In a groundbreaking study, researchers have demonstrated the applicability of size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) to separate nanoparticles (NPs) with different sizes, paving the way for a new era in nanoparticle classification. This innovative approach has the potential to transform industries such as medicine, energy, and materials science, where nanoparticles play a crucial role.
The study began with stability experiments to investigate the adsorption behavior of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on potential stationary phases. By selecting an appropriate material for the stationary phase, the researchers were able to show the detectability of AuNPs by SEC with high reproducibility.
The team then demonstrated that elution follows the general principle of SEC, where smaller particles diffuse into smaller pores of the stationary phase, resulting in longer elution times. Conversely, larger particles move faster through the column, resulting in shorter elution times. This fundamental principle was confirmed by injecting differently sized AuNPs, which resulted in enhanced elution times with decreasing particle size.
In a significant breakthrough, the researchers successfully separated a mixture of AuNPs containing two different sizes, resulting in two baseline-separated peaks. By using a fraction collector, they were able to separate the multimodal AuNP mixture into two fractions, achieving a quantitative evaluation of NP classification by SEC.
The study's most notable achievement was the application of the separation efficiency T(x) to evaluate the classification of NPs by SEC. This approach, well-known in the field of particle technology, has never been applied to chromatographic separation before. The results demonstrated the potential of SEC for the post-synthetic tuning of disperse systems, enabling the adjustment of different particle size distributions (PSDs) and cut sizes by changing the switching time of the fraction collector.
The implications of this study are far-reaching. SEC offers a preparative process with a continuous operation mode, making it an attractive alternative to other methods like field-flow fractionation (FFF). By harnessing the power of SEC, researchers and industries can now classify and narrow the dispersity of colloidal NPs with unprecedented precision.
While many open questions remain in terms of characterization and identification of optimum process conditions, this study marks a significant milestone in the development of nanoparticle classification techniques. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in nanoparticle synthesis and classification, we can expect to see new and innovative applications emerge in the years to come.
the application of SEC to nanoparticle classification has the potential to revolutionize industries and transform our understanding of nanoparticle behavior. As we continue to explore the possibilities of SEC, we can expect to see significant advancements in fields such as medicine, energy, and materials science.
