Surface Chemical Analysis of Nanoparticles for Commercial Products and Devices
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Surface Chemical Analysis of Nanoparticles for Commercial Products and Devices
Marie-Isabelle Baraton Centre Européen de la Céramique, University Limoges & CNRS, Limoges, France
ABSTRACT Amongst the list of the measurands specific to nanoparticles, size and shape definitely matter but surface chemistry is also often cited. While it is now largely recognized that surface composition, structure and reactivity are perhaps the dominant parameters controlling properties of nanoparticles, surface chemistry is one of the key characteristics of nanoparticles which is seldom or inappropriately evaluated, as it has been identified by international organizations (such as ISO, BIPM or CEN). The usual techniques for surface analysis of materials often require ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions and are hardly applicable to nanoparticles. Moreover, because the surface chemical composition and reactivity are dependent on the environmental conditions, the results obtained under UHV cannot be extrapolated to nanoparticles in ambient atmosphere or dispersed in liquids. After an analysis of the stakes and challenges in the surface characterization of nanoparticles and a very brief overview of the usual techniques for surface studies, this paper presents the performance of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to investigate surface chemical composition, surface reactivity and surface functionalization of nanoparticles. As illustrating examples, the results of the FTIR surface analysis of different kinds of ceramic nanoparticles are discussed with regard to several fields of applications. INTRODUCTION More than 20 years of research on materials at the nanometer scale and the considerable growth in the number of products and devices based on nanomaterials and nanotechnology calls for instrumentation and techniques capable of addressing new measurement needs in process control and quality assurance. The assessment of nanoproducts of all kinds in order to both sustain innovation and preserve human health and the environment should be based on harmonized characterization. Indeed, standardized measurement definitions and methods ensure product quality, traceability, conformity compliance and production sustainability [1]. In the case of nanoparticles, new characteristics specific to the nanometer scale should be measured, thus implying the identification of the relevant measurands and of the measurement techniques available to obtain the required information with sufficient reliability. Amongst the list of these specific measurands, size and shape definitely matter but surface chemistry has been often cited, especially with regard to biomedical applications [2]. Nowadays, surface composition and chemistry are recognized as key parameters in nanoparticle properties and applications even though their characterization is seldom adequately performed. Indeed, when applied to materials at the nanometer scale, the usual techniques for surface studies are often found inadequate. Moreover, the applicability of these techniques to nanopartic
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