Submicron particle sizing by aerodynamic dynamic focusing and electrical charge measurement

•A new method was introduced to measure size distribution of airborne submicron particles.•The method combines the particle charging with aerodynamic particle focusing.•Effect of generated and loss of nanoparticles was considered in measurement with new prototype.•The prototype could detect particle sizes down to 40 nm in diameter.

Principles of a novel submicron particle sizing technology are first introduced followed by experimental validation. The sizing was accomplished by coupling aerodynamic particle focusing and maximum ion measurement. Experimental results showed that the prototype could detect particle sizes down to 40 nm in diameter. Comparison between the prototype and a scanning mobility particle sizer using identical polydisperse particles showed that the measurements agreed well for the tested particles.

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