Size Distribution Of Colloids Research Articles

An Equalized Flow Velocity Strategy for Perovskite Colloidal Particles in Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells.

The non-uniform distribution of colloidal particles in perovskite precursor results in an imbalanced response to the shear force during flexible printing process. Herein, it is observed that the continuous disordered migration occurring in perovskite inks significantly contributes to the enlargement of colloidal particles size and diminishes the crystallization activity of the inks. Therefore, a molecular encapsulation architecture by glycerol monostearate to mitigate colloidal particles collisions in the precursor ink, while simultaneously homogenizing the size distribution of perovskite colloids to minimize their diffusion disparities, is devised. The utilization of colloidal particles with a molecular encapsulation structure enables the achievement of uniform deposition during the printing process, thereby effectively balancing the crystallization rate and phase transition in the film and facilitating homogeneous crystallization of perovskite films. The large-area flexible perovskite device (1.01 cm2 and 100 cm2) fabricated through printing processes, achieves an efficiency of 24.45% and 15.87%, respectively, and manifests superior environmental stability, maintaining an initial efficiency of 91% after being stored in atmospheric ambiences for 150 days (unencapsulated). This work demonstrates that the dynamic evolution process of colloidal particles in both the precursor ink and printing process represents a crucial stride toward achieving uniform crystallization of perovskite films.

Effects of Hyporheic Exchange and Settlement on the Particle Size Distribution of Colloids

Effects of Hyporheic Exchange and Settlement on the Particle Size Distribution of Colloids

Dynamic Light Scattering and Its Application to Control Nanoparticle Aggregation in Colloidal Systems: A Review.

Colloidal systems and their control play an essential role in daily human activities, but several drawbacks lead to an avoidance of their extensive application in some more productive areas. Some roadblocks are a lack of knowledge regarding how to influence and address colloidal forces, as well as a lack of practical devices to understand these systems. This review focuses on applying dynamic light scattering (DLS) as a powerful tool for monitoring and characterizing nanoparticle aggregation dynamics. We started by outlining the core ideas behind DLS and how it may be used to examine colloidal particle size distribution and aggregation dynamics; then, in the last section, we included the options to control aggregation in the chemically processed toner. In addition, we pinpointed knowledge gaps and difficulties that obstruct the use of DLS in real-world situations. Although widely used, DLS has limits when dealing with complicated systems, including combinations of nanoparticles, high concentrations, and non-spherical particles. We discussed these issues and offered possible solutions and the incorporation of supplementary characterization approaches. Finally, we emphasized how critical it is to close the gap between fundamental studies of nanoparticle aggregation and their translation into real-world applications, recognizing challenges in colloidal science.

Eco-Friendly Solvent Engineered CsPbI2.77 Br0.23 Ink for Large-Area and Scalable High Performance Perovskite Solar Cells.

The performance of large-area perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has been assessed for typical compositions, such as methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3 ), using a blade coater, slot-die coater, solution shearing, ink-jet printing, and thermal evaporation. However, the fabrication of large-area all-inorganic perovskite films is not well developed. This study develops, for the first time, an eco-friendly solvent engineered all-inorganic perovskite ink of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a main solvent with the addition of acetonitrile (ACN), 2-methoxyethanol (2-ME), or a mixture of ACN and 2-ME to fabricate large-area CsPbI2.77 Br0.23 films with slot-die coater at low temperatures (40-50 °C). The perovskite phase, morphology, defect density, and optoelectrical properties of prepared with different solvent ratios are thoroughly examined and they are correlated with their respective colloidal size distribution and solar cell performance. The optimized slot-die-coated CsPbI2.77 Br0.23 perovskite film, which is prepared from the eco-friendly binary solvents dimethyl sulfoxide:acetonitrile(0.8:0.2 v/v), demonstrates an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.05%. Moreover, the device maintains ≈91% of its original PCE after 1 month at 20% relative humidity in the dark. It is believed that this study will accelerate the reliable manufacturing of perovskite devices.

