ISO TR 12802:2010
(Main)Nanotechnologies - Model taxonomic framework for use in developing vocabularies - Core concepts
Nanotechnologies - Model taxonomic framework for use in developing vocabularies - Core concepts
ISO TR 12802:2010 establishes core concepts for nanotechnology in a model taxonomic framework. It is intended to facilitate communication and promote common understanding.
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
TECHNICAL ISO/TR
REPORT 12802
First edition
2010-11-15
Nanotechnologies — Model taxonomic
framework for use in developing
vocabularies — Core concepts
Nanotechnologies — Modèle de cadre taxinomique pour utilisation dans
le développement de vocabulaires — Concepts de base
Reference number
ISO/TR 12802:2010(E)
©
ISO 2010
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ISO/TR 12802:2010(E)
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ISO/TR 12802:2010(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction.v
1 Scope.1
2 Purpose of the framework development.1
3 Methodology .1
4 Framework development .2
4.1 Fields of activity at the nanoscale.2
4.2 Nanomaterial.3
4.3 Processes.5
4.4 Nanosystems and nanodevices.7
4.5 Properties.8
Annex A (informative) Development steps for the core concept framework diagrams .18
Annex B (informative) Alternate version of the “synthesis” branch of the processes framework
diagram.20
Bibliography.21
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ISO/TR 12802:2010(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
In exceptional circumstances, when a technical committee has collected data of a different kind from that
which is normally published as an International Standard (“state of the art”, for example), it may decide by a
simple majority vote of its participating members to publish a Technical Report. A Technical Report is entirely
informative in nature and does not have to be reviewed until the data it provides are considered to be no
longer valid or useful.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO/TR 12802 was prepared jointly by Technical Committee ISO/TC 229, Nanotechnologies, and Technical
Committee IEC/TC 113, Nanotechnology standardization for electrical and electronic products and systems.
The draft was circulated for voting to the national bodies of both ISO and IEC.
Other vocabulary documents developed by ISO/TC 229 and IEC/TC 113 include the ISO/IEC 80004 series,
which consists of the following parts, under the general title Nanotechnologies — Vocabulary:
⎯ ISO/TS 80004-1, Nanotechnologies — Vocabulary — Part 1: Core terms
⎯ ISO/TS 80004-3, Nanotechnologies — Vocabulary — Part 3: Carbon nano-objects
The following parts are under preparation:
⎯ ISO/TS 80004-4, Nanotechnologies — Vocabulary — Part 4: Nanostructured materials
⎯ ISO/TS 80004-5, Nanotechnologies — Vocabulary — Part 5: Bio/nano interface
⎯ ISO/TS 80004-6, Nanotechnologies — Vocabulary — Part 6: Nanoscale measurement and
instrumentation
⎯ ISO/TS 80004-7, Nanotechnologies — Vocabulary — Part 7: Medical, health and personal care
applications
⎯ ISO/TS 80004-8, Nanotechnologies — Vocabulary — Part 8: Nanomanufacturing processes
ISO/TS 27687:2008, Nanotechnologies — Terminology and definitions for nano-objects — Nanoparticle,
nanofibre and nanoplate will be revised as ISO/TS 80004-2, Nanotechnologies — Vocabulary — Part 2:
Nano-objects: Nanoparticle, nanofibre and nanoplate.
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ISO/TR 12802:2010(E)
Introduction
This Technical Report provides a possible model taxonomic framework of core concepts for nanotechnology.
The framework identifies the basic categories of nanotechnology, as well as the core concepts within these
categories, and displays them in a hierarchical structure. From the core concepts, a list of core terms to be
defined has been identified. Definitions for these terms will be developed in ISO/TS 80004-1,
Nanotechnologies — Vocabulary — Part 1: Core terms. Definitions for terms in subject-related areas will be
developed in other ISO/IEC Technical Specifications in the ISO/TS 80004 vocabulary series. See list in the
Foreword
Communication is crucial to scientific practitioners, industry and trade, and regulatory bodies. Due to different
backgrounds and needs, there can be widely divergent understandings and assumptions about concepts. The
result is poor communication, a lack of interoperability among systems, and duplication of effort as different
groups strive to define concepts in accordance with their perspectives.
A taxonomic framework of core terms is intended to place nanotechnology concepts into context by indicating
relationships among these concepts. Such context can provide users with a structured view of
nanotechnology and facilitates common understanding of nanotechnology concepts. Jointly, the model
framework together with the core term definitions will be beneficial to industry, consumers, governments, and
regulatory bodies because they promote clear, accurate and useful communication. Because the taxonomic
framework looks at nanotechnology from a number of different viewpoints, it will minimize duplication of effort
among stakeholders and assist in developing a harmonized vocabulary of terms.
This Technical Report attempts to remain current with the present usage of terms in this Technical Report and
with the ongoing work by ISO/TC 229 and IEC/TC 113 to define such terms. However, definitions within the
field of nanotechnologies are still evolving. Updating of this framework model for core concepts in concurrence
with development of ISO/IEC vocabulary for nanotechnologies is recommended.
