Leveraging Machine Learning for Size and Shape Analysis of Nanoparticles: A Shortcut to Electron Microscopy.

Journal: The journal of physical chemistry. C, Nanomaterials and interfaces
Published Date:

Abstract

Characterizing nanoparticles (NPs) is crucial in nanoscience due to the direct influence of their physiochemical properties on their behavior. Various experimental techniques exist to analyze the size and shape of NPs, each with advantages, limitations, proneness to uncertainty, and resource requirements. One of them is electron microscopy (EM), often considered the gold standard, which offers visualization of the primary particles. However, despite its advantages, EM can be expensive, less accessible, and difficult to apply during dynamic processes. Therefore, using EM for specific experimental conditions, such as observing dynamic processes or visualizing low-contrast particles, is challenging. This study showcases the potential of machine learning in deriving EM parameters by utilizing cost-effective and dynamic techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV-vis spectroscopy. Our developed model successfully predicts the size and shape parameters of gold NPs based on DLS and UV-vis results. Furthermore, we demonstrate the practicality of our model in situations in which conducting EM measurements presents a challenge: Tracking in situ the synthesis of 100 nm gold NPs.

Authors

  • Christina Glaubitz
    Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
  • Amélie Bazzoni
    Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
  • Liliane Ackermann-Hirschi
    Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
  • Laura Baraldi
    Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
  • Moritz Haeffner
    Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
  • Roman Fortunatus
    Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
  • Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser
    Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg Chemin des Verdiers 4 1700 Fribourg Switzerland alke.fink@unifr.ch.
  • Sandor Balog
    Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
  • Alke Petri-Fink
    Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg Chemin des Verdiers 4 1700 Fribourg Switzerland alke.fink@unifr.ch.

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