Size Distribution of Gold Nanoparticles Used by Small Angle X-ray Scattering

ABSTRACT

The size distribution of gold nanoparticles was estimated based on the scattering intensity data obtained from small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and compared with the result of micrographs by transmission electron microscopy. The slope of the Guinier plot was used to estimate the mean size assuming a narrow particle size distribution. When the size distribution is narrow, the mean size can be easily obtained from slope of a Guinier plot of scattering data within 10% error. Additionally, assuming a lognormal size distribution, the size distribution and the mean size can be calculated using the experimental SAXS data in the fitting analysis. The histogram method, which utilizes the coefficient matrix of scattering intensity, was also applied to the estimation of the size distribution, and this method could be useful for a rough estimate of the size distribution.

Keywords:

• particle size analysis
• SAXS
• slit correction
• desmearing
• lognormal size distribution function
• gold nanoparticles

The authors gratefully acknowledge support for this research by Kyoto Prefecture Collaboration of Regional Entities for the Advancement of Technological Excellence, JST, and the aid of Doshisha University's Research Promotion Fund.