Generating nanoscale aggregates from colloidal nanoparticles by various aerosol spray techniques

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2007 · Nanotoxicology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/17435390701423760· OSTI ID:931967

Mahurin, Shannon Mark ^[1]; Cheng, Mengdawn ^[1]

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1. ORNL

Growing interest in the environmental and health effects of engineered nanostructured materials requires accurate control of cluster morphology and size in order to make valid interpretations of nanomaterial toxicity. We report the comparison of three methods for the generation of aggregated uniform polystyrene latex (PSL) nanospheres from a colloidal suspension. Atomization, ultrasonic generation and electrospray, which utilize distinct mechanisms for the formation of liquid droplets from a PSL colloidal suspension, are explored as potential methods for nanostructured material synthesis. Electrospray produced isolated PSL particles most suited for use in experiments involving exposure to non-aggregated nanoparticles. Though producing the largest cluster size, ultrasonic generation proved to be a relatively straightforward process for reproducibly generating nanoparticle aggregates. Further advantages and disadvantages of each method are presented in relation to future toxicology experiments.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL); Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences
• Sponsoring Organization: ORNL LDRD Director's R&D
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 931967
• Journal Information: Nanotoxicology, Journal Name: Nanotoxicology Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
AEROSOLS
ATOMIZATION
COLLOIDS
LATEX
MORPHOLOGY
NANOSTRUCTURES
POLYSTYRENE
SYNTHESIS