Zinc Ferrite Nano-Particles: Centrifuge RPM Calculation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the appropriate RPM settings for a centrifuge to isolate zinc ferrite nano-particles from a solution. Participants explore methods for achieving effective separation, including considerations of colloidal nature and the use of ultracentrifugation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the RPM needed for centrifugation to isolate zinc ferrite nano-particles, questioning whether it can be calculated or if it requires trial and error.
  • Another participant suggests that the particles are colloidal and may not be easily isolated by centrifugation, mentioning ultracentrifugation as a potential method.
  • A humorous suggestion is made regarding the possibility of a magnetic centrifuge as an alternative method for separation.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of understanding the required g-force for effective centrifugation and suggests consulting the centrifuge's manual for conversion tables.
  • Concerns are raised about the limitations of standard laboratory centrifuges compared to ultracentrifuges, indicating that significant g-forces are necessary for reasonable separation.
  • One participant proposes the idea of using filtration in conjunction with centrifugation for size separation, although they express uncertainty about the feasibility without knowing more about the solution's composition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of standard centrifugation versus ultracentrifugation for isolating zinc ferrite nano-particles, indicating a lack of consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential dependence on specific centrifuge models and the unknown composition of the solution, which may affect the feasibility of proposed methods.

Aaronse_r
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Hey, I've been reading on this site for a week of so now, and just wanted to say thanks for all your contributions. Very helpfull!

My question is, I am making zinc ferrite nano-particles and i was wondering at what RPM i should set the centrifuge to, so that the zinc ferrite comes out of solution. Is there anyway of calculating this or is it simply trial and error? I have tried putting it next to a magnet instead of centrifuge, but it is slow. Thanks!
 
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These particles would be colloidal in nature and would not be easy to isolate by centrifugation either. It can be done and is called ultracentrifugation. I think the 'ultra' in ultracentrifugation means to 'turn the knob to its fastest setting and wait awhile'.
 
Magnetic centrifuge maybe? I'm sure someone's invented it. :biggrin:
 
Aaronse_r said:
Hey, I've been reading on this site for a week of so now, and just wanted to say thanks for all your contributions. Very helpfull!

My question is, I am making zinc ferrite nano-particles and i was wondering at what RPM i should set the centrifuge to, so that the zinc ferrite comes out of solution. Is there anyway of calculating this or is it simply trial and error? I have tried putting it next to a magnet instead of centrifuge, but it is slow. Thanks!

More accurately, you should ask how many times g you need to set the centrifuge for, and then calculate the appropriate RPM for the rotor in your model (if you still have the instruction manual, often you don't even have to break out a pencil and calculator, just look for the conversion table :biggrin:).

Ultracentrifugation does NOT mean just set the centrifuge on its highest setting. It means use an ultracentrifuge that reaches MUCH higher g forces than a standard laboratory centrifuge (50,000 or 75,000 x g upward to about 1,000,000 x g).

If you need an ultracentrifuge and only have a standard laboratory centrifuge, you're unlikely to get any reasonable separation.

Can you run your sample through a filter (with centrifugation if necessary) to do a size separation? I don't know what else is in your solution to have a clue if this is feasible (and still might not have a clue if I did know).
 

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