Applying S(IV)-Fe(II) binary activation of permanganate as ultrafiltration pretreatment for fouling mitigation: Performance, influencing factors, and mechanism

The widespread implementation of ultrafiltration (UF) technology, which has gained popularity for drinking water treatment, has been impeded by rising operational costs and shortened membrane lifespans resulting from membrane fouling. Here, an integrated pretreatment technique combining oxidation, adsorption, and coagulation was developed using the S(IV)–Fe(II) binary activated permanganate (PM) system, S(IV)–Fe(II)/PM. The efficacy of S(IV)–Fe(II)/PM pretreatment in mitigating UF membrane fouling was investigated for various raw water sources, including lakes, rivers, and seawater. The operational parameters of S(IV)–Fe(II)/PM pretreatment were optimized, and the underlying mechanisms for fouling alleviation were explored. Relative to conventional pretreatment methods, S(IV)–Fe(II)/PM pretreatment reduced reversible fouling-induced resistance by 13%–92% and irreversible fouling-induced resistance by 11%–86%. The S(IV)–Fe(II)/PM system exhibited optimal mitigation of membrane fouling at a PM:S(IV):Fe(II) dosage ratio of 2:3:3, with Grapid × Trapid = 45948, Gslow × Tslow = 12480, and a settling time of 30 min (where G is the velocity gradient and T is contact time). The effectiveness of S(IV)–Fe(II)/PM pretreatment in controlling UF membrane fouling can be attributed to the following mechanisms: 1) modification of feed water quality in terms of organic compound characteristics and concentration, colloidal particle quantity and size distribution, and microbial activity and quantity; and 2) adjustment of the membrane surface deposition environment, resulting in reduced polysaccharide and protein content, particle size distribution range, and biomass, as well as alterations in physicochemical properties such as hydrophilicity and interfacial free energy. This study highlights the efficacy of S(IV)–Fe(II)/PM pretreatment in ensuring high-quality UF effluent while effectively reducing membrane fouling, especially its potential for alleviating irreversible membrane fouling.

Lithium isotopes differentially modify mitochondrial amorphous calcium phosphate cluster size distribution and calcium capacity.

Lithium is commonly prescribed as a mood stabilizer in a variety of mental health conditions, yet its molecular mode of action is incompletely understood. Many cellular events associated with lithium appear tied to mitochondrial function. Further, recent evidence suggests that lithium bioactivities are isotope specific. Here we focus on lithium effects related to mitochondrial calcium handling. Lithium protected against calcium-induced permeability transition and decreased the calcium capacity of liver mitochondria at a clinically relevant concentration. In contrast, brain mitochondrial calcium capacity was increased by lithium. Surprisingly, 7Li acted more potently than 6Li on calcium capacity, yet 6Li was more effective at delaying permeability transition. The size distribution of amorphous calcium phosphate colloids formed in vitro was differentially affected by lithium isotopes, providing a mechanistic basis for the observed isotope specific effects on mitochondrial calcium handling. This work highlights a need to better understand how mitochondrial calcium stores are structurally regulated and provides key considerations for future formulations of lithium-based therapeutics.

A Deformable Additive on Defects Passivation and Phase Segregation Inhibition Enables the Efficiency of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells over 24.

The defects and phase segregation in perovskite will significantly reduce the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this work, a deformable coumarin is employed as a multifunctional additive for formamidinium-cesium (FA-Cs) perovskite. During the annealing process of perovskite, the partial decomposition of coumarin passivates the Pb2+ , iodine, and organic cation defects. Additionally, coumarin can affect colloidal size distributions, resulting in relatively large grain size and good crystallinity of target perovskite film. Hence, the carrier extraction/transport can be promoted, trap-assisted recombination is reduced, and energy levels are optimized in target perovskite films. Furthermore, the coumarin treatment can significantly release residual stress. As a result, the champion power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 23.18% and 24.14% are obtained for Br-rich (FA0.88 Cs0.12 PbI2.64 Br0.36 ) and Br-poor (FA0.96 Cs0.04 PbI2.8 Br0.12 ) based devices, respectively. The flexible PSCs based on Br-poor perovskite exhibit an excellent PCE of 23.13%, one of the highest values for flexible PSCs reported to date. Due to the inhibition of phase segregation, the target devices exhibit excellent thermal and light stability. This work provides new insights into the additive engineering of passivating defects, stress relief, and inhibition of phase segregation of perovskite films, offering a reliable method to develop state-of-the-art solar cells.

