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Graphene could revolutionise many technology sectors but needs standardisation

The project

Graphene, a two-dimensional material consisting of a single or few layers of carbon atoms arranged in an hexagonal lattice, offers unique properties in strength, high electrical and heat conductivity. It is predicted to drive technological innovation in many areas including the energy, automotive and aerospace industries. However, prior to the work of this project, the international standards to underpin its use were lacking.

The work of completed EMPIR project Standardisation of structural and chemical properties of graphene (19NRM04, ISO-G-SCoPe) lead to the development of three international standards characterising the structure and chemical composition of graphene related two dimensional materials. These were validated using international inter-laboratory studies.

International documentary measurement standards cannot be developed without proven and verified methodology. Normative documentary standards are based on methods or procedures developed through interlaboratory studies and verified internationally. Before the project commenced there were no graphene standards available beyond terminology and an overview technical report, neither of which contained such verified methodology. This project targeted the metrology and standardisation gaps by leading four international “VAMAS” interlaboratory studies in order to validate three key international measurement standards in graphene related 2D materials in ISO TC229 Nanotechnologies.

The work of this project will directly lead to the faster publication of these ISO standards internationally. In addition, the standards will also become IEC standards via IEC TC113 and European standards via CEN TC352.

First ISO measurement standard on graphene published

Led by the EMPIR project consortium, the first ISO measurement standard on graphene has been published:

TS 21356-1 Nanotechnologies – Structural characterisation of graphene: Part 1: Graphene from powders and dispersions

Project Coordinator Charles Clifford from NPL said

‘The ISO-G-SCoPe project has been a huge success. It has brought experts from all over Europe together to publish the first ISO measurement standard on graphene with the project leading another 2 ISO measurement standards due for publication in the next few years all verified thanks to the consortium organising four large interlaboratory studies. This will enable graphene users and producers to be able to characterise their material according to validated standardised procedures.’

This EMPIR project is co-funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the EMPIR Participating States.

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