Bi 2 O 3 Nanoparticle Clusters: Reversible Agglomeration Revealed by Imaging and Nano‐Impact Experiments

Colloidal suspensions of Bi 2 O 3 nanoparticles were studied in aqueous solution using imaging and electrochemical techniques. Nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed the particles to be agglomerated. In contrast, electrochemical detection via the nano‐impacts technique showed almost exclusive detection of monomeric nanoparticles. Comparison of the two techniques allows the conclusion to be drawn that the agglomeration/deagglomeration of the nanoparticles is reversible. A minimum rate constant for the deagglomeration process was estimated.