Agglomeration State Analysis

The agglomeration state of nanoparticles refers to the tendency of nanoparticles to aggregate or clump together due to various forces, including van der Waals forces, electromagnetic interactions, and other physical and chemical interactions. This phenomenon can significantly influence their properties and applications of nanoparticles in various fields:

• Surface Area and Reactivity: When nanoparticles agglomerate, their effective surface area decreases. This reduction in surface area can lead to decreased reactivity, particularly for applications that rely on high surface area, such as catalysis and drug delivery.
• Optical Properties: The optical properties of nanoparticles such as absorption and scattering of light can be affected by the size and distribution of agglomerates.
• Biocompatibility and Biodistribution: The agglomeration of nanoparticles can affect their biodistribution and biocompatibility. Large agglomerates may be cleared from the bloodstream more quickly, reducing their efficacy for targeted drug delivery or imaging.

Therefore, accurate and reliable agglomeration state analysis serves as a fundamental step in the characterization of nanoparticles to ensure their optimal design and functionality.

Nanoparticles Agglomeration State Analysis Techniques

STEMart’s agglomeration state analysis services utilize a variety of advanced detection methods to provide comprehensive insights into nanoparticle behavior in suspension.

• Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy

UV-Vis spectroscopy provides information about the agglomeration of nanoparticles based on the absorption of ultraviolet and visible light by them.

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

SEM produces high-resolution 3D images to visualize agglomerated structures. SEM is ideal for analyzing agglomeration states of dry powder nanoparticle samples, including metal nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, and polymeric nanoparticles.

• Cryo-Transmission Electron Microscopy (Cryo-TEM)

Cryo-TEM provides high-resolution imaging, enabling the observation of individual nanoparticles and their agglomeration states at the nanometer scale. It allows real-time observation of dynamic processes, such as the formation and behavior of nanoparticle agglomerates over time.

• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

TEM utilizes a beam of electrons transmitted through an ultra-thin sample to form high-resolution images, allowing for the visualization of individual nanoparticles as well as their agglomeration state.

STEMart provides accurate and reliable agglomeration state analysis services, allowing researchers and companies to optimize the performance of nanoparticle-based products and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. For more information about our oxidation state analysis service, please contact us.