Advancing science to make big discoveries from tiny particles

Nanomaterials are materials with dimensions between 1 and 100 nanometers that exhibit unique properties compared to their bulk forms. Examples include carbon nanotubes known for strength and conductivity, silver and gold nanoparticles used for antimicrobial and biomedical applications, silicon and titanium dioxide nanoparticles used in electronics and sunscreens, and graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms with exceptional strength and conductivity. 

 

The small size of nanomaterials can make them difficult to analyze, but the specific properties of Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) make them powerful techniques for nanomaterial analysis. Both methods are able to discretely probe individual layers of inorganic and organic materials. While Raman is useful in characterizing spatial distribution and phase homogeneity of materials, XPS is a major technique for thin and ultra-thin film analysis and can characterize monolayer coatings of nanoparticles.

 

Twin-screw extruders are another excellent option for working with nanomaterials. Extruders are well-established tools for mixing, compounding and processing viscous materials. 

 

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers technological solutions to the challenges of producing better performing and more reliable nanomaterials. Our instruments help improve development processes and analysis, leading to reduced costs and shorter times to discoveries.

Thermo Scientific DXR3xi Raman Imaging Microscope

The Thermo Scientific DXR3xi Raman Imaging Microscope produces research-grade imaging faster than ever. With enhanced software features and higher spatial resolution, the user can gain visual information almost instantly. Advanced imaging capabilities coupled with minimal sample prep and intuitive software give users the power of Raman at speeds researchers need.

Thermo Scientific HAAKE MiniLab 3 Micro Compounder

Find unmatched flexibility in designing today's products for tomorrow's world. The Thermo Scientific HAAKE MiniLab 3 Micro Compounder provides extrusion specifications and online rheology measurements for pilot and scale-up projects across a range of compounded materials.

Thermo Scientific ESCALAB QXi X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Microprobe

The Thermo Scientific ESCALAB QXi XPS Microprobe is a highly flexible and configurable multi-technique instrument, offering exceptional sensitivity and rapid production of high-quality spectra. The system features a unique dual detector system that enables superb XPS imaging with excellent spatial resolution. XPS, ISS, and REELS are included as standard, and the instrument can be configured with optional HAXPES, AES, UPS, Raman, and IPES methods. 


Advanced nanomaterial analysis technologies

Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy is an analytical technique that observes vibrational, rotational, and other low-frequency modes in a molecular system through inelastic scattering of monochromatic light, usually from a laser. This interaction shifts the energy of the incident laser photons, revealing information about molecular vibrations. It is valuable for characterizing molecular structures, identifying substances, and studying molecular interactions without extensive sample preparation.

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, also known as electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), is a highly surface-sensitive, quantitative chemical analysis technique that can be used to understand a wide range of materials characteristics. XPS measures the photoelectrons ejected from the surface of a material that has been irradiated with X-rays. The kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons is evaluated. This energy is directly related to the photoelectrons’ binding energy within the parent atom. The measured energy is characteristic of the element and its chemical state.

X-ray diffraction (XRD)

X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a versatile, nondestructive analytical technique that’s sensitive to the atomic structure of matter.

 

It helps enable phase identification, phase quantification, crystallinity assessment, crystallite size estimation, and other advanced analyses across a wide range of industrial and research applications, including materials development, quality control, and nanoparticle characterization.

Electron microscopy

Whether discovering new materials, solving analytical problems, improving processes, or assuring product quality, electron microscopy is capable of providing insight at all scales and modalities. The discoveries resulting from materials science research help enhance researchers’ ability to successfully correlate structural properties with functional performance. In turn, this insight helps commercial enterprises innovate products and processes to gain important time-to-market and cost advantages.


Featured resources


Additional resources

Technique

Asset type

Asset title

Raman

Application note

Characterizing Graphene with Raman Spectroscopy

Raman

Application note

Raman Spectroscopic Assessment of Purification Methods for Single Walled Carbon

Raman

Application note

Raman Spectroscopy of Graphene and the Determination of Layer Thickness

Raman

Application note

Technical Reference Chart for Common Calculations Involving Raman Measurements with Carbon Nanomaterials

Mass Spectrometry

Application Note

Characterized Single Nanoparticles with spICP-MS

Raman

Application Note

Characterizing Carbon Materials with Raman Spectroscopy

Compounding & Extrusion

Application Note

Compounding of Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Suspensions with Polypropylene

Raman

Application Note

Graphene Protective Coating Capabilities Investigated by Raman Rapid Chemical Imaging

Raman

Application Note

Measuring Diamond-like Carbon Films by Dispersive Raman Spectroscopy

Raman

Article

Micro/nano-structured Graphitic Carbon Nitride-Ag Nanoparticle Hybrids as Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering Substrates with Much Improved Long-term Stability

Raman

Article

Raman Imaging as a Tool for Characterizing Carbon Nanomaterials

Raman

Application Note

Rapid Quality Screening of Carbon Nanotubes with Raman Spectroscopy

Raman

Application Note

The Importance of Tight Laser Power Control When Working with Carbon Nanomaterials

Raman

Application Note

Uncovering the Secrets Governing the Chemical Vapor Deposition of Graphene with Rapid Raman Imaging

Raman

Application Note

Using Raman Microscopy to Monitor the Surface Modifications of Disordered Array of Gold covered Silicon Nanowires for SERS Biosensing

ICP-MS

Application Note

Nanoparticle Characterization Via Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (spICP-MS)

Compounding & Extrusion

Application Note Compendium

Making and Analyzing Polymer Nanocomposites

Compounding & Extrusion

Application Note

The Influence of Carbon Black Filler on a SAN Masterbatch

Raman, XPS

Scientific Poster

Using Raman and XPS in the Development of Graphene-based Materials

Raman

Poster

Recent Advancements in Spectroscopy and Materials Research on Carbon Nanotubes

Raman

Presentation

Raman Imaging for Visualizing Structural Variations in Advanced Materials

Raman

Presentation

Shedding New Light on Materials Science with Raman Imaging

Raman

Video

Collect the Big Picture, Chemically and Physically, with the DXR3xi Raman Imaging Microscope

Raman

Webinar

Raman Imaging for Graphene and Composite Materials

Raman

Webinar

Tracking Carbon Nanomaterials in Cells and Tissues using Raman Spectroscopy

XPS

Webinar

Surface Analysis of Nanomaterials and OLED Components


For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.