What equipment is best for separating nanomaterials?

Release time:

2014-07-18

Overview:

For nano-material samples with relatively high content, a centrifuge can be used directly; a medium-to-low speed—ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 rpm—is perfectly adequate.

In terms of size, nanomaterials typically refer to fine particles with dimensions below 0.1 micrometer that exhibit significant changes in their physicochemical properties (Note: 1 meter = 100 centimeters, 1 centimeter = 1,000 micrometers, 1 micrometer = 1,000 nanometers, 1 nanometer = 10 angstroms), i.e., below 100 nanometers. Therefore, particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers are referred to as ultramicroscopic materials and also constitute a type of nanomaterial.

If the nano-material sample has a relatively low concentration, it depends on the specific material you’re using. In fact, handling nano-materials is generally quite challenging to begin with—after all, nano-materials have an inherently large surface area, which means they exhibit strong intermolecular attraction. Before use, you can perform continuous sonication: first place the sample in an ultrasonic bath, or alternatively, use an ultrasonic cleaning device. Then, simply separate the particles using a high-speed centrifuge. Another option is to use a microporous filter membrane for vacuum filtration—a vacuum filtration apparatus paired with a filtration flask. However, microporous filter membranes come in different materials, so when purchasing, you’ll need to consider whether your solvent is organic or acidic/alkaline. They also come in various pore sizes, so be sure to clarify these details. Vacuum filtration equipment is readily available, though its operation is relatively complex. For now, there aren’t many other effective methods, and the amount of waste involved tends to be significant.

If the nano-material sample has a relatively high concentration, you can directly use a centrifuge. A medium-to-low speed—ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 rpm—is perfectly sufficient. There are many manufacturers of centrifuges; as long as the centrifuge can reach the aforementioned speeds, that’s fine. We recommend the centrifuges produced by Shanghai Luxiangyi Centrifuge Co., Ltd.—they’re extremely easy to operate and also very affordable.

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