What Techniques are Used for Mass Analysis in Nanotechnology?
Several techniques are employed for mass analysis, each with unique advantages:
- Mass Spectrometry (MS): This technique measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions to determine the composition of nanoparticles. It is highly sensitive and can analyze complex mixtures.
- Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA): TGA measures changes in a material's mass as a function of temperature. It is useful for studying thermal stability and composition.
- Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS): DLS measures the size distribution of nanoparticles in a solution based on the scattering of light. Though not a direct mass measurement, it provides essential information about particle size, which correlates with mass.
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM): AFM can determine the mass of individual nanoparticles by measuring their size and density.