Fabrication of FeCoNi medium-entropy alloy nanoparticles by high-repetition-rate UV picosecond laser ablation in water

Laser ablation in liquid (LAL) is a rapid heating and cooling process that enables the formation of a variety of nanomaterials. Extensive LAL studies for metals, semiconductors, insulators, and carbons have been reported. Further, alloys are worthwhile target to investigate the applicability of LAL. We report the LAL of equiatomic FeCoNi medium-entropy alloy (MEA) in water using a high-repetition-rate UV picosecond laser with a galvanometric scanner. The extinction spectra of the colloidal solution, morphology, elemental composition, and size distribution of MEA nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated as a function of laser-irradiation time, laser power, and scanning speed. Electron microscopy revealed that chain-like superstructures longer than 10 µm consisting of Ni-rich FeCoNi MEA-core Fe-shell spherical NPs of approximately 50-nm diameter were formed. These superstructures were not originated from the NP agglomeration during sample preparation for microscopy or the successive laser irradiation of colloids, but from the overstriking ablation on the target surface. Generally, the LAL target was irradiated by spatially and temporally separated near-infrared or visible laser pulses to efficiently produce NPs. Overstriking of UV ultrashort laser pulses was shown to be a valuable strategy for modifying the elemental composition of MEA NPs and for forming their superstructures.

Core-shell structured superparamagnetic Zn-Mg ferrite nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia applications

Recently, surface functionalized magentic nanoparticles with core-shell structre were emerged as a promising materials in the biomedical realm. The present work reports the surface-modified Zn-Mg nanoferrite (Zn0.25Mg0.75Fe2O4) with inorganic magnetic core and organic shell coating synthesized by sol-gel auto ignition technique. Standard methods were used to characterise the Zn-Mg Ferrite nanoparticles with surface modifications. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) plot of the present sample verified its nanoscale nature having monophase spinel structure. Oleic acid (OA) was successfully coated over Zn-Mg Ferrite as confirmed by the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) with occurrence of vibrational frequency bands associated with cubic spinel formation. By measuring the water contact angle, it was established that Zn-Mg Ferrite had a hydrophilic surface. N2-isotherm measurements were taken in order to gauge the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area. The superparamagnetic properties of the prepared samples were validated by the magnetization plots. By measuring the Zeta potential and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), the colloidal stability and particle size distribution was estimated for the prepared samples. Studies on magnetic hyperthermia were conducted at varied doses (0.5, 2.5, and 5 mg/mL). Cell viability tests were used to examine the biocompatibility of the prepared samples. All of these findings support the use of Zn-Mg nanoferrites coated with OA at a minimal dosage of 2.5 mg/mL in magnetic hyperthermia treatments for non-invasive cancer therapy.

The Fabrication of Gold–Silver Bimetallic Colloids by Microplasma: A Worthwhile Strategy for Counteracting the Surface Activity of Avian Influenza Virus

In the present project, fructose-stabilized gold, silver and gold–silver bimetallic colloids have been synthesized by the electrochemical reduction of HAuCl4·3H2O (Au precursor) and AgNO3 (Ag precursor), employing the atmospheric pressure microplasma technique. X-Ray Diffraction patterns of gold–silver bimetallic particles exhibit (111), (200) and (220) planes identical to gold and silver NPs depicting FCC structures. The decrease in the peak intensities of Au–Ag (111) and Au–Ag (200) as compared to those of Au (111) and (200) is due to the formation of Au–Ag alloys. The FE-SEM image of gold–silver bimetallic NPs has revealed an adequate change in morphology as compared to the morphology of gold NPs and silver NPs. The majority of the gold–silver bimetallic NPs are spherical and are uniformly dispersed. The EDS spectra of (Au–Ag) confirm the presence of metallic gold and silver. The appearance of a single Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) peak in the UV–VIS absorption spectra of gold–silver colloids and its position in between the SPR peaks of the UV–VIS absorption spectra of gold and silver colloids justify the formation of gold–silver bimetallic alloy particles. In DLS measurements, the size distribution of gold–silver bimetallic colloids carries a narrow range 55 to 117 nm as compared to the size distribution of gold and silver colloids. The compatibility of the sizes of these colloids and the influenza virus belonging to the Orthomyxoviruses family (size range 80–300 nm with different morphologies) are assumed to stand responsible for an effective bio-conjunction with Influenza viruses. Au–Ag bimetallic nanostructures have synergistically improved their antiviral activity against H9N2 influenza virus as compared to monometallic AuNPs and AgNPs. Thus, the Au–Ag nanostructured alliance has been proven to be more effective and is capable of manifesting high antiviral efficacy.

