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SZ-100

Nanopartica Series Instruments

The SZ-100 nanopartica series instruments are flexible analytical tools for characterizing the physical properties of small particles. Depending on the configuration and application the system can be used as a particle size analyzer, or also used to measure zeta potential, molecular weight, (MW) and second virial coefficient (A2). Typical applications for the SZ-100 include nanoparticles, colloids, emulsions, and submicron suspensions.

Watch the SZ-100 Product Overview video (3:19)

Particle size analysis is performed by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Depending on the physical properties of the sample, the dynamic range is 0.3 nm – 8 µm. The lower limit is influenced by concentration, how strongly the sample scatters light, and the presence of large, unwanted particles. The upper limit is influenced by the density of the sample since DLS is modeled on all motion coming from Brownian motion, not gravitational settling.

The charge on the surface of particles is characterized by the SZ-100 by measuring the zeta potential of a suspension. The sample is injected into a disposable cell and a measurement of the particle electrophoretic mobility results in the calculated zeta potential. The zeta potential of the sample is most often used as an indicator of dispersion stability. Large magnitude zeta potential values indicate that an electrostatically stabilized suspension will remain stable. The zeta potential is often measured as a function of pH or other change in the chemistry to help formulators create new products with a long shelf life. Conversely identifying conditions at which the zeta potential is zero (that is, the sample is at the isoelectric point) allows one to choose optimum conditions for flocculating and separating particles.

The same instrument can also be used to measure the molecular weight and second virial coefficient of proteins, polymers, and other molecules. The user prepares several solutions with known concentrations and then uses the system in a static light scattering mode to create a Debye plot, which results in a calculation of both MW and A2.

Segment: Scientific

Division: Particle Characterization

Manufacturing Company: HORIBA, Ltd.

Particle size, zeta potential, molecular weight, and second virial coefficient all in one instrument.
Wide range of particle sizes and concentrations.
Particles size measurements at both 90° and 173°.
Multiple particle size measurement modes for working with small particles and weak scatterers.
Small volume cells for both particle size and zeta potential.
Extremely low sample volume makes it possible to measure precious or rare samples.
Modern signal processing electronics efficiently convert optical signals to mobility and zeta potential information. There is no need to manually calculate particle velocity or match speeds.

Automatic Measurement Optimization

The analyzer features the ability to measure particle size under a number of conditions. In order to eliminate guesswork, measurement conditions can be automatically selected for each sample by using data obtained from that sample.

High Concentration Samples
In order to minimize the effect of multiple scattering the analyzer detects back-scattered light from a scattering volume close to the cell wall.

Dilute Samples
In order to minimize the effect of stray light and maximize signal to noise ratio the analyzer detects scattered light at a right angle.

Particle size: Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) technique

Measurement range

Particle diameter: 0.3 nm - 8.0 μm

Measurement Accuracy

Particle size: ISO 13321/22412 compliant.
NIST traceable polystyrene latex particle standard: 100 nm measurement accuracy = +/- 2%

Measurement time

Approx. 2 minutes in general for particle size analysis

Sampling cell

Cuvette cell

Sampling volume

12 μL ～ 4 mL* (* The sampling volume depends on the cell volume capacity.)

Zeta potential: Laser doppler electrophoresis technique

Measurement range

-200 – +200mV

Measurement time

Approx. 2 minutes in general

Sampling cell

Dedicated disposable cell or dip cell

Sampling volume

~100 μL for disposable cell

Molecular weight: Static light scattering Debye plot technique

Measurement Range

Mw: 1×10³- 2×10⁷ g/mol

Sampling cell

Cuvette cell

Physical

Power supply: AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz, 150VA

Laser: DPSS 532 nm, 10 mW Class I

Interface: USB 2.0, between the analyzer and PC

External dimensions: 385 (D) x 528 (W) x 273 (H) mm (Except for projections)

Mass approx: 25kg

Temp control range: 1-90℃ for particle size, 1-70℃ for zeta potential

Operating temp and humidity: 15 - 35 ℃, Relative humidity = 85% or less, no condensation

Condensation control: Purge port connection available

Accessories

Particle size cells

	Cell name	Min volume	Solvent
A	Disposable cell	1.2 mL	Aqueous
B	Semi-micro cell	500 µL	Aqueous, non-aqueous
C	Glass cell	1.2 mL	Aqueous, non-aqueous
D	Semi-micro disposable cell	600 µL	Aqueous
E	Cell with lid	1.2 mL	Aqueous, non-aqueous
F	Micro cell (90° only)	12 µL	Aqueous, non-aqueous
G	Sub-micro cell	200 µL	Aqueous, non-aqueous
H	Flow cell	100 µL	Aqueous, non-aqueous

Zeta potential cells

Disposable zeta potential cells for aqueous measurements. Box of 20 Volume = 100 µL

Non-aquoeus zeta potential cell. Volume = 100 µL

This application note presents data from the SZ-100 using cells with unique, patented carbon coated electrodes that facilitate zeta potential measurements of proteins.

The zeta potential of polyethylenimine, PEI, is measured as a function of polymer concentration with the SZ-100 Nanoparticle Analyzer. Charged polymers, that is, polyelectrolytes can be analyzed with the SZ-100.

Zeta Potential of Clay for Wastewater Treatment

In this note, the effect of coagulant choice and concentration on the treatment of suspended clays is analyzed.

$DLS vs. Diffraction of Flavor Emulsions$

The particle size distribution of many flavor emulsions has a substantial effect on their performance. Particle size distribution can affect mouth feel, appearance, and emulsion stability.

Wastewater Treatment Optimization with Zeta Potential

Suspended solids are a common impurity in wastewater from industrial and mining operations. In order for water clarity, the suspended solids are often allowed to settle. The duration of these processes is a strong function of the particle size. Thus, if particles can be made to aggregate, the settling process is shorter and the treatment operation is faster and less expensive.

In this application note, the particle sizes of two different silica dispersions are analyzed to demonstrate the utility of the SZ-100 for both suppliers and users of such materials.

Nanotechnology is extremely diverse, ranging from novel extensions of conventional device physics, to completely new approaches based upon molecular self-assembly and to developing new materials with dimensions on the nanoscale. Materials reduced to the nanoscale can show different properties compared to what they exhibit on a macroscale, enabling unique applications.

Size: 3.87 MB

SZ-100 Brochure