This article was originally published on 8th January 2019 and has been updated to reflect the latest industry research.
Nanotechnology operates at a scale where a few atoms can change everything. Whether developing next-generation semiconductors, targeted drug delivery systems, or catalytic surfaces, precision is paramount. But how do you ensure consistency, safety, and performance at the nanoscale?
The Analytical Challenge of Nanotechnology
Nanomaterials behave differently from their bulk counterparts due to their high surface-area-to-volume ratios, quantum confinement effects, and unique surface chemistries. These novel properties make nanotechnology powerful—but also unpredictable. Even tiny deviations in composition, structure, or functionalisation can significantly alter a material’s properties and performance.
Standard analytical tools often fall short at this scale. Mass spectrometry, however, offers the required resolution, sensitivity, and specificity to characterize nanomaterials with molecular precision.
Key Roles of Mass Spectrometry in Nanoscience
1. Validating Chemical Composition and Purity
Impurities aren’t just contaminants in nanotechnology–they can be performance-limiting and even hazardous. Thus, confirming absolute chemical purity is essential, particularly for applications in catalysis, semiconductors, and biomedical devices. Mass spectrometry allows for the identification of trace elements and molecular species, helping researchers confirm synthesis success and detect impurities down to parts-per-billion levels.
This is particularly vital for:
- Catalysis: where active sites must remain uncontaminated.
- Biomedical devices: where toxicity or immune responses must be avoided.
- Semiconductors: where electrical performance hinges on compositional integrity.
2. Surface Chemistry and Functionalisation Verification
A nanomaterial’s surface determines how it interacts with its environment. Whether it’s binding to a protein, catalyzing a reaction, or resisting corrosion, surface functional groups must be verified post-synthesis.Static SIMS provides surface-sensitive analysis that distinguishes functionalisation from bulk characteristics.
This helps researchers:
- Verify ligand attachment or passivation layers
- Confirm sensor surface readiness
- Assess degradation in biological or environmental exposure
Hiden Analytical’s Contributions to Nanomaterials Characterization
Hiden Analytical has developed a suite of high-precision quadrupole mass spectrometry systems tailored for nanotechnology applications. These systems are engineered for ultra-sensitive molecular characterization, in-situ analysis, and depth profiling in both research and industrial contexts.
Featured Technologies:
- SIMS Workstation: Designed for high-resolution depth profiling of thin films and core-shell nanoparticles, enabling compositional analysis at sub-nanometer resolution. Ideal for semiconductors, sensors, and biointerfaces.
- HPR-60 Molecular Beam MS: Specialized for plasma diagnostics in nanofabrication. Measures reactive species during processes like plasma etching and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), supporting the optimization of growth and etching parameters.
- Catalysis and Surface Science (CATLAB): Enables the study of surface reactions, catalyst performance, and nanoparticle degradation, supporting development in environmental remediation and clean energy.
- High Mass Range Quadrupoles (up to 20,000 amu): Suitable for detecting larger clusters and small nanoparticles—especially useful in applications such as nanoparticle filtration, aerosol analysis, and ultra-pure precursor gas verification.
Closing Thoughts
Mass spectrometry doesn’t just support nanotechnology—it enables it. At Hiden Analytical, we provide the tools that make nanoscale precision possible. Whether you’re scaling up synthesis, optimizing performance, or pushing the limits of miniaturization, our MS solutions are built to support your work at every step.
Interested in precision instrumentation for your next nanotech project? Contact us today to learn more about our tailored mass spectrometry systems.