Effect of the TiO2 Colloidal Size Distribution on the Degradation of Methylene Blue.

TiO2 is the most commonly used photocatalyst in water treatment. The particle size of TiO2 is an important factor that significantly influences its activity during photocatalytic degradation. In the presence of liquid, the properties of nanopowders composed of exactly the same product clearly differ according to their aggregation size. In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles with a controlled size were fabricated by focused ultrasound dispersion. The high energy generated by this system was used to control the size of TiO2 particles in the suspension. The constant high energy released by cavitation enabled the dispersion of the particles without a surfactant. The activities of the prepared TiO2 photocatalysts for methylene blue (MB) degradation were then compared. The dye degradation effect of the photocatalyst was as high as 61.7% after 10 min when the size of the powder was controlled in the solution, but it was only as high as 41.0% when the aggregation size was not controlled. Furthermore, when the TiO2 concentration exceeded a certain level, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 decreased. Controlling the size of the aggregated photocatalyst particles is, therefore, essential in water-treatment technologies utilizing TiO2 photocatalytic properties, and adjusting the TiO2 concentration is an important economic factor in this photocatalytic technology. This study contributes to the development of processes for degrading dyes, such as MB, released from wastewater into aquatic environments.

A user-friendly graphical user interface for dynamic light scattering data analysis.

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is a commonly used analytical tool for characterizing the size distribution of colloids in a dispersion or a solution. Typically, the intensity of a scattering produced from the sample at a fixed angle from an incident laser beam is recorded as a function of time and converted into time autocorrelation data, which can be inverted to estimate the distribution of colloid diffusivity to estimate the colloid size distribution. For polydisperse samples, this inversion problem, being a Fredholm integral equation of the first kind, is ill-posed and is typically handled using cumulant expansions or regularization methods. Here, we introduce a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) for analyzing the measured scattering intensity time autocorrelation data using both the cumulant expansion method and regularization methods, with the latter implemented using various commonly employed algorithms, including NNLS, CONTIN, REPES, and DYNALS. The GUI allows the user to modulate any and all of the fit parameters, offering extreme flexibility. Additionally, the GUI also enables a comparison of the size distributions generated by various algorithms and an evaluation of their performance. We present the fit results obtained from the GUI for model monomodal and bimodal dispersions to highlight the strengths, limitations, and scope of applicability of these algorithms for analyzing time autocorrelation data from DLS.

Alkali Metal Cations Modulate the Energy Level of SnO2 via Micro-agglomerating and Anchoring for Perovskite Solar Cells.

N-type tin oxide (SnO2) films are commonly used as an electron transport layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, SnO2 films are of poor quality due to facile agglomeration under a low-temperature preparation method. In addition, energy level mismatch between the SnO2 and perovskite (PVK) layer as well as interfacial charge recombination would cause open-circuit voltage loss. In this work, alkali metal oxalates (M-Oxalate, M = Li, Na, and K) are doped into the SnO2 precursor to solve these problems. First, it is found that the hydrolyzed alkali metal cations tend to change colloid size distribution of SnO2, in which Na-Oxalate with suitable basicity leads to most uniform colloid size distribution and high-quality SnO2-Na films. Second, the electron conductivity is enhanced by slightly agglomerated SnO2-Na, which facilitates the transmission of electrons. Third, alkali metal cations increase the conduction band level of SnO2 in the sequence of K+, Na+, and Li+ to promote band alignment between ETLs and perovskite. Based on the optimized film quality and energy states of SnO2-Na, the best PSC efficiency of 20.78% is achieved with a significantly enhanced open-circuit voltage of 1.10 V. This work highlights the function of alkali metal salts on the colloid particle distribution and energy level modulation of SnO2.

