Question

Briefly explain why a centrifuge will be needed in order to collect the nanoparticles when using a solution-phase method to synthesize nanoparticles. (Think about gravitational force how centrifuge affects “g”)

Answer 1

Although, there are numerous methods to synthesize nanoparticles but the centrifuge will be needed to collect the nanoparticles when using a solution-phase synthesization when our aim is to separate the particles on the basis of density gradient on the basis of particle size, shape and density. It would be easier and time efficient to separate the particles with help of a centrifuge. Due to the effect of centrifugal force which is a stronger force than the gravitational the bigger and denser particles will rotate radially outward from the centre axis eventually settling down at the bottom and will be separated from the smaller sized particles. The exact size, shape and structure of these smaller sized nanoparticles can be further determined by using physical characterizations technique like X-Ray Diffraction and TEM. These synthesized nanoparticles will be especially applicable where the size and shape is an absolute requirement for example in nano drug delivery system, biotracking, etc.