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Nanoparticles & colloids

Do you want to improve the turnover frequency of a heterogeneous catalyst, control the growth of silica colloids during production, or enhance the mechanical properties of nanocomposites?

Characterization at the nanoscale can help you find answers.

With X-ray scattering in your lab, you can for example:

Measure the size and shape of catalytic nanoparticles and concentration of particles in dispersion
Characterize the growth-mechanism and self-assembly of silica particles
Measure the particle size distribution in colloids dispersions, in powders or in polymer matrix
Determine the alignment of carbon nanotubes during processing

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Obtaining accurate nanoparticles size distribution from SAXS measurements in the lab

This application example demonstrates how laboratory SAXS measurements on large nanoparticles (> 100 nm) can accurately determine the size distribution even for bi-modal population of closely sized particles.

Read this article

SAXS is suitable for the analysis of both dilute and turbid suspensions as well as solid matrixes with particles

Particle size distribution, pore size distribution, concentration and volume fraction, specific surface, nanoparticle and macromolecular shape?

What do you want to measure?

Want to learn more on SAXS for nanoparticles & colloids?

In-situ Small Angle X-ray Scattering for nanoparticle characterization

Nanoparticles are small particles, with at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nanometers. Their high surface-to-volume ratio provides them with unique properties which makes them attractive for use in highly technological as well as more trivial applications, for example […]

Number concentrations for Gold Nanoparticles: robust and traceable measurements in the lab

Nanoparticles (NPs) are an essential building block for the development of new materials with improved properties, e.g. optical, thermal or mechanical. Parameters such as the particle size, shape and concentration must be [..]

Size distribution of nanoparticles: powders, dispersions and composites

Nanoparticles are being produced at an increasing rate and have become an essential building block for the development of new materials with improved properties. The performance of the final products depends not only on the chemical nature of the nanoparticles but also […]

Size distribution of Gold Nanoparticles

NPs are used even at very low concentration in many applications such as coatings, cosmetics or drug delivery. The performance of the final product depends not only on the chemical nature of the NPs but also on their shape, size and specific surface area. It is therefore essential to […]

Some of our customers

using X-ray scattering for their study of nanoparticles and colloids

Customer publications

Discover how scientists use Xenocs instruments for their research & publications

See more publications

Monodisperse hollow silica spheres: An in-depth scattering analysis
Ruckdeschel, P.; Dulle, M.; Honold, T.; Förster, S.; Karg, M.; Retsch, M.
Nano Research, 2016

Contribution to Accurate Spherical Gold Nanoparticle Size Determination by Single-Particle Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry: A Comparison with Small-Angle X-ray Scattering
Geertsen, V.; Barruet, E.; Gobeaux, F.; Lacour, J.; Taché, O.
Analytical Chemistry, 2018

Products

Discover our products relevant to nanoparticles and colloids research.

Nano-inXider

Smart nanoscale characterization

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Xeuss Pro

The Ultimate Solution for Nanoscale Characterization using SAXS/WAXS/GISAXS/USAXS/Imaging

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Xeuss Pro The Ultimate Laboratory SAXS/WAXS/GISAXS/USAXS Beamline

Services

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Accessories

A wide range of accessories are available for your research.

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Saxs

XSACT software

X-ray Scattering Analysis and Calculation Tool.

Discover our analysis software

Nanoparticles SAXS Characterization

Nanoparticles SAXS Characterization – Get Statistical Information With SAXS

Nanoparticles SAXS Characterization – Get Statistical Information With SAXS. Particle Size Distribution With Minimum Sample Preparation On Every Sample Form