Determination of the Size Distribution of Metallic Colloids from Extinction Spectroscopy.

In this paper, we explore the ability of extinction spectroscopy to characterize colloidal suspensions of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). We demonstrate that the Au NPs’ size distribution can be deduced by analyzing their extinction spectra using Mie theory. Our procedure, based on the non-negative least square algorithm, takes advantage of the high sensitivity of the plasmon band to the Au NP size. In addition, this procedure does not require any a priori information on the Au NP size distribution. The Au NPs’ size distribution of monomodal or bimodal suspensions can be satisfactorily determined from their extinction spectra. Finally, we show that this characterization tool is compatible with in situ measurement and allows following the change in NPs’ radii during laser exposure.

The concentration and size distribution of iron‐rich colloids in pore waters are related to soil organic matter content and pore water calcium concentration

AbstractIron (Fe)‐rich colloids in the environment have a high surface reactivity and facilitate transport of oxyanions and trace metal cations in soil. This study was set up to help identify the soil properties that might affect the concentrations of colloidal Fe and its size distribution in pore waters of soils. The pore water was isolated by centrifugation from a collection of 97 topsoils with contrasting properties and land use. The total Fe concentration in the pore waters ranged between 0.2 and 26 μM (10th–90th percentile) and was largest at low soil solution calcium (Ca) and high dissolved organic carbon (DOC), indicating that enhanced colloidal stability determines total Fe in solution. The colloidal size distribution (<100 nm) of Fe in the pore waters of 11 soils was determined with flow field flow fractionation (FlFFF‐UV‐ICP‐MS), which yielded three different fractions that varied strikingly among soils. The smallest fraction (<5 nm) of Fe co‐eluted with high DOC and copper (Cu), suggesting mononuclear Fe‐organic carbon (OC) complexes. This fraction increased with an increasing DOC/Fe ratio in pore waters. The 5–50‐nm fraction of Fe prevailed in soils with >3.5% organic carbon (%OC), whereas the 50–100‐nm fraction was dominant in soils with low %OC content. This suggests that natural organic matter inhibits crystallization and growth of mineral Fe particles. The elemental ratios of mineral colloids (>5 nm) indicated the presence of clay minerals and Fe oxyhydroxides, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. This study thus identified soil %OC and Ca in soil solution as the dominant factors predicting both the concentration and size of pore water Fe colloids, with the smallest and, potentially, most mobile Fe colloids occurring in OC‐rich soils.Highlights Pore water iron concentrations in topsoils are governed by colloid stability Flow field flow fractionation analysis allows characterization of iron colloids in the low nanometre range Iron colloid size and composition vary strikingly among soils Small iron colloids prevail in organic carbon‐rich soils due to colloid growth inhibition

Characteristics of colloids and their affinity for heavy metals in road runoff with different traffic in Beijing, China

The characteristics of colloids in urban road runoff with different traffic in Beijing, China, such as concentration, particle size, chemical property, and affinity for heavy metals were determined. The concentration of colloids was high, and an evident first flush effect was found in the runoff of road with heavy traffic. A large portion of colloids were distributed in the range of 1-10 μm. Traffic activity, rainfall intensity, and time of sample collection would not change the size distribution of colloids in the road runoff. The chemical property of colloids in the road runoff would be influenced by the soil erosion nearby green space, causing the content of organic colloids was high. The correlation coefficient between the concentration of colloids in colloidal fractions and the concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Mn) in the road runoff with different traffic decreased with the same sequence from 0.02-0.2 μm, 0.2-0.45 μm, 0.45-1 μm, to 1-10 μm, suggesting that the heavy metals had stronger affinity for the colloids with small size. The concentration of Cu, Pb, and Zn exhibited significant correlations with the concentration of organic colloids in the road runoff. More aggregated spherical particles were found in the TEM image of the road runoff with heavy traffic. Zeta potentials and RMV data showed that the colloids with smaller size and the colloids in the road runoff with lighter traffic were much more stable.

