| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1265061 | Ultrasonics Sonochemistry | 2014 | 5 Pages |
•Submicron particles were successfully separated by ultrasonic atomization.•Particles in a specific size range was picked-up.•The size range was independent of the material of particle.•Addition of a nonionic surfactant enhanced the number of collected particle.•Degassing of the sample suspension eliminated the separation performance.
Aqueous suspensions containing silica or polystyrene latex were ultrasonically atomized for separating particles of a specific size. With the help of a fog involving fine liquid droplets with a narrow size distribution, submicron particles in a limited size-range were successfully separated from suspensions. Performance of the separation was characterized by analyzing the size and the concentration of collected particles with a high resolution method. Irradiation of 2.4 MHz ultrasound to sample suspensions allowed the separation of particles of specific size from 90 to 320 nm without regarding the type of material. Addition of a small amount of nonionic surfactant, PONPE20 to SiO2 suspensions enhanced the collection of finer particles, and achieved a remarkable increase in the number of collected particles. Degassing of the sample suspension resulted in eliminating the separation performance. Dissolved air in suspensions plays an important role in this separation.
