Particle analytics: Characterization of nano- and microparticles

Nano- and microparticles are increasingly the basis of everyday products
 

Analytics plays a crucial role in the handling of nano- and microparticles. Only if the physical and chemical properties of the particles are characterized and understood can the systems be effectively and purposefully used.

The size, morphology, composition and other functionalities of nano- and microparticles can be determined using a wide range of characterization methods, such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction or various spectroscopic methods. Based on such analytics, material properties can be determined, predictions can be made for the incorporation of particles into other matrices and interactions between the particles and a matrix can be investigated.

The Particle Technology team at the Fraunhofer ISC focuses on special analytical methods for characterizing nano- and microparticles:

In addition to determining the size, shape and chemical composition of nanoparticles, for example, by measuring the surface charge and thus the zeta potential, conclusions about their dispersibility, agglomeration tendency and interaction with other materials can be drawn. This specialist knowledge and analysis makes it possible to optimize nanoparticles for specific applications and exploit their full potential.