Impact of sodium silicate on lead release and colloid size distributions in drinking water

Sodium silicates have been used in drinking water treatment for decades as sequestrants and corrosion inhibitors. For the latter purpose they are poorly understood, which presents a potential public health risk. We investigated a common sodium silicate formulation as a treatment for lead release and compared it to orthophosphate, a well-established lead corrosion control treatment. We also compared the size distributions of colloids generated in silicate and orthophosphate-treated systems using field flow fractionation with multielement detection. At a moderate dose of 24 mg SiO2/L, sodium silicate yielded a median lead release of 398 µg/L, while orthophosphate yielded 67 µg Pb/L. At an elevated dose of 48 mg SiO2/L, sodium silicate dispersed corrosion scale in cast iron pipe sections and lead service lines, resulting in a substantial release of colloidal iron and lead. In the silicate-treated system, a silicon-rich coating occurred at the lead-water interface, but lead carbonate remained the major corrosion product and appeared to control lead levels. These data suggest that, as a corrosion control treatment for lead, sodium silicate is inferior to orthophosphate in circumneutral pH water with low alkalinity. And, as with polyphosphate, excess silicate can be highly detrimental to controlling lead release.

Reactive Precursor Particles as Synthetic Platform for the Generation of Functional Nanoparticles, Nanogels, and Microgels

AbstractPrecise control of the chemical functionality of polymer nanoparticles is a key requirement in tailoring their (dynamic) colloidal properties toward advanced applications. However, current synthetic techniques are still limited in the versatility of chemical design and preparation of such functional colloidal nanomaterials. Two major challenges remain: First, various particle preparation methods are restricted in their functional group tolerance, thus hindering certain combinations of polymer backbones with specific functional groups. Second, the preparation of particles with different functionalities requires the synthesis of different particle batches. But this often results in a simultaneous variation of colloidal features. As a result, the accurate determination of important structure–property relations is still hindered. To address these restrictions, postmodification of preformed reactive particles is gaining more attention. This technique has evolved from polymer synthesis, where postpolymerization functionalization enables the introduction of a plethora of functional groups without changing the degree of polymerization and the molecular weight distribution. Similarly, modifying precursor particles enables the introduction of functional groups into particles while reducing variations in colloidal features, e.g., particle size and size distribution. This powerful synthetic method complements established procedures for functionalization of particle surfaces, thereby enabling the facile preparation of (multi‐)functional particle libraries, which will allow precise investigations of structure–property relations.

Nanoelectrode-emitter spectral overlap amplifies surface enhanced electrogenerated chemiluminescence.

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) is a promising technique for low concentration molecular detection. To improve the detection limit, plasmonic nanoparticles have been proposed as signal boosting antennas to amplify ECL. Previous ensemble studies have hinted that spectral overlap between the nanoparticle antenna and the ECL emitter may play a role in signal enhancement. Ensemble spectroscopy, however, cannot resolve heterogeneities arising from colloidal nanoparticle size and shape distributions, leading to an incomplete picture of the impact of spectral overlap. Here, we isolate the effect of nanoparticle-emitter spectral overlap for a model ECL system, coreaction of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)dichlororuthenium(ii) hexahydrate and tripropylamine, at the single-particle level while minimizing other factors influencing ECL intensities. We found a 10-fold enhancement of ECL among 952 gold nanoparticles. This signal enhancement is attributed exclusively to spectral overlap between the nanoparticle and the emitter. Our study provides new mechanistic insight into plasmonic enhancement of ECL, creating opportunities for low concentration ECL sensing.

Covalently Fluorophore-Functionalized ZIF-8 Colloidal Particles as a Sensing Platform for Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Such as Phthalates Plasticizers.

We present the optical sensing of phthalate esters (PAEs), a group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The sensing takes place as changes in the fluorescence emission intensity of aminopyrene covalently bound to the organic ligands of the metal–organic framework compound ZIF-8. In the presence of PAEs, a quenching of the fluorescence emission is observed. We evaluated strategies to engineer colloidal size distribution of the sensing particles to optimize the sensory response to PAEs. A thorough characterization of the modified ZIF-8 nanoparticles included powder X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and photophysical characterization. The presented capability of the fluorophore-functionalized ZIF-8 to sense PAEs complements established methods such as chromatography-based procedures, which cannot be used on-site and paves the way for future developments such as hand-held quick sensing devices.