K.A. Shcherbakov1, A.V. Razumnaya2, M.I. Makhov3, E.A. Tikhonova4, M.V. Chichkov5, Mamadu Tambura6, M.D. Cheban7

1–4 Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (Moscow, Russia)
5, 6 National Research Technological University MISIS (Moscow, Russia)
7 A. M. Prokhorov Institute of General Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences (Moscow, Russia)
1 shcherbakov-ka@rudn.ru, 2 1132223433@rudn.ru, 3 makhov-mi@rudn.ru, 4 elizaveta.app23@yandex.ru, 5 m.chichkov@misis.ru,
6 mamadoutamboura@yahoo.fr, 7 chebanmd@kapella.gpi.ru

One of the hidden challenges of contemporary industrial society is the accumulation of technogenic aerosol particles in the air. While precise methods exist for determining the content and dispersion of such aerosols, focusing on submicron and larger particle sizes, the presence of nanoparticles in the air complicates detection and analysis, often requiring extensive data accumulation. In this study, an alternative approach to analysis is proposed, involving aerosol deposition in water with the addition of surfactants, alongside an attempt to assess the applicability of this method in determining the size of aerosols generated by laser ablation of targets made from various metals. To investigate a method for determining the sizes of aerosol particles by depositing them in water and analyzing the resulting colloidal solution using dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. Results: The study demonstrates the feasibility of collecting aerosol samples by passing them through water and presents findings on particle coagulation and the influence of surfactants on the resulting colloidal solutions, using laser ablation on targets made of cerium metal, E110 alloy, and 08Х18Н10Т stainless steel as examples. Contemporary research focuses on understanding the impact of technogenic aerosol particles on human health. Studies highlight the potential danger posed by invisible solid nanoparticles smaller than 100 nm. However, methods for their detection and concentration measurement in the air are limited. The prevalent method involves the use of air cascade impactors, which necessitates significant time for particle accumulation and airflow pumping, especially challenging in handling radioactive materials where aerosols may contain radionuclides. Addressing this challenge requires novel approaches for capturing small aerosol samples and finer analysis methods. This study presents the results of aerosol particle deposition in liquid, specifically distilled water, followed by analysis of the resulting colloidal solution using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of dried samples. Metal targets subjected to laser ablation served as aerosol sources due to their efficiency and controllability. The results demonstrate the potential of collecting aerosol samples by bubbling air through liquid to form a colloidal solution. Coagulation of nanodispersed aerosol particles in the solution was observed, forming submicron and micron-sized agglomerates detectable by DLS and SEM. Addition of surfactants in some cases allowed for the separation of agglomerates, yet did not provide information on the initial state of aerosols. Further studies should explore different liquid mediums and investigate the stability of resulting colloidal solutions.

Shcherbakov K.A., Razumnaya A.V., Makhov M.I., Tikhonova E.A., Chichkov M.V., Tambura Mamadu, Cheban M.D. Study of aerosol particle sizes by sedimentation method in distilled water. Nanotechnology: development and applications – XXI century. 2024. V. 16.
№ 4. P. 44–51. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18127/ j22250980-202404-05 (in Russian)

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