Overview - CEN ISO/TS 23359:2025 (Nanotechnologies, GR2M chemical characterization)
CEN ISO/TS 23359:2025 specifies standardized methods for the chemical characterization of graphene-related two-dimensional materials (GR2M) in powders and liquid dispersions. Published as a Technical Specification in 2025, the document provides measurement protocols, sample preparation guidance and data-analysis procedures for four core analytical techniques used to determine elemental composition, oxygen-to-carbon ratio (O/C), trace metal impurities, weight percentages of chemical species and functional groups.
Key techniques covered:
- X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) - surface elemental analysis (not detecting H or He; sampling depth ≈ 10 nm)
- Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) - bulk mass-change profiling to quantify volatiles, functional groups and impurities
- Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) - trace metal impurity analysis
- Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) - identification of functional groups and chemical species
The specification includes instrument and sample preparation requirements, measurement protocols, quantitative data-processing methods, reporting templates and informative annexes summarizing interlaboratory studies.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and sample types: powders and liquid dispersions containing graphene nanoplatelets, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide and chemically functionalized GR2Ms.
- Sample preparation: detailed preparation steps tailored to each technique to ensure reproducibility and representative sampling.
- Instrument set-up and method protocols: recommended operating conditions, calibration and blank/sample handling for XPS, TGA, ICP‑MS and FTIR.
- Quantitative analysis and data processing: procedures for determining elemental composition, O/C ratios, mass-percentage of species and identification of functional groups; guidance on data plotting, step assignment and determination of characteristic temperatures (Tmax) for TGA.
- Reporting and traceability: standardized reporting elements for results, uncertainties and method metadata.
- Validation: annexes document interlaboratory study summaries supporting method reproducibility and comparability.
Practical applications and users
This specification is designed to support:
- Material manufacturers and suppliers - quality control and specification of GR2M products.
- R&D and analytical laboratories - standardized protocols for comparative studies and method development.
- OEMs and formulators in composites, energy storage, electronics, sensors and coatings - material selection based on chemical composition and functionalization.
- Regulators and conformity assessment bodies - consistent chemical characterization for safety, compliance and trade.
Keywords: CEN ISO/TS 23359:2025, graphene characterization, GR2M chemical characterization, XPS TGA ICP‑MS FTIR, graphene oxide, graphene nanoplatelets.
Related standards
See other nanotechnology standards developed by ISO/TC 229 and CEN/TC 352 for complementary terminology, measurement frameworks and safety guidance relevant to graphene-related two-dimensional materials.