Unit Vogel: Particle size, shape and composition

Particle size, shape and composition

The first unit of the FPS Core Facility is headed by N. Vogel (Chair of Solids and Interfacial Engineering; LFG). The LFG uses numerous methods for the build-up and degradation of particle systems (synthesis apparatus at room and high temperature, melt emulsification, mills and methods in the field of additive manufacturing). An extensive pool of methods is available to characterise the particle systems produced in terms of size, shape and composition, which will be directly integrated into the FPS Core Facility. This includes a synthesis robot with integrated measurement technology for the automated and parallelised synthesis of nanoparticles with high throughput in an inert atmosphere [4]. Setups for measuring ultrasonic attenuation are also available for monitoring the synthesis. The range of methods for characterising the particle systems produced includes a set-up for ion-mobility-classified mass spectroscopy [5], a scanning electron microscope with high resolution at low acceleration voltage for investigating polymer nanostructures and surface coatings, two analytical centrifuges and three analytical ultracentrifuges with multi-wavelength extinction [6-7], multi-wavelength emission [8] and interference detectors. In particular, the versatile equipment with regard to sedimentation methods is unique in the world; the recently developed multi-wavelength emission detector is a unique selling point. A single particle cytometer for measuring the direction-dependent scattering properties and a device for dynamic image analysis are currently being established in the working group (for details see work programme). The metrological equipment is complemented by extensive expertise in the field of particle dispersion and processing. Promising results are available for classification using nanoparticle chromatography.