Nu Instruments | Detecting <7 nm Nanoparticles Using a Nebuliser with a Desolvation System on Attom ES

Nanoparticle analysis is becoming increasingly important in environmental toxicology, materials science and biological research. Detecting very small particles can be challenging due to background signals originating from dissolved elemental species in the sample.

By coupling the Attom ES with a desolvation system, significantly more analyte reaches the plasma while water vapour is removed before ionisation. This improves signal-to-background ratios and increases overall sensitivity for nanoparticle measurements.

Experimental results demonstrated enhanced nanoparticle detection performance, narrower particle peak widths and improved size detection limits. Gold, platinum and manganese nanoparticles between approximately 4 and 10 nm were successfully characterised while maintaining low carry-over and minimal memory effects.

Key Takeaways:

• Improves nanoparticle sensitivity and signal-to-background performance.
• Enables reliable characterisation of particles smaller than 10 nm.
• Maintains low carry-over and minimal memory effects during analysis.