Detection method for ring-shape agglomerations formed by drying nanoparticle-dispersed droplet

Abstract

The detection method for the ring-shaped agglomerations of nanoparticles (NPs) on a microgrid surface is described. The ring distribution of NPs is typically formed by naturally drying the droplet of nanoparticle-dispersed water. Fluorescent (FL) NPs dispersed in water and an FL microscope were used for the identification of the ring formation. With this method, the reduction of the ring formation was observed by a freeze-drying specimen preparation. The comparison with the transmission electron microscope image showed that this method gives not only for ring-shape detection but also for the evaluation of the particle-density homogeneity.