Reference materials for nanometrology - Current situation

The continuing interest in nanomaterials, and the vast range of applications that can be expected from them, can be explained by the strong dependence of the physicochemical properties of objects, whose dimensions range from 1 to 100 nm, on their dimensional characteristics (size and morphology). So, for each desired functional property (electronic, magnetic, optical, thermodynamic, mechanical, etc.) associated with a particular application (all sectors of activity are concerned), it is possible to design a specific nanomaterial. All those involved in this field agree that the development of metrology and instrumentation adapted to the nanometric domain (1 nm–100 nm) would have a "catalytic" effect on the overall development of nanotechnologies.

The entire value chain linked to the production and use of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies is concerned by measurement, from fundamental research to production lines, via the teams involved in studying the impact of these materials on health and the environment. The entire industry needs reliable data, robust and reproducible characterization methods, and confidence in measurement results.

Firstly, measurement plays a crucial role in fundamental research, enabling us to increase our knowledge of nanomaterial properties in order to better understand the correlation between the physicochemical parameters of nano-objects, on the one hand, and the new physical properties that emerge at these nanometric scales, on the other. Secondly, the manufacturers of these nanomaterials are looking for precise tools to better control their manufacturing processes and improve their quality systems. In addition, the transition from laboratory to industrial scale (scale-up) remains a delicate stage in the development of nanomaterials, as synthesis methods are often specific and particular. What's more, it's vital to maintain the precise characteristics of nano-objects developed in the laboratory, so as to preserve their properties at all stages of industrialization. This requires the implementation of measurement methods capable of providing accurate measurements, i.e. measurements that are both precise and faithful (see § 3 ).

Numerous industrial products containing nanomaterials are already on the market,...