Source	Microfocus sealed tube: Cu, 30W/30µm, point focus. ( DIN EN 12543-5) Polychromatic Copper microfocus source for imaging a field of view of 14 mm x 14 mm. MetalJet D2+ 70 kV source (Ga). Motorized Dual or Triple source (Cu/Mo/Cr/Ga).
Optics	Patented 3D single reflection multilayer optics.
Detector	In-vacuum motorized 3-axis detectors for 2D SAXS/WAXS (Q-Xoom): --Eiger2 R (500K, 1M or 4M) hybrid photon counting detectors Optional WAXS detectors for SWAXS: --Motorized 3-axis Eiger2 R 500K hybrid photon counting detector
Sample chamber	Large vacuum chamber. On-axis sample viewing (parallax free). Attachments for operation of sample in air. XL station: Dedicated air-space tailored for accommodating extra-large sample environments
Key features	Clean Beam technology: High flux and low background beamline. Beamstopless measurement: SAXS acquisition continuously without any beamstop. Q-Xoom: Automatic change of measurement configuration over all instrument Q-range with no movement of sample measuring position and automatic callibations. Virtual detector mode: Surfaces of detection > 200 mm x 200 mm.
Measurement capability	Nanoparticles size up to 250 nm, 500 nm or 900 nm in diameter depending on the Xeuss model. Nanoparticles size up to > 2.5 microns with optional motorized Bonse-Hart module for automatic sequential USAXS/SAXS/WAXS measurements. Nanoparticles sizes down to 50 nm can be measured using the AuX source on spot sizes of 150 microns and with measuring times in the range of a minute or less. Scattering measurements up to 2Ɵ > 70° with Q-Xoom. Qmax > 49 nm-1 The X-ray imaging option extends the range of structural information from Å to mm while the Dark-field and Phase-contrast imaging (DF-PCI) option reveals nanostructure differences, interfaces and orientation.
Sample environment	Standard holders (multi-samples): solids, capillaries, powders and gels. Flowcells for liquids: --- Low noise flowcell --- Capillary flowcell --- Automatic Sample Changer --- BioCube measuring cell with dynamic monitoring (compatible with pipetting robot) Temperature stages: --- Multi-purpose X-Ray temperature stage (-30°C to 150°C) --- High temperature sample stage (-150°C to 350°C) --- Extended high-temperature sample stage (ambient to 1000°C) Mechanical stress stages: --- Tensile Stage (0 N to 600N). --- Couette stage for shear SAXS. --- Cryo-Shear Cell (-50°C to +450°C). Humidity stage (5% to 95% humidity at temperatures ranging from 10°C to 70°C). Temperature compatible advanced GISAXS stage with incidence angle control and additional rotation for texture or in-plane scattering analysis Other sample stages available under request
Software	Comprehensive Software Suite: Xplore: command and control software for intuitive data acquisition with automatic data reduction in absolute units and live data display providing also real-time equipment monitoring and scripting capabilities from any programming language. XSACT Pro (X-ray Scattering Analysis and Calculation Tool) for data analysis and interpretation including unique modules for particle shape determination through direct modeling or AI-powered classification.
General parameters	Models & Footprint: Xeuss Pro C (1 m x 3.5 m), HR (1 m x 5 m), UHR (1 m x 8 m). Maximum power consumption: 4.8kW (single phase power)


Mirror type	Figure	Optic efficiency (calculated over mirror length for 70µm source)
Standard Montel mirrors		Eff = 42%
Xenocs FOX 3D mirrors		Eff = 62%


Model	Beam size at focus (mm) with 60 µm source	Divergence (mrad)	Typical application
FOX 3D Cu 14-39 (♦)	0.19 x 0.19	5.4	Protein crystallography (♦) Powder diffraction
FOX 3D Cu 12-53	0.3 x 0.3	3	Protein crystallography (Long Unit Cells) Powder diffraction
FOX 3D Mo 10-31	0.13 x 0.13	4	Small molecule crystallography High pressure diffraction
FOX 3D Ag 10-30	0.13 x 0.13	3	Small molecule crystallography High pressure diffraction
FOX 3D Cr 8-30	0.20 x 0.20	6	Protein crystallography (S-SAD) Stress analysis
FOX 1D Cu 12-53	0.3	3	XRD, Powder Diffraction


Model	Beam size at focus (mm) with 60 µm source	Divergence (mrad)	Typical application
FOX 2D Mo 25-25 (♦)	0.08 x 0.08	5	Small mollecule crystallography High pressure crystallography
FOX 2D Cu 25-25 (♦)	0.08 x 0.08	5.3	Protein crystallography (♦) Micro Diffraction, Reflectometry
FOX 3D Cu 21-21 HC (♦)	0.08 x 0.08	70 x 35	Rapid x-ray Reflectometry (full beam) Scanning x-ray Reflectometry (with slit) Micro-XRF
FOX 3D Cu 28-10	0.04 x 0.04	17	Stress Analysis, Micro-diffraction, Micro-XRF
FOX 3D Cr 30-8	0.04 x 0.04	17	Stress Analysis, Micro-diffraction, Micro-XRF


Model	Beam size at focus (mm) with 60 µm source	Divergence (mrad)	Typical application
FOX 2D Cu 12-INF (♦)	1.2 x 1.2	1	Small angle x-ray scattering (♦) High resolution x-ray diffraction (♦) Surface scattering (♦) Thin film analysis (reflectometry stress) (♦) Microdiffraction on synchrotron (♦)
FOX 2D Mo 25-INF (♦)	0.85 x 1.3	0.5	Small angle x-ray scattering High resolution x-ray diffraction Surface scattering
FOX 2D 12-60 L (♦)	0.18 x 0.2	0.5 x 2	High resolution diffraction Small sample analysis
FOX 1D Cu 12-INF (♦)	1.2	0.8	High resolution x-ray diffraction, Powder diffraction, Reflectometry, Small angle x-ray scattering


