Single particle analysis (chemistry)

Single particle analysis refers to the application of analytical chemistry methods to singular microscopic particles. It is also called colloid analysis because particles are commonly encountered in the context of colloids, a substance microscopically dispersed evenly throughout another substance. ^[1]

Single particle analysis is useful in many fields. In environmental science, it allows for detecting and quantifying suspended particles in samples of environmental fluids, assessing their migration, assessing the size of particles and their distribution, and also determining their stability in a given environment. In material science, it provides valuable data on the nature of nanoparticles.

Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) was designed for particle suspensions in 2000 by Claude Degueldre. He first tested this new methodology at the Forel Institute of the University of Geneva and presented this new analytical approach at the 'Colloid 2oo2' symposium during the spring 2002 meeting of the EMRS, and in the proceedings in 2003. This study presents the theory of SP ICP-MS and the results of tests carried out on clay particles (montmorillonite) as well as other suspensions of colloids. ^[2] This method was then tested on thorium dioxide nanoparticles by Degueldre & Favarger (2004), ^[3] zirconium dioxide by Degueldre et al (2004) ^[4] and gold nanoparticles, which are used as a substrate in nanopharmacy, and published by Degueldre et al (2006). ^[5] Subsequently, the study of uranium dioxide nano- and micro-particles gave rise to a detailed publication, Degueldre et al (2006). ^[6] Since 2010 the interest for SP ICP-MS has exploded.

References

1. "Colloid". Encyclopædia Britannica . 1 July 2014. Retrieved 2015-04-12.
2. Degueldre, C.; Favarger, P.-Y. (2003). "Colloid analysis by single particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy: A feasibility study". Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 217 (1–3): 137–142. doi:10.1016/S0927-7757(02)00568-X.
3. Degueldre, C. (2004). "Thorium colloid analysis by single particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry". Talanta. 62 (5): 1051–1054. doi:10.1016/j.talanta.2003.10.016. PMID   18969397.
4. Degueldre, C.; Favarger, P.-Y.; Bitea, C. (2004). "Zirconia colloid analysis by single particle inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry". Analytica Chimica Acta. 518 (1–2): 137–142. Bibcode:2004AcAC..518..137D. doi:10.1016/j.aca.2004.04.015.
5. Degueldre, C.; Favarger, P.-Y.; Wold, S. (2006). "Gold colloid analysis by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry in a single particle mode". Analytica Chimica Acta. 555 (2): 263–268. Bibcode:2006AcAC..555..263D. doi:10.1016/j.aca.2005.09.021.
6. Degueldre, C.; Favarger, P.-Y.; Rossé, R.; Wold, S. (2006). "Uranium colloid analysis by single particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry". Talanta. 68 (3): 623–628. doi:10.1016/j.talanta.2005.05.006. PMID   18970366.