Every nanomaterial supplied by Aritech Chemazone ships with a certificate of analysis (COA) from the manufacturer, Nanochemazone Canada. A COA tells you what was measured on your batch and how. Knowing how to read it helps you compare grades, plan experiments and answer reviewers’ questions about your materials.
Basic information
The top of the COA identifies the material:
- Product name and code – match these with your purchase order.
- Chemical formula and CAS number – where one exists.
- Lot or batch number – record it in your lab notebook and publications so results can be traced to a specific batch.
- Date of analysis – useful for materials that age or oxidise.
Purity
Purity is normally given as a percentage on a metals basis or as a total, for example 99.9%. Check what the figure is based on: “metals basis” excludes non-metallic impurities such as oxygen or carbon. For electronic, catalytic and biomedical work, look at the list of individual trace impurities (often measured by ICP) as well as the headline number.
Particle size
Particle size can be reported in different ways, and the numbers are not directly comparable:
- APS (average particle size) – often from SEM or TEM images.
- D10, D50, D90 – from laser diffraction; D50 is the median, D90 shows how many larger particles are present.
- Crystallite size – from XRD peak broadening; this can be smaller than the particle size because particles may contain several crystallites or be agglomerated.
Nanopowders almost always form agglomerates, so a powder described as 20 nm may behave as larger clusters until it is dispersed.
Specific surface area (SSA)
SSA, usually measured by the BET method in m2/g, is a good check on particle size and porosity. Smaller particles and porous materials such as MOFs and activated carbons have higher SSA.
Phase and structure
An XRD pattern confirms the crystal phase, for example anatase vs rutile TiO2, or the presence of secondary phases in a MAX phase. Compare the peaks with standard reference patterns. For carbon materials, Raman spectra (D and G bands) indicate defect levels and, for graphene, layer number.
Morphology
SEM and TEM images show particle shape, size and agglomeration: spheres, rods, wires, flakes or tubes. They are especially important for nanowires, nanotubes and 2D materials.
Other values you may see
- Bulk and true density – for powder handling and formulation.
- Colour and appearance – a quick check on arrival.
- Moisture or loss on drying – important for hygroscopic materials.
- Concentration, solvent and pH – for dispersions and inks.
- Thickness, layers and lateral size – for graphene, MXenes and other 2D materials.
What to check before you start work
- The product, specification and quantity match your order.
- The values are measured on your lot, not only typical values.
- The measurement method suits your application (for example, ICP for trace metals).
- Storage conditions on the label and SDS are followed from the day of arrival.
Need more data?
If your project, publication or tender needs additional characterisation, such as extra XRD, SEM/TEM, BET or elemental analysis, we can arrange it with your order. See our analytical services, or ask when you request a quotation.
Frequently asked questions
Does every order come with a COA?
Yes. Every product supplied by Aritech Chemazone comes with a certificate of analysis from Nanochemazone Canada.
Can I get the COA before I order?
We can usually share a sample or typical COA for a product at the quotation stage. Email sales@chemazone.in.
What is the difference between a COA and an SDS?
A COA reports the measured quality of your batch. A safety data sheet (SDS) describes hazards, safe handling, storage and disposal.
Why is the crystallite size smaller than the particle size?
XRD measures the size of coherent crystal domains. A single particle can contain several crystallites, and particles can also stick together into agglomerates.
Can you provide extra characterisation?
Yes. Additional analyses can be arranged through our analytical services.