ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a broad survey of some of the common techniques used to characterize nanomaterials. Novel techniques and methodologies to probe nanoscale dimensions are being developed continually, and many of these are based on variations of common tools and practices used in surface science and materials research laboratories. The aim of this chapter is to provide a modest level of background in a sufficient range of techniques to allow one to make rational choices in determining which method or combination of methods are best suited to characterize a particular feature of a nanomaterial. The methods introduced in this chapter range from traditional surface science tools, spectroscopic methods, and gravimetric techniques to more specialized characterization approaches such as nonlinear optical methods and interferometic techniques. The chapter focuses on the principles behind the techniques and the interpretation of data. Specific examples of the application of these methods to nanomaterials are found in Chapter 5.
