Nanopowder characterization: challenges and future directions

This article summarizes the conclusions of a workshop organized at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, October 4-5, 2001. The workshop was focused on the strengths and limitations of the techniques currently used for creating stable dispersions of nanoparticles and measuring the size distribution of powders in the nanosize range. Several emerging and alternative techniques with potential for use in particle size measurement in the nanometer range were advanced. Future needs for procedural and instrumental techniques and standards were identified.