dynamic light scattering malvern zetasizer

Therefore, the onset of sedimentation indicates the upper size limit for DLS measurements. If there is sedimentation, there is no random movement, which would lead to inaccurate results. A basic requirement for the Stokes-Einstein equation is that the movement of the particles needs to be solely based on Brownian motion. Further, the equation includes the viscosity of the dispersant and the temperature because both parameters directly influence particle movement. The speed of the particles is given by the translational diffusion coefficient D.

The relation between the speed of the particles and the particle size is given by the Stokes-Einstein equation (Equation 1). If you know all other parameters which have an influence on particle movement, you can determine the hydrodynamic diameter by measuring the speed of the particles. As a result, smaller particles are moving at higher speeds than larger particles. The energy transfer is more or less constant and therefore has a greater effect on smaller particles. These collisions cause a certain amount of energy to be transferred, which induces particle movement.

The principle of Brownian motion is that particles are constantly colliding with solvent molecules. When particles are dispersed in a liquid they move randomly in all directions. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is based on the Brownian motion of dispersed particles.

Dynamic light scattering malvern zetasizer