What is polydispersion index?

Polydispersion index refers to the degree of heterogeneity of particle size within a distribution, commonly observed in colloidal systems such as suspensions, emulsions, and dispersed phases. It is a measure of the variation of particle size in a sample, and can range from 0 to 1. A value of 0 indicates perfect monodispersity or uniformity of particle size, while a value of 1 indicates complete polydispersity or wide variation in particle size. The polydispersion index is often determined using techniques such as dynamic light scattering, nanoparticle tracking analysis, or laser diffraction. It is an important parameter in various scientific fields, including materials science, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, as it can affect the properties and behavior of colloidal systems.