Model	Beam size at focus (µm)	Divergence (mrad)	Flux (ph/sec)	Typical application
GeniX 3D Cu High Flux *	< 190	6	> 400 x 10⁶	Protein crystallography Micro stress analysis Powder diffraction
GeniX 3D Mo High Flux	< 130	5	> 25 x 10⁶	Small Molecule crystallography High pressure
GeniX 3D Cr High Flux	< 190	6	> 300 x 10⁶	Stress Analysis
GeniX 3D Cu High Convergence *	60	70 x 35	> 400 x 10⁶	Rapid X-ray Reflectometry (full beam) Scanning x-ray reflectometry (with slit) Micro x-ray fluorescence Small spot diffraction on thin film
GeniX 3D Cu Low Convergence *	< 250	3	> 120 x 10⁶	Small Angle X-ray Scattering Protein Crystallography


Model	Detailed specifications
Synchrotron scatterless slits (♦)	Please contact us for any technical information Discover what our customers say about it!
X-ray alignment camera (♦)	Please contact us for any technical information
Pin Diode detector (♦)	Please contact us for any technical information
Beam stop with integrated Pin Diode	Please contact us for any technical information


BioXolver configurations	BioXolver	BioXolver L
Utilisation	Research on biological macro-molecules in solution	Research on biological macro-molecules, including large complexes and interactions
X-ray source	Microfocus GeniX 3D, MetalJet, add-on to RAG	0.02-0.3nm
Optic	Aspheric single reflection multilayer optic
Collimation	Motorized scatterless point collimation	variable
Sample cell	Xenocs thermalized BioCube flow-cell with camera and pump
Sample handling	Pipetting robot with disposable tips
Sample capacity	Up to 2 x 96 well plates (thermalized)
Minimum sample volume	Down to 5 μL
Cleaning	Automated cleaning and drying with three cleaning fluids
Detector	Dectris in-vacuum hybrid pixel photon counting detector
Detector configuration	Fixed detector distance	Variable detector distance
Data reduction and analysis software	RAW and ATSAS
Q-range and typical protein size*	0.006 Å-1 / MW < 200 MDa / Rg < 135 Å	0.003 Å-1 / MW < 1.5 GDa / Rg < 270 Å
Overall length	3.2 m (2.7 m as add-on to existing source)	4.2 m
Options	UV-Vis, separate temperature control for sample trays and BioCube	UV-Vis, separate temperature control for sample trays and BioCube
Services	Installation, training, hot-line, maintenance contract	Installation, training, hot-line, maintenance contract



Source and optics	Microfocus sealed tube: Cu, 30W/30µm, point focus. ( DIN EN 12543-5) Patented 2D single reflection multilayer optics.
Detector	Dectris Pilatus 3 hybrid photon counting detectors. Two fixed detectors for continuously and simultaneously. SAXS and WAXS acquisition up to 2θ=60°.
Beam Path	Windowless beam path entirely under vacuum from beam delivery system to detector sensor
Key features	Clean Beam technology: high flux and low background beamline. Beamstopless measurement: SAXS acquisition continuously without any beamstop. Virtual detector mode: > 200° azimuth coverage with rotation of sample.
Measurement capability	Nanoparticles size up to 250 nm in diameter.
Sample environment	Standard holders: solids, capillaries, powders. Sample holders for powders and gels. Flow cells for liquids: --- Low noise flow cell --- Capillary flow cell Automatic Sample Changer Temperature stages: --- Multi-purpose X-Ray Temperature Stage (-20°C to 150°C) --- High temperature sample stage (-150°C to 350°C) --- Extended high temperature sample stage (amb - 700°C) Tensile Stage (0-200N). GiSAXS stage compatible with high temperature sample stage. Custom stages on request.
Software	Acquisition software with automatic data reduction in absolute units and live data display. XSACT (X-ray Scattering Analysis and Calculation Tool) for data analysis and interpretation.
General parameters	Fooprint: < 1x1 m². Weight: ~ 520 kg. Maximum power consumption: < 2000 W (single phase power). Self-contained: no external fluids required.
Warranty	Two years warranty and three years on X ray source.


Element of interest	Reference
O, F, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S	XAN-1
Nitrogen	XAN-2
Carbon	XAN-3
Boron	XAN-4
Mg, Al , Si	XAN-5
Be	XAN-6

Nanoparticles & colloids

Obtaining accurate nanoparticles size distribution from SAXS measurements in the lab

SAXS is suitable for the analysis of both dilute and turbid suspensions as well as solid matrixes with particles

Want to learn more on SAXS for nanoparticles & colloids?

