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Selective Characterisation of Engineered Nanoparticles in Aerosols using Nucleation and Optical Techniques

Steer, Brian (2014) Selective Characterisation of Engineered Nanoparticles in Aerosols using Nucleation and Optical Techniques. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) thesis, University of Kent,. (KAR id:48699)

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Abstract

The aim of this project is to develop novel approaches for the detection and characterisation of engineered and other potentially harmful nanoparticles in the air. In particular we wish to distinguish specific nanomaterials from the background atmospheric aerosol to provide a means of measuring human exposure to nanomaterials that may present a risk to health. Ideally, solutions should be practically deployable in the field.

The metrics considered for measurement across this project are: size, number, chemical nature and surface area. Two main approaches are chosen to address these requirements: online size selective surface area controlled nucleation, and quantitative assessment of size resolved Raman spectroscopic maps.

The first approach is based on the discovery of a different regime type of heterogeneous nucleation. In this case nucleation probability is determined by the surface area of the aerosol rather than the number of nuclei present. A portable DMA has also been developed allowing for the pre-separation of particles according to size in a compact package. Combining this DMA with the novel nucleation technology provides a means of measuring surface area distributions of particles.

Finally, a novel Raman spectroscopic methodology is presented for the chemically specific quantification of aerodynamically size selected samples. Particles are first aerodynamically size segregated from the air in a wide size range sampler. These size fractionated samples are analysed by Raman spectroscopy. Imaging analysis is then applied to Raman spatial maps to provide chemically specific quantification against the substrate as a proxy for background aerosol. Analysing this data in combination with the known deposition efficiency of aerosols in the respiratory tract (provided by the sampling method), can then provide a complete exposure measurement approach.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD))
Thesis advisor: Podoleanu, Adrian
Thesis advisor: Gorbunov, Boris
Uncontrolled keywords: aerosols, aerosol science, nanoparticles, ENP, MNP, airborne exposure, sampling, Raman Spectroscopy, Differential Mobility Particle Sizer, DMA, Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer, SMPS, impaction, ZnO, CeO2, condensation nucleation, condensation particle counter, CPC, surface area, quantification, occupational hygiene,
Subjects: Q Science > QC Physics
Q Science > QC Physics > QC176.8.N35 Nanoscience, nanotechnology
Q Science > QC Physics > QC355 Optics
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Physics and Astronomy
Funders: [37325] UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User: Users 1 not found.
Date Deposited: 01 Jun 2015 11:00 UTC
Last Modified: 05 Nov 2024 10:32 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/48699 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Steer, Brian.

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