ZnO nanoparticles do not sediment properly in centrifuge?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issue of ZnO nanoparticles not sedimenting properly during centrifugation. Participants explore potential reasons for this phenomenon, including the properties of the liquid used and the characteristics of the nanoparticles themselves. The conversation touches on experimental procedures and challenges related to nanoparticle separation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that there is sediment on the wall of the centrifuge but it detaches when tilted, suggesting issues with the sedimentation process.
  • Another participant questions the viscosity and type of liquid used, indicating that these factors may influence the sedimentation of nanoparticles.
  • There is a concern raised about the proper use of the term "nanoparticles," suggesting that mislabeling could affect the discussion.
  • A participant proposes that injecting a poorer solvent might be intended to precipitate the nanoparticles, but notes that if the particles are too small or the solvent is not sufficiently poor, precipitation may not occur.
  • It is suggested that the presence of other compounds in the mixture could prevent the nanoparticles from forming a tighter pellet, indicating the need to consider interactions between different components.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various hypotheses regarding the sedimentation issue, but there is no consensus on a single cause or solution. Multiple competing views remain regarding the factors influencing the behavior of the nanoparticles in the centrifuge.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific information about the liquid used and the characteristics of the nanoparticles, as well as unresolved questions about the interactions between different compounds in the mixture.

Who May Find This Useful

Researchers and practitioners working with nanoparticle separation, particularly in the context of centrifugation and solvent interactions.

goggles31
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I centrifuged my sample at 9000 rpm for 30 minutes. There is a layer of sediment on the wall but if i tilt the centrifuge it comes off the wall.
 
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For starters:
What is the viscosity of the liquid? And what liquid is in the tube?

... assuming they truly are nanoparticles - because people have been misusing that word a lot.
There can be electrostatic problems for example.

Someone here may know the standard procedure for this separation.
 
can you give me the name of liquid?
 
Are you trying to precipitate your nanoparticles by injecting a poorer solvent? If that's the case, there could be a few reasons why this is not working. If the particles are too small, then even if they are in a poor solvent they may not precipitate. If the solvent is not bad enough, that will also cause this. In my experience, loose precipitate generally means that there is other "stuff" in there that is keeping the particles from forming a tighter pellet. Think about what other compounds there are and how they will interact with the solvent(s).
 

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