I have prepared NiO nanoparticles using polyvinyl acetate as precursor. I want to know which solvent will be the best to disperse it properly for FESEM characterisation.
Normally like prefers like and most PVA's are hydrophilic. Water plus a little surfactant (200 - 2000 ppm) may be fine or look for an acetate solvent like ethyl acetate if you need it to be in an organic liquid. Observation and microscopy are your best clue as to dispersion. Also see:
Slides 45 and onwareds in Nov 11th, 2008. Dispersion and nanotechnology http://tinyurl.com/hpywsge
Slides 36 onwards in: January 19th 2011 PST and BDAS - an acronym approach to laser diffraction method development
https://www.brainshark.com/malvern/vu?pi=478888057&text=M021507&r3f1=
Good luck!
I think that dispersion of the (polyvinyl acetate coated) NiO nanoparticles with absolute ethanol should be suitable for the intended purpose ― dispersion spread over a plane surface (e.g. glass) for field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Note that the dispersant should have a relatively low surface tension to prevent agglomeration, while ensuring good wetting of the considered surface. Alternatively, you could try isopropyl alcohol, possibly mixed with diethyl ether to decrease surface tension.
In your place I would search for literature values for Hansen parameter of polyvinyl acetate and then selecting appropriate solvents accordingly. Be aware if you start with a dried product nanoparticles will likely be baked together. Therefore this would be could to avoid.
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