Characterization of Core-Shell Nanoparticles Using Field-Flow Fractionation and Single-Particle ICP-MS

摘要

A methodology has been developed to measure mass, size and density of the core and the shell of Silver-shelled Gold nanoparticles for the first time. The FFF-based methodology allows for the measurement of the mass of the nanoparticle using Centrifugal Field-Flow Fractionation and the volume by Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation. The nanoparticle density can then be calculated from the obtained mass and volume data. Mass of the core was measured either by Single-Particle ICP-MS or by the FFF analysis of the uncoated core nanoparticle. The nanoparticle diameter was measured as 56 nm with the core diameter and shell thickness of 30 nm and 13 nm respectively. The nanoparticle mass was measured as 8.76×10-19 kg with a shell/core mass ratio of 3.5. The densities of the core, shell and core-shell nanoparticle were measured as 12800 kg/m3, 8900 kg/m3, and 9500 kg/m3 respectively.