Some of our customers

Customer publications

Discover how scientists use Xenocs instruments for their research & publications

Monodisperse hollow silica spheres: An in-depth scattering analysis Ruckdeschel, P.; Dulle, M.; Honold, T.; Förster, S.; Karg, M.; Retsch, M. Nano Research, 2016

Contribution to Accurate Spherical Gold Nanoparticle Size Determination by Single-Particle Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry: A Comparison with Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Geertsen, V.; Barruet, E.; Gobeaux, F.; Lacour, J.; Taché, O. Analytical Chemistry, 2018

Products

Discover our products relevant to nanoparticles and colloids research.

Nano-inXider

Smart nanoscale characterization

Xeuss Pro

The Ultimate Solution for Nanoscale Characterization using SAXS/WAXS/GISAXS/USAXS/Imaging

Services

We are here to help.

Accessories

A wide range of accessories are available for your research.

XSACT software

X-ray Scattering Analysis and Calculation Tool.

Nanoparticles SAXS Characterization

Nanoparticles SAXS Characterization – Get Statistical Information With SAXS

Useful links

X-ray Optics

Xenocs proposes a wide range of optics for both XRD and XRF applications.

2D-3D Beam shaping X-ray Optics

High Flux Optics

Small Spot Optics

Collimating Optics

1D Beam shaping X-ray Optics

High Flux Optics

Collimating Optics

X-ray beam delivery system

The combination of an innovative design and the FOX3D single reflection optics makes the GeniX3D a unique solution on the market.

High flux solutions

Small spot solutions

X-ray beam accessories

In addition to our high quality optical components and beam delivery systems, we propose accessories to optimize the performance of your setup.

Xeuss 3.0 specifications

Plenty of space for sample environment

With its large chamber and concept ensuring stationary sample during measurement, the Xeuss 3.0 is the perfect X-ray scattering platform instrument for now and the future.

Ultimate performance

The Xeuss 3.0 offers a maximum flexibility of measurement configurations to get the best possible data quality on any type of sample.

Xeuss 3.0 shown with Q-Xoom transparency to illustrate the moving detector.

Maximum flexibility

Provide structural tools to a large community of users with full remote operation capability and access to a unique range of length-scales.

Q-Xoom – enjoy the flexibility of full-range computer-controlled detector travel

Measure probe lengths as large as 4.5 microns together with nanoscale information

Optimize your experiment to any type of sample (absorption, fluorescence, characteristic dimensions)

Simultaneously from atomic to nanoscale

No need to repeat SAXS and WAXS measurement, you get two measurements within one exposure.

Extensive and powerful suite of data analysis algorithms

XSACT includes an extensive array of analysis modules for sample characterization of size, structure and texture of multiple types of materials including nanoparticles and polymers.

Low cost of ownership

Get nanoscale information on a day to day basis to improve your material process or validate your research models.

Accurate and high dynamic range measurement

Focus your attention on science and data interpretation, you can rely on your data.

Publication quality figure presentation

XSACT is a time saver as it bundles all the tools to create publication-ready figures without the need for another visualization software.

High quality SAXS data in the lab

Measurements previously only possible at synchrotron facilities can now be done in the lab.

High throughput measurements and results

Full automation from sample to final results on up to 192 samples.

In-line SEC and UV-Vis combined with SAXS – also in the lab!

Obtain the structure of small and large protein species through in-line gel filtration

BioXolver specifications

*Theoretical limit assuming globular proteins

智能工作流程和用户体验

使用XSACT可使用户用最小投入获得数据解析结果。

样品 – 测试 – 分析 – 报告 – 节约时间

智能工作流程和用户体验

使用XSACT可使用户用最小投入获得数据解析结果。

样品 – 测试 – 分析 – 报告 – 节约时间

在实验室中得到高质量SAXS数据

以前的测试只能在同步辐射完成，现在也可在实验室中实现。

SAXS可以和在线SEC、UV-Vis联用 – 在实验室也可以实现!

通过内置胶体过滤获取不同尺寸蛋白质种类的结构

低样品消耗量

低至5μL。目前是市场上最低的样品消耗量。

Monodisperse hollow silica spheres: An in-depth scattering analysis
Ruckdeschel, P.; Dulle, M.; Honold, T.; Förster, S.; Karg, M.; Retsch, M.
Nano Research, 2016

Contribution to Accurate Spherical Gold Nanoparticle Size Determination by Single-Particle Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry: A Comparison with Small-Angle X-ray Scattering
Geertsen, V.; Barruet, E.; Gobeaux, F.; Lacour, J.; Taché, O.
Analytical Chemistry, 2018