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TECHNICAL REPORT ISO/TR 12802:2010(E)
Nanotechnologies — Model taxonomic framework for use in
developing vocabularies — Core concepts
1 Scope
This Technical Report establishes core concepts for nanotechnology in a model taxonomic framework. It is
intended to facilitate communication and promote common understanding.
2 Purpose of the framework development
Taxonomy is a hierarchical classification of the things in a subject domain. It places the domain's concepts
into relevant categories and shows the relationships among concepts. A core concept is one of the central
concepts that define a subject domain. In taxonomy, these concepts are found at the topmost levels of the
hierarchy.
A taxonomic framework for core nanotechnology concepts would have several purposes. As a representation
of the professional judgment of an international group of scientists, it is a depiction of current understanding of
the subject, its structure and relationships. It is considered to be a snapshot of the subject domain at a
particular time and is intended to be revisited and updated as the domain develops. As well, because it deals
only with the top layers of the nanotechnology hierarchy, it is considered to be a model framework from which
development of deeper layers in the hierarchy should begin. Finally, this framework can be used as the basis
for the development of terms and definitions for nanotechnology vocabulary.
3 Methodology
[1]
A library science approach is taken to create the taxonomy using ANSI/NISO Z39.19-2005 and
[2]
ISO 2788:1986 as its foundation. Key concepts are categorized and, where possible, placed into
hierarchical structures illustrated as framework diagrams in Clause 4, Framework development. Where a
hierarchy could not be created a framework is presented as a basis for future hierarchy development.
The following steps created the core concept framework diagrams:
⎯ Development of lists of concepts considered to be central to nanotechnology.
⎯ Completion of a categorization exercise in which concepts were sorted in accordance with their
similarities and differences.
⎯ Building of hierarchical diagrams.
Framework and hierarchy illustrations are found in Clause 4, Framework development. For project
methodology steps see Annex A.
Principles followed to ensure consistency:
⎯ Things occurring naturally in the nanoscale are not addressed in this report.
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ISO/TR 12802:2010(E)
⎯ Certain terms under consideration have a common or established definition that renders them
inappropriate to include in a core concepts framework specific for nanotechnology. For example in
the “properties” framework development, it is necessary to include common terms to place terms
specific to nanotechnology into their proper contexts.
⎯ The term “nanoscale” is fundamental to nanotechnology and nanoscience and is a term defined in
[3]
ISO/TS 27687:2008 , definition 2.1.
4 Framework development
The frameworks and hierarchies presented here provide starting points to support and guide the development
of vocabulary for nanotechnologies. The frameworks are provided with the intention that they are to be altered
and/or expanded on a hierarchical basis based on further expert input as knowledge and understanding
evolves.
4.1 Fields of activity at the nanoscale
4.1.1 Diagram
The Fields of activity at the nanoscale framework diagram is shown in Figure 1. In this diagram the term
“nanoscale” overarches nanotechnology and nanoscience.
Fields of activity at the
nanoscale
nanoscience nanotechnology
nanobiotechnology
There are other terms to be
nanoelectronics
categorized. Development of
vocabulary will determine future
correct placement of such terms.
nanomedicine
nanometrology
nano-optics
nanophotonics
Figure 1 — Fields of activity at the nanoscale framework diagram
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4.1.2 Discussion
The terms “nanoscience” and “nanotechnology” are indicated as equivalent hierarchy-level terms. The
Figure 1 framework diagram is recommended to be additionally populated in subsequent editions, based on
vocabulary developed in ISO/IEC Technical Specifications, Nanotechnology — Vocabulary (see list in the
Foreword).
4.1.3 Advantages and disadvantages of the Fields of activity at the nanoscale framework
Arranging higher level concepts provides a short list of concepts that already have broad usage in literature
and highlights a distinction between the scientific study of nanomaterials and the range of technological
endeavours. The list of technologies provided is meant to be illustrative, not exhaustive, and should not be
misinterpreted as excluding other legitimate areas that can be considered as being within the domain of
nanotechnology.
4.2 Nanomaterial
4.2.1 Diagram
The Nanomaterials framework diagram is shown in Figure 2.
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ISO/TR 12802:2010(E)
Nanomaterial
nano-object nanostructured material
nanostructured powder
nanoparticle
nanocomposite
nanofibre
nanodispersion
nanorod
nanoporous material
nanotube
surface-structured
nanomaterial
nanowire
nanostructured core-
shell particle
nanoplate
nanofilm
There are other terms to be categorized.
