A Differential Mobility Analyzer (DMA) for Size Selection of Nanoparticles at High Flow Rates

Authors: Hontanon, E.¹; Kruis, F. E.²

Source: Aerosol Science and Technology, Volume 43, Number 1, December 2008 , pp. 25-37(13)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

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Abstract:

This article demonstrates the feasibility of scaling-up the technique for particle size selection in the gas phase based on differential mobility analysis. Nano-DMAs used to select the particle size in processes for the synthesis of nanomaterials in the laboratory operate at aerosol flow rates of a few liters per minute. A new DMA capable of classifying nanoparticles of up to 30 nm in size at aerosol flow rates as high as 100 l· min-1 will be presented (HF-DMA). A major advantage of the HF-DMA over current nano-DMAs covering the same particle size is that its resolution is almost unaffected by Brownian diffusion for particles as small as 3 nm. Monodisperse nanoparticles in the 5 to 25 nm size range have been produced at flow rates of up to 90 l· min-1. The spread in particle size and the particle number concentration were studied with respect to their dependency on the flow rates in the HF-DMA. The measurements reflect the behavior predicted by the theory. The HF-DMA makes it possible to deliver nanoparticles of a well-defined size at yields two orders of magnitude higher than with current nano-DMAs.

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Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02786820802446812

Affiliations: 1: Departamento de Medio Ambiente, CIEMAT, Madrid, Spain 2: Nanostrukturtechnik, Fakultat fur Ingenieurwissenschaften and CeNIDE (Center for Nanointegration), Universitat Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany

Publication date: 2008-12-01

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