Overview
ISO/TS 13278:2017 - Nanotechnologies specifies validated methods for the determination of elemental impurities in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) - both single-wall (SWCNTs) and multiwall (MWCNTs) - using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‑MS). The technical specification focuses on optimized sample pretreatment, digestion and preparation procedures so that trace and residual elements (often metal catalyst remnants such as Fe, Co, Ni) can be accurately and quantitatively measured by ICP‑MS.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and terminology: Defines elemental impurities and relevant nanotechnology vocabulary (links to ISO/TS 80004-series).
- Sample and reagents: Guidance on sample handling, reagent purity, stock calibration and spike/internal standard solutions for ICP‑MS.
- Sample pretreatment methods: Describes validated approaches including:
- wet digestion under high pressure,
- combined dry ashing with acid digestion,
- microwave‑assisted digestion.
- Apparatus and instrumental settings: Requirements for ICP‑MS setup, tuning solutions and calibration procedures.
- Measurement quality controls:
- isotope selection and interference management,
- calibration curves and use of internal standards,
- method recovery evaluation (standard addition),
- uncertainty estimation and required reporting elements.
- Data interpretation: Calculations for elemental impurity mass fraction, spike recovery and uncertainty.
- Annex A: Informative example of applying the methods to commercially produced CNTs.
Practical applications
- Ensures reliable quantification of trace metals in CNT products used across electronics, composites, biomedical research and environmental studies.
- Supports toxicology and ecological impact assessments by distinguishing CNT intrinsic effects from effects caused by metal impurities.
- Enables quality control and supplier verification for manufacturers of CNT materials and CNT‑enhanced products.
- Assists regulatory bodies and test laboratories in harmonized reporting and method comparability for risk assessment and compliance.
Who should use this standard
- Analytical and environmental laboratories performing ICP‑MS analysis on nanomaterials
- Manufacturers and quality assurance teams in the nanomaterials and advanced materials industries
- Toxicologists, ecotoxicologists and researchers studying CNT behavior and safety
- Regulatory agencies and certification bodies requiring standardized impurity data
Related standards
- ISO/TS 80004-3 and ISO/TS 80004-6 (nanotechnology vocabulary and characterization)
- Other ISO/TC 229 documents on CNT characterization (e.g., SEM, TEM, CNT measurement methods)
Keywords: ISO/TS 13278:2017, carbon nanotubes, CNT, SWCNT, MWCNT, ICP‑MS, elemental impurities, digestion, sample preparation, trace metals, nanotechnologies.