Determination of the Nanoparticle Size Distribution in Media by Turbidimetric Measurements

For incorporation of nanoparticles into matrices, it is necessary to control the particle size distribution during processing. In this paper, a turbidimetric method was applied that uses spectroscopic data to determine the nanoparticle size distribution and, consequently, to control the material properties with a non‐contact measurement method. This method is based on the scattering and absorption of light by the particles. Unlike conventional turbidimetric methods, this method uses not only a few wavelengths but a whole spectral range for evaluation. To determine the distribution parameters, a nonlinear numerical least squares fit routine was established. It was validated by comparing data of water‐silica nanosuspensions with the results from the sedimentation method. The results show that this method is an accurate and easy‐to‐use analysis instrument for the characterization of nanosuspensions, emulsions, and aerosols.