I work with polymeric nanoparticles,
they have about 0,1 polidispertion index,
but the distribution is from 60 to 456 nm.
In this case, can I use Z-average result or just diameter average?
I think, you may use intensity distribution as well as average value.
Z-average and polydispersity index (PDI) values are two important parameters for DLS analysis. Since your samples have low PDI values (below 0.3) which indicates nearly monodisperse samples, then z-average can be used. Z-average provides a reliable measurement of the average size of a particle distribution for monodisperse samples.
However, if the samples are too polydisperse, then z-average will not be reliable. In that case, size distribution analysis would be a better option.
Assuming that first your measurements are of good quality and the instrument is performing correctly, then either answer may be used.
As mentioned Z Average is an average size, so would not be directly meaningful for a multimodal sample, but could be used for comparative purposes, e.g. between batches, different preparation methods etc.
The following articles may be of interest.
http://www.materials-talks.com/blog/2014/07/10/faq-peak-size-or-z-average-size-which-one-to-pick-in-dls/
http://www.materials-talks.com/blog/2017/01/23/intensity-volume-number-which-size-is-correct/
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