Particle size distribution with SEM

Particle size distribution (PSD) is determined from scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the particles. The method is most suitable for particle sizes between 200 nm and 200 µm.

Depending on the particle shapes, the method includes calculations on the diameters or lengths and widths of 100 particles. In addition to the size, SEM provides qualitative information about the surface morphology of the particles. SEM is a good option for irregularly shaped and non-spherical particles such as fibers, rods, and crystals that cannot be characterized meaningfully with traditional methods including laser diffraction (LD) and dynamic light scattering (DLS).

As a result of the analysis, SEM images and the determined particle size distribution for diameter (or length and width) are delivered.

Samples must be completely dry for SEM. If the particles are wet or dispersed in a solvent, the sample may be dried with a suitable sample preparation method before imaging - ask our experts for help and a price for wet samples.