D1.2 - Report on the state-of-the-art review

While bulk materials have constant physical properties independent of their size, the physical and chemical properties of a nanoparticle are dictated by its size. Accurate characterisation of mean size, size distribution and shape is key to the efficient manufacturing of high-quality nanomaterials. The EU-funded NanoPAT project plans to use three new real-time analytical tools that overcome problems and limitations of conventional characterisation technologies. The new process analytical technologies (PAT) will be photon density wave spectroscopy, optofluidic force induction and turbidity spectrometry. The innovative technologies will be combined with new data analysis methods to provide, for the first time, real-time analysis of particles on the nanometre scale with sub-minute temporal resolution.

This deliverable discusses the state-of-the-art measurement techniques in the context of particle sizing and industrial application. Inline and offline techniques are shortly discussed, with a focus on the inline applicability of the considered techniques. In this discussion the terms inline, online and atline need to be discriminated. Inline monitoring will happen directly inside the process, at best faster than observable process changes. Online analysers are connected to the process (e.g. in a bypass) and ideally have a similar time resolution like inline analysers. Atline devices are separated but close to the process, while offline analysis happens spatially and timely separated.