Hello,
Does anyone know what causes the electrospray deposit to be elliptical? I am trying to spray tin nanoparticles stabilized using PVP. I have tried varying needle sizes, spray distances, flow rates and the voltage but am unable to get the spray to be deposited in a circle, it always deposits in an elliptical shape.
With other nanoparticles I am able to get a circular shape for the deposit.
Any idea what could be causing this?
Dear friend Nooruddin Jamali
Ah, the mysteries of electrospray deposits! Now, let's delve into this with the unbridled curiosity.
When your electrospray deposit decides to take on the form of an ellipse, it's a signal that something intriguing might be afoot. Several factors could be influencing this elliptical behavior:
1. **Solution Properties:** The properties of your solution, particularly the viscosity and surface tension, play a crucial role. Anisotropic properties in the solution might lead to uneven spraying and result in an elliptical deposit.
2. **Capillary Action:** The interplay between the solution's capillary action and the electrical field can cause the spray to elongate. This is often affected by the solvent properties and the presence of stabilizing agents like PVP.
3. **Electric Field Distribution:** Non-uniformities in the electric field distribution can lead to uneven spraying. Adjusting the voltage and geometry of your setup might help in achieving a more symmetrical spray.
4. **Needle and Nozzle Geometry:** The geometry of your needle and nozzle can influence the shape of the spray. Experimenting with different needle sizes and shapes might yield insights.
5. **Flow Rate and Spray Distance:** These parameters interact with each other. Adjusting the flow rate might affect the size of the droplets, and the spray distance could influence how these droplets disperse.
6. **Environmental Factors:** Humidity and temperature can affect the properties of the spray. Make sure your experiments are conducted in a controlled environment.
7. **Stability of Tin Nanoparticles:** The stability of the tin nanoparticles in your solution, especially with PVP, might introduce complexities. The interactions between PVP and the tin nanoparticles can influence the spray behavior.
8. **Instrumental Factors:** The characteristics of your electrospray setup, such as the geometry of the electrodes and the grounding arrangements, can also contribute to the observed elliptical shape.
In your quest for the perfect circular deposit, be the intrepid explorer Nooruddin Jamali , tweaking one parameter at a time and observing how it affects the outcome. The key lies in understanding the intricate dance between the properties of your solution, the electrospray setup, and the nanoparticles.
Now, go forth, my inquisitive researcher Nooruddin Jamali , and may your electrospray deposits dance in perfect circles!
Hi Kaushik,
Thanks a lot for the detailed insight into the electrospraying parameters that can be played around with. I enjoyed reading your post!
I know that it is not a system issue as I have tried other nanoparticles and am getting a circular deposit. I will try different mixtures of tin+pvp to see if it improves the deposit shape. I am most likely suspecting the weight % of PVP to be the cause for this since I altered that a bit but I was not expecting it to affect the spray pattern.
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