New approach to the origin of lognormal size distributions of nanoparticles

摘要

A new model for particle growth can predict thewell known lognormal particle size distribution form firstprinciples in a physically realistic way. The model is completelydifferent from the usually applied coagulation models; it is basedon a residence time approach, where the time available for theparticles to grow determines the size distribution. The model isgenerally relevant in fields such as nanoparticle physics, aerosolscience or environmental science, whenever particle growthoccurs during transport through a growth zone due to diffusionand drift. Model predictions show excellent agreement withpublished experimental data obtained with the inert-gas evaporation technique.