Size Distribution of TiO2 Nanoparticles Generated by a Commercial Aerosol Generator for Different Solution Concentrations and Air Flow Rates

Advances in scientific research in the field of nanotechnology sparked an increase in technological and industrial applications involving nanoparticles, Moreover, there was increasing concern about the control of nanoscale particles released to the atmosphere, driven by concerns over air quality and human health. In this context, this study aims to determine the size distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles generated by the commercial TSI Atomizer Aerosol Generator model 3079 for different solution concentrations and air flow rates. The concentrations of the TiO2 solutions used in the generator were 0.0125, 0.025 and 0.05 g.L-1, while the aerosol flow rates were 1.27, 2.55 and 3.82 L.min-1. The size distribution was measured with the TSI Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) equipment, which provides the number of particles per size range. The results showed that even changing the concentration of TiO2 in solution, peak concentrations of nanoparticles remained in the same range between 15 to 45 nm. Moreover, it was observed that particle concentration in the gas stream decreased with increasing flow rate.