Shape Determination

The shape determination of nanoparticles is a critical aspect of nanotechnology research and applications. Nanoparticles exhibit unique physical, chemical, and biological properties that are profoundly influenced by their shape.

• Optical Characteristics: The shape of nanoparticles can influence their optical properties, such as absorption and scattering of light.
• Magnetic Properties: The shape can affect the magnetic behavior of nanoparticles.
• Catalytic Activity: Nanoparticle shape influences the availability of active sites for catalytic reactions.
• Surface Chemistry: The surface area-to-volume ratio is affected by shape, impacting how nanoparticles interact with their environment, including adsorption processes and reactivity with other chemicals.
• Toxicity Profiles The shape of nanoparticles can influence their toxicity to biological systems. For example, elongated or fibrous shapes may exhibit different toxicity mechanisms compared to spherical nanoparticles.
• Cell Uptake and Distribution: Different shapes can affect how quickly or efficiently nanoparticles are taken up by cells.
• Colloidal Stability: Shape can determine the stability of nanoparticles in a colloidal solution.

Therefore, precise shape characterization is fundamental for the development of effective nanomaterials. Understanding the shape of nanoparticles is also essential for tailoring their functionality in various applications such as drug delivery, catalysis, energy storage, and environmental remediation.

Nanoparticles Shape Determination Techniques

To ensure precise and reliable characterization, STEMart offers comprehensive nanoparticle particle size and distribution analysis services utilizing a range of advanced detection methods.

• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)/High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM)

TEM and HRTEM deliver high-resolution images to assess shape and structure at atomic levels, making them ideal for metallic and semiconductor nanoparticles.

• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

AFM capitalizes on the interaction between a sharp tip and the nanoparticle surface, suitable for measuring shapes of soft or irregularly surfaced nanoparticles.

• Elastic Light Scattering (EPLS)

EPLS measures particle size and shape based on light scattering, making it effective for a range of colloidal systems.

• Far-Field Microscopy (FMR)

FMR provides insights into the magnetic properties and shape of nanoparticles. The clear-cut advantage of FMR is its high resolution, enabling the study of small quantities of nanoparticles.

• 3D-tomography

3D-tomography constructs a three-dimensional image of nanoparticles, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of complex shapes and distributions. This method is particularly beneficial for irregularly shaped nanoparticles.

STEMart provides accurate shape determination of nanoparticles to optimize their behavior in functional scenarios. For more information about our nanoparticles shape determination service, please contact us.