Characterization of materials cover the three main aspects, namely, morphology (topology), atomic structure and composition, employing a combination of techniques to probe bulk and surface properties. Triggered by the nanoscale challenges (non-uniformity in sizes and shapes, presence of aggregates/agglomerates, etc.), systematic efforts are undertaken to advance experimental methods well beyond their standard capabilities, thus offering a more reliable characterization of complex nanostructured materials. This is mainly achieved by employing nanotechnology-enabling investigative tools, e.g., quantitative SERS, environmental SEM, nonlinear optics, etc. Optimization and continuous technique development help acquire special technical skills and capabilities that can be of direct benefit to SMEs and industry at the national and at the European level.
