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Characterization Challenges for Nanomaterials

Journal Article · · Surface and Interface Analysis, 40(3-4):529-537
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/sia.2726· OSTI ID:927963
Nanostructured materials are increasingly subject to nearly every type of chemical and physical analysis possible. Because of their small feature size there is a significant focus on tools with high spatial resolution. Because of their high surface area, it is also natural to characterize nanomaterials using tools designed to analyze surfaces. Regardless of the approach, nanostructured materials present a variety of obstacles to adequate, useful and needed analysis. This paper provides short overviews to some of the issues and complications including: particle stability, environmental effects, specimen handling, surface coating, contamination and time. Some specific examples are provided from a our work focused on ceria nanoparticles and iron metal-core/oxide-shell nanoparticles in which we use a combination of tools for routine analysis including XPS, TEM, and XRD and apply other methods as needed to obtain essential information.
Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US), Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
927963
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-56706; 8221a; 8221; 2573b; 11696; 2573; KP1504010
Journal Information:
Surface and Interface Analysis, 40(3-4):529-537, Journal Name: Surface and Interface Analysis, 40(3-4):529-537 Journal Issue: 3-4 Vol. 40; ISSN 0142-2421; ISSN SIANDQ
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English