How important is the refractive index of nanoparticles?
Do refractive index and absorption matter for nanoparticles?
Abstract: We discuss the refractive Index of Gold, Silver, Titanium and Other NanoParticles. In this post we also point out refractive index of some polymers. Finally, we look at whether the refractive index is needed at all times for DLS.
In general, the optical properties of the scattering material have a tremendous influence on the observed scattering behavior. Mie theory can fully describe these phenomena. Therefore Mie theory is the best choice. For instance, the refractive index n and absorption k of the scattering material affect the scattering intensity. As a result, for many researchers interested in the nanomaterial size range, the optical properties of the material itself are unknown. What can we do in such a case?
Things to consider for optical properties of nanoparticles (Zetasizer)
Firstly, the amount of scattering is directly related to the properties of the material. However, for dynamic light scattering (DLS), the material properties – although often requested in the setup of an experiment – may be irrelevant. But if only an average size by intensity and an average polydispersity (PDI) by intensity are required, then it does not matter which material produced the intensity. The material properties do come into play when the intensity size distribution is transformed into a volume or number distribution. In that case, we have to know exactly how much light is scattered by each nanoparticle. And in order to predict that, Mie theory requires the refractive index and absorption of that particle.
Secondly, for small nanoparticles of less than 100nm, the material properties will not even matter. As a result, the volume distribution obtained via DLS will not change significantly in that case.
Does the refractive index matter for zeta potential?
Electrophoretic mobility. Only the dispersant properties come into effect. Therefore in principle, you would not need to enter any parameters for zeta potential measurements. However the software does require selecting a material.
FAQ: So, How important are refractive index and absorption for nanoparticles?
In general, the optical properties of the scattering material have a tremendous influence on the observed scattering behavior. Mie theory can fully describe these phenomena. Therefore Mie theory is the best choice. For instance, the refractive index n and absorption k of the scattering material affect the scattering intensity. As a result, for many researchers interested in the nanomaterial size range, the optical properties of the material itself are unknown. What can we do in such a case?
Things to consider for optical properties of nanoparticles (Zetasizer)
- Firstly, the amount of scattering is directly related to the properties of the material. However, for dynamic light scattering (DLS), the material properties – although often requested in the setup of an experiment – may be irrelevant. But if only an average size by intensity and an average polydispersity (PDI) by intensity are required, then it does not matter which material produced the intensity. The material properties do come into play when the intensity size distribution is transformed into a volume or number distribution. In that case, we have to know exactly how much light is scattered by each nanoparticle. And in order to predict that, Mie theory requires the refractive index and absorption of that particle.
- Secondly, for small nanoparticles of less than 100nm, the material properties will not even matter. As a result, the volume distribution obtained via DLS will not change significantly in that case.
Does the refractive index matter for zeta potential?
Likewise for zeta potential, the material properties do not contribute to the calculation of the electrophoretic mobility. Only the dispersant properties come into effect.Therefore in principle, you would not need to enter any parameters for zeta potential measurements. However the software does require selecting a material.
Try out a value and see the effect!
In addition to the above two points, you can model refractive index values and see what happens:
- For example, you can convince yourself of the effect of the material properties. To clarify how to do this, first edit an existing data record (high-light the record, right-click, edit record). After that, give it a new sample name [for example “Tungsten sample with n=1.6 and abs=0.01”] . Then you can edit the Material properties [click on the dotted box next to it, Add, enter a material name and its associated refractive index and absorption] and then OK OK. As a result, a copy of your original record with the new analysis parameters will appear in your file. By highlighting both records [press the Ctrl-key and highlight both] the results with the two different methods can now be overlayed and subsequently compared.
You can then confirm that there is no difference in the intensity distribution result (and the z-average and polydispersity for that matter).
Therefore, you can directly observe the influence that a change in the material properties of the scattering material may have on the volume distribution. - In addition, some optical properties for nanomaterials can be found via google. For example, here is a shortlist of refractive index and absorption values for common nanomaterials below. To clarify, this is for a Helium-Neon laser with λ=632nm (the wavelength in the Zetasizer).
Select Refractive index properties of nanoparticles
In conclusion, in the table below we list a few common materials. Some – however not all – are part of the standard software parameter list.
| Table of select material properties | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sample material | refractive index | absorption |
| Liposomes # | ||
| Phospholipids | n=1.45 | k=0.001 |
| Exosomes | n=1.37 – 1.39* | k=0.01 |
| Microvesicles (> .2µm) | n=1.40* | k=0.01 |
| Nanoparticles and Colloids | ||
| Gold [Au] | n=0.20 | k=3.32 |
| Silver [Ag] | n=0.135 | k=3.99 |
| Platinum [Pt] | n=2.32 | k=4.16 |
| Palladium [Pd] | n=1.77 | k=4.29 |
| TiO2 | n=2.41 | k=0.001 |
| SiO2 | n=1.54 | k=0.00 |
| PFOB emulsions | n=1.305 | k=0.10 |
| Nanodiamonds | n=2.42 | k=0.00 |
| Macromolecules | ||
| Proteins | n=1.45 | k=0.001 |
| Polystyrene | n=1.59 | k=0.01 |
# “Optical characterization of liposomes by right-angle light scattering and turbidity” Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Biomembranes 1467, 1, 219-226 (2000)
* “Measurement of refractive index by nanoparticle tracking analysis reveals heterogeneity in extracellular vesicles” Journal of Extracellular Vesicles 2014, 3:25361 DOI: 10.3402/jev.v3.25361 (2014)
+ In addition, the “Refractive index of amorphous polumers” at polymerdatabase has a relevant related list.
In summary, the short answer is: even without the parameters, we can obtain useful information from nanoparticles with DLS.
Resources
- Most importantly, the Intensity – Volume – Number – Which Size is Correct shows the different distribution representations.
- What is Mie theory: the first 100 years in a webinar
- Dynamic light scattering – common terms defined so that you can make sense of them.
- In the same vein as this post, the Malvern Reference Manual: Sample dispersion and refractive index guide (MAN0396-1-0) lists values for diffraction.
- In addition, the list of dielectric constants of common solvents (from UMass) is of use for zeta.
Previously
- Which size is correct (intensity-volume-number)?
- Top 10 Tips for GPC sample preparation
- OmniSEC software Demonstration in 3 minutes.
Finally, if you have any questions, please email me at ulf.nobbmann@malvern.com – Thanks!