Use of Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry to Characterize a New Silver Nanoparticle Reference Material

摘要

In this study we use inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry operated in single particle mode (spICP-MS) to simultaneously characterize the size distribution and dissolved silver fraction of a new silver nanoparticle (AgNP) candidate reference material, RM 8017, composed of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilized 75 nm AgNPs (nominal size). We show the potential for bias in spICP-MS measurement of AgNPs if the time lapse between preparation of the dilute suspension in water and measurement is not minimized. We demonstrate that the particle size distributions measured by spICP-MS compare well with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and ultra-small angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) measurements. Finally, data on the stability of reconstituted RM 8017 stored at 4 °C shows minimal degradation of the AgNPs over the period of 90 days. This study shows the potential of spICP-MS as a tool to characterize the basic parameters of nanoparticle suspensions including size, size distribution, and ionic content.