UAIPD 13-0038

Dr. Shanlin Pan

Dark Field Scattering and Electrochemiluminescence

Nanoparticle Analyzer

Current Problems• Characterization systems for nanoparticles are

either able to determine size or electrochemical characteristics but not both– Two separate methods are needed to analyze both

characteristics– Methods are expensive; costing $40,000-$300,000

• Additionally, characterization process takes a significant amount of time to yield usable results

• Thus, there is demand for a system:• That yields faster, more accurate results• Combines size analysis and electrochemical

characteristic analysis

• Dark field scattering spectroelectrochemical particle analyzer.– Instrument is a type of microscope that can

probe the size and surface property of nanoparticles.

• Works by casting a beam of light through a dark field condenser (Figure 1)– Focusing it onto an indium tin oxide stage

to which a desired voltage is applied. – The light passes through the stage and is

collected by a CCD camera; simultaneously current data is also measured of the illuminated section.

• Performs rapid and precise in situ nanoparticle characterization

• Measures a variety of spatial and temporal information through dark field scattering and electrochemiluminescence optical signals

• Detects and analyzes single metal nanoparticles in 5-50 nm range

Technology

Figure 1. Schematic of the Dark Field Scattering Nanoparticle Analyzer

• Novel use of indium tin oxide optical stage for the measurement of nanoparticles– Allows for the passage of current through a solvent medium containing

gold or silver ions to start the growth of nanoparticles. – During the growth of nanoparticles, dark field scattering images are taken

in a focused region of the optical stage. – From the measurement of the current, as well as the optical properties,

the inventors are able to determine the surface characteristics of the nanoparticles.

• Thus, rapid on-site determination of:– Nanoparticle size– Nanoparticle size distribution– Redox potentials

• Simultaneous tracking of thousands of nanoparticles individually – Correlates electrochemical behavior with nanoparticle structure

• Combines size determination and electrochemical behavior analysis into one device

Advantages

• Dr. Shanlin Pan– Associate Professor – 2 patent applications– 10 publications

• Department – Chemistry

Inventor

span1@bama.ua.edu

Office for Technology Transfer720 2nd Ct E

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401UAIPD 13-0038OTT@UA.edu

www.OTT.UA.edu