Particle size analysis techniques measure some property of a particle and report results as the equivalent spherical diameter

based on this measured parameter

Different measurement techniques often give different sizes for the same sample

Dynamic light scattering is a non-invasive technique for measuring the size of particles and molecules in suspension Brownian motion is the random movement of particles due to collisions caused by bombardment by the solvent molecules that surround them

The technique of dynamic light scattering measures the

speed at which particles are diffusing due toBrownian motion

According to the Stokes-Einstein theory the Brownian motion

depends on
o viscosity of the suspending fluid o temperature

o size of the particles.

Brownian motion decreases with increase in particle size Brownian motion increases with increase in temperature The temperature needs to be stable during a measurement as the convection currents in the sample cause non-random movements which prevents accurate size interpretation

Velocity of the Brownian motion is defined by the translational diffusion coefficient (D)

The translational diffusion coefficient can be converted

into a particle size using the Stokes-Einstein equation

The diameter of a hard sphere that diffuses at the same speed as the particle or molecule being measured is the Hydrodynamic diameter dH

The hydrodynamic diameter will depend not only on the size of the particle core, but also on any surface structure, as well as the type and concentration of any ions in the

medium

A low concentration ionic medium will

produce an extended double layer of

ions around the particle, reducing the diffusion speed and resulting in a larger,

apparent hydrodynamic diameter

Higher ionic concentration media will compress the electrical double layer

and reduce the measured hydrodynamic

diameter

LASER light source SAMPLE in the cuvette DETECTOR at 90O to measure the scattered light

ATTENUATOR - The intensity of scattered light must be within a

specific range for the detector to successfully measure it. Hence the intensity of incident light must be reduced/increased in order to decrease or increase the intensity of scattered light

CORRELATOR - The correlator compares the scattering intensity at successive time intervals to derive the rate at which the intensity is varying.

DATA ANALYSIS To analyse the correlated data

LARGE PARTICLES

SMALL PARTICLES

Particle size is an important factor in determining the maximum

concentration at which a sample can be measured using DLS.

Particle-particle interactions which influence diffusion speed and therefore the apparent particle size. Multiple scattering, where the light scattered by one particle is then scattered by another particle before reaching the detector, which reduces the apparent particle size. In a conventional 90 detection angle DLS instrument, the maximum sample concentration is mainly limited by the effects of multiple scattering, and generally samples must be significantly diluted to avoid this.