Nomenclature and Associated Terminology for Inorganic Nanoscale Particles

Nomenclature and Associated Terminology for Inorganic Nanoscale Particles

Objective
Nanoscale particles are receiving increased attention worldwide, with numerous commercial and technological applications leading to significant societal impact. There is a steady increase of publications on such materials, and a growing interest in the application of these materials and their associated chemistries to new fields. Particles, in general, are an enormous contributor to international commerce, advanced technologies, science, and the chemical industry at large. Almost all chemical and manufacturing processes include the use of, or creation of particles.

Currently there is not an established nomenclature system for describing particulate materials. Particles, much like polymers, can have similar chemical identities, but due to particle structure, size, and distribution of properties they can have distinct behaviors. The lack of proper naming conventions frequently leads to confusion regarding the type of particle being described or used in literature and in commerce. Particles are extensively exploited in the chemical and material science industries, and growing regulatory monitoring activities predicate a need for procedures for naming particulate materials in a meaningful and systematic manner. Notably, these materials lie in an area that is not explicitly covered by the nomenclature rules for inorganic or organic compounds. Hence, there is a need to develop IUPAC recommendations for the nomenclature and associated terminology for particles and populations of particles.

This project will begin the development a framework for the nomenclature of inorganic particles, building upon and refining existing principles derived from polymers, ongoing efforts on carbon nanotubes, ISO terminology, and opportunities with InChI, in addition to developing new frameworks for future materials. The intent is to develop conventions for the clear description of inorganic particles, their modifications (surface and bulk) and populations.