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Determining nanorod dimensions in dispersion with size anisotropy nanoparticle tracking analysis
William H Hoffmann1,2,3, Bo Gao1, Niall M C Mulkerns1,2
1H.H. Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TL, UK. h.gersen@bristol.ac.uk.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|May 18, 2022
Summary
This study enhances Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis to measure nanorod dimensions, including aspect ratio and aggregation state, directly in suspension. This offers rapid, in-situ characterization for nanotechnology applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Precise control over nanorod dimensions is crucial for their effective application.
- Existing characterization methods often lack speed, robustness, or in-situ capabilities for nanorods in working media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) for simultaneous determination of nanorod hydrodynamic diameter and aspect ratio.
- To enable rapid, in-situ characterization of nanorod dimensions and aggregation state in suspension.
Main Methods:
- Modified Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) utilizing the polarization state of scattered light.
- Measurement of hydrodynamic diameter via Brownian motion and aspect ratio via light polarization.
- Comparison of NTA results with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for validation.
Main Results:
- The extended NTA technique accurately determines nanorod aspect ratio and hydrodynamic diameter.
- The method can identify the aggregation state of nanorod dispersions.
- Depolarized scattering allows differentiation of nanoparticles with similar hydrodynamic diameters.
Conclusions:
- This enhanced NTA provides a rapid and robust method for in-situ characterization of nanorod dimensions and aggregation.
- The technique is valuable for optimizing nanorod-based nanotechnology applications.
- Further improvements can enhance the precision of nanorod dimension output.
