At nanoDUST GmbH, we’re passionate about unveiling the invisible world of aerosols—those tiny particles suspended in the air that impact our health, environment, and industries. As pioneers in ultrafine particle detection, we believe knowledge is power. In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind aerosol measurement, dive into key techniques like diffusion charging, spotlight the critical role of ultrafine particles, and showcase how our cutting-edge AirPN10 device is revolutionizing air quality monitoring. Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, or concerned citizen, this guide will help you understand why measuring aerosols matters and how nanoDUST is leading the charge.

What Are Aerosols, and Why Measure Them?

Aerosols are tiny solid or liquid particles floating in a gas, usually air. Ranging from a few nanometers to tens of micrometers, they come from natural sources like sea spray or volcanic ash, and human activities like vehicle exhaust or industrial processes. These particles influence climate by scattering sunlight, pose health risks by penetrating deep into our lungs, and even affect manufacturing by contaminating cleanrooms.

Accurate aerosol measurement is vital for:

  • Public Health: Quantifying exposure to harmful particles, especially in urban areas.
  • Environmental Monitoring: Tracking emissions to model climate impacts.
  • Industrial Safety: Ensuring clean air in workplaces like semiconductor fabs or pharma plants.

The challenge? Aerosols are dynamic—coagulating, evaporating, or reacting in seconds. At nanoDUST, we tackle this with precise, real-time tools like the AirPN10, designed to capture these fleeting particles Including their physical properties: without altering their nature.

Principles of Aerosol Measurement

Aerosol measurement hinges on how particles interact with physical forces: light, electricity, gravity, and inertia. Our goal is to sample aerosols accurately (avoiding losses or transformations) and quantify key properties:

  • Particle Size Distribution: Aerosols vary in size, so we classify them by mobility (how they move in an electric field) or aerodynamic diameter (how they settle under gravity).
  • Concentration Metrics: Number concentration (particles per cm³) is key for tiny particles, while mass concentration (µg/m³) suits larger ones.
  • Sampling Integrity: Techniques like dilution prevent particle loss; calibration with standard particles ensures accuracy.

These principles guide all our measurement tools, ensuring reliable data for science and policy.

Key Techniques in Aerosol Measurement

From traditional filters to advanced real-time sensors, aerosol measurement has come a long way. Here’s a look at the main approaches:

Gravimetric and Optical Methods

Gravimetric filters collect particles on a substrate and weigh them for mass concentration—reliable but slow and size-agnostic. Optical methods, like nephelometers, use light scattering to estimate concentration instantly but lack size specificity.

Mobility and Inertial Separation

Scanning Mobility Particle Sizers (SMPS) classify particles by electrical mobility, paired with condensation particle counters (CPCs) that grow tiny particles for detection. Cascade impactors separate particles by inertia, ideal for aerodynamic sizing in industrial settings.

Electrical Techniques: The Power of Diffusion Charging

At nanoDUST, we’re particularly excited about diffusion charging, a cornerstone of our AirPN10 device. This technique is perfect for measuring ultrafine particles’ surface area and number concentration in real-time. Here’s how it works:

Diffusion charging uses Brownian motion—the random movement of particles in air. A unipolar ion source (like a corona discharge) generates positive ions that collide with aerosol particles. Smaller particles charge less due to fewer collision sites, but the process excels at detecting sub-100 nm sizes. The charged particles pass through an electrometer, where the induced current reveals the total charge, proportional to the lung-deposited surface area (LDSA)—a key health metric.

Why it’s powerful:

  • Portable: Ideal for field measurements.
  • Plug and Play: Don’t require technical expertise to operate.
  • Real-Time: Delivers instant data without lab delays.
  • Morphology-Neutral: Works on spheres or irregular agglomerates.

Zooming In: Ultrafine Particles (UFPs)

Ultrafine particles (UFPs)—those smaller than 100 nm—are the stealth agents of aerosols. Despite their tiny size, UFPs dominate particle number in urban air (often >90%) but contribute little to mass, slipping through traditional PM2.5/PM10 regulations. Sources include diesel exhaust, cooking fumes, and industrial emissions.

Why UFPs matter:

  • Health Risks: Their small size lets them penetrate deep into lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and cardiovascular issues.
  • High Surface Area: UFPs act like “nano-sponges,” carrying toxic pollutants.
  • Dynamic Behavior: Their diffusion-driven movement makes them hard to capture with standard methods.

Measuring UFPs requires high-sensitivity tools like CPCs (detecting down to 2.5 nm) or diffusion chargers. Urban studies show UFP levels can surge 10-fold during rush hour, highlighting the need for tools like our AirPN10 to monitor these invisible threats.

Meet the AirPN10: nanoDUST’s Game-Changer

At nanoDUST GmbH, we’ve engineered the AirPN10 to tackle UFPs head-on. This portable device measures particles down to 10 nm, delivering real-time number concentration. Using diffusion charging, it’s perfect for:

  • Urban Monitoring: Mapping pollution hotspots in cities.
  • Indoor Air Quality: Detecting UFPs from cooking, vaping, or printers.
  • Industrial Emission monitoring: Assesing industrial processes and their impact in air quality

The AirPN10’s rugged design and low power consumption make it ideal for field campaigns, from MI-TRAP pollution studies to workplace safety checks. Its affordability and precision advanced aerosol measurement at higher densities, aligning with nanoDUST’s mission Because the smallest things matter!

Applications: Where Aerosol Measurement Shines

Aerosol data drives impact across domains:

  • Health: UFP monitoring near schools or highways informs exposure models, linking spikes to respiratory issues.
  • Environment: Tracking wildfire smoke or industrial emissions aids climate research.
  • Industry: Ensuring cleanrooms stay particle-free or validating safe powder handling in pharma.

In mining, aviation, or indoor settings, aerosol tools provide actionable insights. As regulations tighten (e.g., EU’s UFP standards), nanoDUST’s solutions bridge science and real-world impact.

Conclusion: Cleaner Air Starts with Knowledge

At nanoDUST GmbH, we believe understanding aerosols is the first step to cleaner, safer air. From the physics of diffusion charging to the portability of the AirPN10, we’re equipping researchers, industries, and communities to tackle the invisible. Ultrafine particles may be small, but their impact is massive—and with tools like ours, we’re making them visible.

Ready to explore air quality with the AirPN10? Visit US to learn more about our innovation. Let’s breathe easier, together.