Single particle analysis using the Agilent 7700 x ICP - MS Application note Authors

Nanoparticles (NPs) are defi ned as ultrafi ne particles with one dimension between 1–100 nm [1]. Because of their small size, they have a very large surface area relative to their weight, so they often react quite differently from a bulk solid or dissolved material of the same composition. For this reason they may offer novel and interesting properties for a broad range of applications. Current and potential applications for NPs range from food additives, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, to biocidal packaging, fuel cell technology and electronics. But while their use is constantly increasing, questions and concerns have been raised about their safety and their health impact. For this reason, there is an urgent need to develop analytical methods that are suitable for the particular evaluation of NPs. These methods need to be appropriate to the specifi c properties of nanoparticles, Single particle analysis using the Agilent 7700x ICP-MS