Overview
ISO 18115-1:2023, titled Surface Chemical Analysis – Vocabulary – Part 1: General Terms and Terms Used in Spectroscopy, is an international standard developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 201, Subcommittee SC 1. This third edition, published in June 2023, provides comprehensive definitions of terms related to surface chemical analysis, focusing in particular on general concepts and spectroscopy techniques. It serves as a key reference for scientists, engineers, and technicians working in surface chemical characterization, ensuring consistent and clear use of terminology across disciplines and international borders.
This standard complements its related parts: ISO 18115-2, which centers on scanning-probe microscopy terminology, and ISO 18115-3, focusing on optical interface analysis terms. By standardizing vocabulary for surface chemical analysis, the document facilitates accurate communication, data interpretation, and technology development in materials science, chemistry, physics, and related fields.
Key Topics
ISO 18115-1:2023 is structured into clearly defined sections that cover a wide range of terms critical to surface chemical analysis, including:
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General Surface Chemical Analysis Concepts
Definitions of fundamental terms such as interface, surface, analyte, and chemical species that establish the groundwork for understanding the field.
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Spectroscopy-Related Terms
Terminology associated with electron spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, glow discharge methods, ion scattering, and surface mass spectrometry.
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Measurement Parameters and Procedures
Terms such as measurand (quantity intended to be measured), reference method (a thoroughly verified procedure ensuring accuracy), quantitative analysis, detection limit, and matrix effects that describe essential measurement concepts.
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Instrumentation and Experimental Conditions
Vocabulary covering instrumental setups, experimental parameters, peak signal analysis (e.g., peak intensity, peak area, signal intensity), and sample preparation.
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Advanced and Emerging Methods
Inclusion of terminology for recent techniques such as atom probe tomography, hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES), near-ambient pressure XPS (NAPXPS), and grazing-emission X-ray fluorescence (GEXRF).
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Data Analysis Techniques
Terms related to multivariate analysis approaches used to interpret complex surface chemical data.
Applications
ISO 18115-1:2023 is indispensable for professionals involved in the chemical analysis of material surfaces. Practical applications include:
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Materials Characterization
Supporting accurate and standardized reporting and interpretation of surface composition and chemical states for metals, semiconductors, polymers, coatings, and nanomaterials.
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Quality Control and R&D
Providing a common language to ensure reproducible and comparable results in industrial and research settings, enhancing product development and process optimization.
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Environmental and Catalysis Studies
Facilitating detailed surface analysis crucial for catalyst surfaces, corrosion studies, and environmental contaminant assessment.
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Cross-disciplinary Communication
Bridging terminology gaps between physicists, chemists, and materials scientists, thus promoting collaboration and data exchange.
Related Standards
To cover the full range of surface chemical analysis techniques, ISO 18115-1:2023 is part of a series that includes:
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ISO 18115-2: Vocabulary for scanning-probe microscopy, providing terms specific to techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM).
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ISO 18115-3: Vocabulary for optical interface analysis, focusing on terminologies related to ellipsometry, reflectometry, and other optical methods.
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ISO/IEC Guide 99:2007 (VIM): Provides foundational metrology vocabulary referenced within ISO 18115-1.
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Additional ISO standards related to surface analytical methods and sample preparation protocols for comprehensive coverage of the field.
Summary
ISO 18115-1:2023 establishes a standardized and updated vocabulary essential for professionals conducting and interpreting surface chemical analysis using spectroscopic techniques. Its practical definitions help ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency in the assessment of surfaces across a broad spectrum of scientific and industrial applications. With the integration of emerging analytical methods and reorganization into subject-specific sections, this standard remains a vital resource for surface analysis experts worldwide.
Keywords: surface chemical analysis, surface spectroscopy, surface analysis vocabulary, ISO 18115-1, electron spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, glow discharge, ion scattering, surface mass spectrometry, atom probe tomography, surface characterization standards, quantitative surface analysis.