the dispersant;

b) De-agglomeration of nanoparticles requires high shear energy and thus the use of ultrasonic probes in the dispersion protocol is highly recommended;

For nanoparticle characterisation, it is recommended that both 'as received powders' and 'as dispersed in liquid media', should be characterised. Choosing a variety of techniques that provides complementary information is important, such that different physico-chemical properties of the nanoparticles can be probed.

Item Type:	Report/Guide (NPL Report)
NPL Report No.:	AS 45
Subjects:	Nanoscience Nanoscience > Surface and Nanoanalysis
Last Modified:	02 Feb 2018 13:15
URI:	http://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/id/eprint/4691

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