PL - Laboratorium Nanostruktur
Instytut Wysokich Ciśnień PAN
EN - Laboratory of Nanostructures
Institute of High Pressure Physics PAS  

Nanosight NS500 – Particle Size Distribution Analysis of Nanomaterials

 

Laboratory of Nanostructures provide nanoparticles testing services by NTA (Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis) method. It is a unique method of visualization and tracking of nanoparticles in suspensions, which gives an information about size, size distribution and concentration. Nanosight NS500 device by Malvern enable analysis of particles size distribution in a range from 10nm to 1µm depending on the sample type being analyzed. Laboratory perform PCA certified testing according to ISO quality norm (ISO17025). NTA tests are performed according to specific ASTM E2834-12 norm regarding  Measurement of Particle Size Distribution of Nanomaterials in Suspension.

Particles moves are registered by CCD camera, due to scattering of laser light beam. Recorded video capture enable latter particles identification and movement route  analysis. It is crucial for measurement that result is based on particulate size and Brownian motions, not intensity of scattered laser light. Thanks to simultaneous video-tracking of single particles we can obtain high-resolution data about size. Nanoparticles size distribution is visualized as a diagram of particles amount in a function of size.

We also offer services of nanoparticles size distribution analysis by DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) at Zetasizer Nano-ZS by Malvern. Combination of results collected from NTA and DLS methods gives a wide range of information about tested colloids and suspensions. By using those two complementary methods data interpretation for operator is much easier. NTA and DLS results can be similar only for monodispersive samples, due to complementary but not equal analysis.

Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) is a method of visualising motion of particles in liquids. The particle size range is 10-2000 nm. Brownian motion of individual particles is observed and the particle size is deduced from the motion speed. The Nano Sight technique permits to follow the kinetics of aggregation as well as the relative number of single versus aggregated particles in real time. Understanding aggregation and the kinetics of the reaction is important for many applications from Drug Delivery and Vaccine Preparation to CMP slurries and Protein Aggregation. We obtained ISO 17025 certificate for this measurement.

Characterization of:

  • mean size  of NPs in liquids
  • size distribution of NPs, from 10nm to 2000nm (dependent on particles material)
  • concentration of NPs

Sample preparation requirements

  • aqueous suspensions
  • selected organic suspensions
  • sample volume requirements: 100μl