Overview
IEC TS 62607-6-18:2022 defines a standardized laboratory method to identify and quantify functional groups on graphene-based materials (including functionalized graphene powder and graphene oxide) using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) - commonly called TGA‑FTIR. The technique derives functional‑group content from sample mass changes as a function of temperature (TGA) while analysing gases evolved during those mass changes by FTIR to identify chemical species. The measured functional groups are intended to be listed as key control characteristics in the blank detail specification for graphene (IEC 62565‑3‑1).
Key Topics
- Measurement principle: Coupled TGA‑FTIR captures mass loss events and simultaneously records FTIR spectra of evolved gases to assign functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl, carboxyl, carbonyl, amine, sulfonic, alkyl).
- Scope of applicability: Functionalized graphene powder and graphene oxide that pyrolyse or gasify under elevated temperature during TGA.
- Sample preparation and measurement system: Standardized guidance on sample prep, instrument configuration, ambient conditions, and equipment description to ensure repeatable results.
- Calibration and procedure: Requirements for equipment calibration and a detailed measurement protocol to produce traceable, comparable data.
- Data analysis and reporting: Methods to link TGA weight‑loss features to FTIR spectra, determine characteristic temperature points, confirm/quantify functional groups, and prepare standardized test reports (product ID, test conditions, measurement details, results).
- Supporting materials: Informative annexes including a case study on data analysis and recommended report formats.
Applications
- Quality control for graphene manufacturers: Routine verification of surface chemistry during production and batch acceptance testing.
- Product selection for downstream users: Material specification and benchmarking for electronics, composites, coatings, sensors and other applications where graphene surface chemistry affects performance.
- R&D and process development: Monitoring functionalization, reduction processes, and optimization of chemical treatments.
- Regulatory and procurement: Providing standardized functional‑group data as a key control characteristic in procurement specifications and conformity assessment.
Who Should Use This Standard
- Nanomaterial and graphene manufacturers
- Analytical and QC laboratories performing TGA‑FTIR
- Materials scientists and process engineers in graphene R&D
- Procurement teams and standards bodies specifying graphene powders
Related Standards (if applicable)
- IEC 62565‑3‑1 - Blank detail specification for graphene powder (lists key control characteristics)
- IEC TS 62607 series - Nanomanufacturing - Key control characteristics
- ISO/TS 80004‑13 - Terminology related to graphene and graphene oxide
Keywords: IEC TS 62607-6-18:2022, TGA‑FTIR, graphene, graphene oxide, functional groups, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nanomanufacturing, quality control, graphene powder.