Nanomaterials sample characterisation
The Nanoanalysis group at NPL has a wide range of techniques to prepare and characterise nanoparticle samples. Working with industrially-relevant nanomaterials, we have established protocols and guidelines for nanoparticle sampling, dispersion in liquid media and characterisation in terms of nanoparticle average size, size distribution, total surface area, surface charge, sedimentation rate and photo-production of reactive oxygen species. Information on the range of available techniques can be found in the nanoparticle characterisation measurement services section.
We are also developing methodologies to analyse nanoparticle surface chemistry and depth profile by using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS).
Within NPL, the Surface and Nanoanalysis group works in close collaboration with the Environmental Measurement Group in the measurements for airborne nanoparticles.
Selected Publications
Dispersion stability of nanoparticles in ecotoxicological investigations: the need for adequate measurement tools
R. Tantra, S. Jing, K. Pichaimuthu, N. Walker, J. Noble and V. A. Hackley
Journal of Nanoparticle Research, pages 1-16 (2011)
A hypothetical model for predicting the toxicity of high aspect ratio nanoparticles (HARN)
C. L. Tran, R. Tantra, K. Donaldson, V. Stone, S. M. Hankin, B. Ross, R. J. Aitken and A. D. Jones
Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 13 (12), pages 6683-6698 (2011)
Characterisation of the de-agglomeration effects of nanoparticles in the presence of bovine serum albumin
R. Tantra, J. Thompkins and P. Quincey
Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 75 (1), pages 275-281 (2010)
The effect of nanoparticle concentration on zeta-potential measurements results and reproducibility
R. Tantra, P. Schulze and P. Quincey
Particuology, 8 (3), pages 279-285 (2010)
If you require PDF copies of the publications, please contact us.
Contact: Ratna Tantra or Caterina Minelli