In general, what is the Z-average size for the particle can be considered as nano range? For example, the result I obtain for Particle Size is 10nm. Can it be concluded that my sample is in nano range?
Instrument: Zetasizer Nano-ZS
Brand: Malvern
Hi Fareezex,
ISO (International Organisation for Standardization) define a nanoparticle as being in the size range of 1nm-100nm.
https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:ts:80004:-2:ed-1:v1:en
Dear Fareezex Mohd Rafi,
The answer to that is "Z-average size", you can get in the description of your device:
http://www.malvern.com/en/products/product-range/zetasizer-range/zetasizer-nano-range/zetasizer-nano-zs/default.aspx
Since to the nano range includes everything that has a size from 1 to 1000 nm, it apparently your particles, having a measured size of 10 nm, are also nano particles.
Respectfully
Professor Pavel Kudryavtsev
generally size 1-100 nm people refer to nano range. But if you are concern with quantom range ( size below exciton bohr radius) then it differ with the types of materials.
Yes, if the z-average size is 10nm it can safely be concluded that your sample is in the nano range. There are different ways to analyze dynamic light scattering data, and the z-average is the easiest overall average size.
However please note, that one has to be careful with the reversal of the statement: If the z-average is larger than 100nm that does not mean that there are no nanoparticles present. For example if the z-average was 600nm it could still be 'covering up' a peak at 50nm which may or may not show in the distribution analysis. In addition, the hydrodynamic size falls between the smallest and the largest dimension of a non-spherical object: a rod-like particle with a dimension of 10nm x 10nm x 900nm may show a z-average above 100nm, yet the particles have at least one dimension in the nano range.
http://www.materials-talks.com/blog/2014/07/10/faq-peak-size-or-z-average-size-which-one-to-pick-in-dls/
