Overview
CEN ISO/TS 80004-13:2024 - “Nanotechnologies - Vocabulary - Part 13: Graphene and other two-dimensional (2D) materials” is a technical specification that standardizes vocabulary for graphene, graphene-related 2D materials (GR2M) and other two-dimensional materials. Published in 2024 and endorsed by CEN, this document defines terms related to material types, production methods, properties and characterization to improve clarity and consistency across research, industry and regulation.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Provides clear definitions to facilitate communication among researchers, manufacturers, testing labs, regulators and other stakeholders in nanotechnologies.
- Material terminology: Precise terms for graphene, graphene-related 2D materials and other 2D materials, including definitions of layers, stacking configurations and when a material is considered “two-dimensional” (note: for graphene, up to ~10 layers can be treated as 2D for electrical measurements).
- Production-method terms: Vocabulary covering common synthesis and fabrication approaches for 2D materials (see clause on production methods).
- Characterization vocabulary: Terms for structural, chemical and electrical characterization methods used to describe 2D materials and their properties.
- Properties and performance: Standardized descriptors for structural, chemical, optical and electrical properties and qualifiers such as “-enhanced”, “-enabled”, “-based” and “-modified”.
- Document structure: Organized into terms related to materials (3.1), production (3.2), characterization (3.3), material characteristics (3.4), abbreviated terms, bibliography and index.
- Standards governance: Part of the ISO 80004 series; builds on ISO 80004‑1, ISO/TS 80004‑3 and ISO/TS 80004‑6. CEN adopted ISO/TS 80004‑13:2024 without modification for provisional application.
Applications and who uses it
This vocabulary standard is practical for:
- Researchers and academic authors - to ensure consistent terminology in publications and patents.
- Product developers and manufacturers - for clear product specifications and labeling of graphene and 2D-material‑based products.
- Testing and calibration laboratories - to standardize reporting of characterization methods and results.
- Regulators and safety assessors - to harmonize definitions used in regulation, risk assessment and compliance.
- Procurement and supply-chain professionals - to avoid ambiguity when specifying materials or performance attributes.
Use cases include technical reports, test protocols, regulatory dossiers, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and cross-border trade documentation.
Related standards
Keywords: CEN ISO/TS 80004-13:2024, graphene, 2D materials, graphene-related 2D material, nanotechnologies, vocabulary, characterization, production methods, material properties.
