Dynamic Light Scattering: A Powerful Tool for In Situ Nanoparticle Sizing

Due to surface effects and quantum size effects, nanomaterials have properties that are vastly different from those of bulk materials due to surface effects. The particle size distribution plays an important role in chemical and physical properties. The measurement and control of this parameter are crucial for nanomaterial synthesis. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is a fast and non-invasive tool used to measure particle size, size distribution and stability in solutions or suspensions during nanomaterial preparation. In this review, we focus on the in situ sizing of nanomaterial preparation in the form of colloids, especially for metal oxide nanoparticles (MONs). The measuring principle, including an overview of sizing techniques, advantages and limitations and theories of DLS were first discussed. The instrument design was then investigated. Ex-situ and in situ configuration of DLS, sample preparations, measurement conditions and reaction cell design for in situ configuration were studied. The MONs preparation monitored by DLS was presented, taking into consideration both ex situ and in situ configuration.