Quantitative Analysis of Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy Images of Gas-Filled PVA-Based Microballoons

• DOI: 10.1021/la801898t
• Publication Date: 2008-11-05T13:15:22Z
• Authors: Paulo A. L. Ferna...; George Tzvetkov; Rainer H. Fink; Gaio Paradossi; Andreas Fery
• Keywords: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Models, Chemical; Surface Properties; Polyvinyl Alcohol; Water; Gases; 02 engineering and technology; Particle Size; 0210 nano-technology; Settore CHIM/02 - CHIMICA FISICA; Microspheres

We report on the quantitative analysis of scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) images of gas-filled, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based microballoons (MB) in a water environment. A model for the transmitted intensity is proposed on the basis of a perfect spherical shell stabilizing the microballoon. An extension of this model to take into account the deformation of the MBs is also presented. Taking into consideration a density gradient of the shell and the STXM resolution, we were able to explain very precisely two types of experimental STXM profiles observed on gas-filled MBs. This enables the detailed characterization of MB properties such as radius and wall thickness and the determination of their wall density with unprecedented high resolution.