scope:

This document provides an overview of the methods used to determine the nanoparticle number concentration in liquid dispersions and aerosols. The methods described are the ensemble measurement techniques of differential centrifugal sedimentation (DCS), multi-angle dynamic light scattering (MDLS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and the particle counting methods of particle tracking analysis (PTA), resistive pulse sensing (RPS), single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS), condensation particle counter (CPC), and differential mobility analysing system (DMAS). This document provides information on the use of each technique, along with considerations on sample preparation, advantages and limitations.