Development of vocabulary will determine
nanocrystal
future correct placement of such terms.
complex forms
nanoshell
nanocone
Figure 2 — Nanomaterial framework diagram
4.2.2 Discussion of the nano-object branch of the nanomaterials framework
This branch of the framework is developed as a hierarchy. The concept “ultrafine particle” is omitted from the
[3]
hierarchy, consistent with ISO/TS 27687:2008 , A.3.2, Note, “Most nanoparticles, defined by their
geometrical dimensions, are ultrafine particles, when measured”. In addition:
⎯ The concept “nanofibre” is the overarching concept that includes “nanorod”, “nanotube”, and
[3]
“nanowire” ISO/TS 27687:2008 , Figure 2.
⎯ Several concepts (“nanofilm” under “nanoplate”, “nanocrystal”, “nanoshell” and “nanocone” under
“complex forms”) are placed under different subsections and levels pending future revision in this
framework based on terminology and definitions developed in ISO/IEC Technical Specifications,
Nanotechnology — Vocabulary (see list in the Foreword).
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ISO/TR 12802:2010(E)
⎯ “Carbon nanotube” is a concept that would be found deeper in the hierarchy under “nanotube”.
Carbon-based nano-objects are the subject of ISO/TS 80004-3, Nanotechnology — Vocabulary —
Part 3: Carbon nano-objects.
4.2.3 Discussion of the nanostructured material branch of the nanomaterials framework
This branch is not developed as a hierarchy. The further development of core concepts for this branch
remains under consideration during development of Technical Specification ISO/TS 80004-4,
Nanotechnology — Vocabulary — Part 4: Nanostructured materials.
4.2.4 Advantages and disadvantages of the nanomaterials framework
The primary utility of the nanomaterials framework is to identify concepts and terms whose definitions will help
in properly categorizing the subject domain. For some, nanocrystalline means having a crystalline structure,
which may be in the shape of a nanoparticle, nanofibre or nanoplate. For others, it is part of a larger object,
but one that might place it in the nanostructured material category. The inclusion of a “complex forms”
sub-branch implies that just particle, fibre, and plate categories are insufficient. The “complex forms”
sub-branch may need to be further populated, and concepts re-visited and placed accordingly when
terminology and definitions are further developed in ISO/IEC Technical Specifications, Nanotechnology —
Vocabulary (see list in the Foreword).
4.3 Processes
4.3.1 Diagram
The Processes framework diagram is shown in Figure 3.
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ISO/TR 12802:2010(E)
Processes
mechanical reduction of
synthesis patterning
materials
lithography machining
gas-to-solid synthesis
suggested examples
suggested examples of concepts:
suggested examples of concepts:
of concepts:
photolithography;
atomic layer deposition; chemical vapour
ion-machining;
block copolymer lithography;
deposition; cluster beam; laser ablation;
ultra-precision turning/
colloidal crystal template
pulse layer deposition; sputtering; evaporation;
lathing; grinding
lithography; electron beam
molecular beam epitaxy
lithography; extreme ultraviolet
lithography; focused ion beam
lithography; interference
liquid-to-solid synthesis
lithography; ion projection
lithography; plasmonic
suggested examples of concepts:
lithography; x-ray lithography;
spin coating; Langmuir-Blodgett; self assembly;
comminution
dip coating; electro-less deposition; nanolithography;
suggested examples
surface polymerization; sol gel process; dip-pen nanolithography
of concepts:
most coating processes
powder processing;
pounding; abrading;
milling; crushing;
patterning by adding
solid-to-solid synthesis
cryomilling
including solid phase transformations;
suggested examples of concepts:
suggested examples of concepts:
atomic force probe writing;
severe plastic deformation; crystallization of
ion beam writing; patterned
amorphous solids
atomic layer epitaxy (Lyding);
contact printing;
scanning tunneling microscope
chemical vapour deposition;
liquid-to-liquid synthesis
nanoindentation
suggested example of concept:
emulsion
Biologically mediated synthesis patterning by subtracting
suggested examples of concepts: suggested examples of concepts:
biomineralization; self-assembly; ion beam etching; chemically
scaffolded DNA origami; protein biosynthesis; assisted ion beam etching;
polysaccharide biosynthesis reactive ion etching
positional assembly
suggested examples of concepts:
atom-by-atom; mechanosynthesis
Figure 3 — Processes framework diagram
4.3.2 Discussion
This framework is partially developed as a hierarchy. Specifically, a hierarchy is not imposed beyond the three
major headings, synthesis, patterning, and mechanical reduction of materials. The examples are appropriate
for the sub-headings and are suggested to be further populated when terminology and definitions are further
developed in ISO/IEC Technical Specifications, Nanotechnology — Vocabulary (see list in the Foreword).
Expanded expertise and development in ISO/TS 80004-8, Nanotechnologies — Vocabulary — Part 8:
Nanomanufacturing processes may further expand this hierarchy. This framework evolved through several
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ISO/TR 12802:2010(E)
1)
different structural forms, as well as a name change from “Nanomanufacturing processes” to “Processes” .
The core concepts “top-down nanomanufacturing” and “bottom-up nanomanufacturing” are not included.
These concepts have limited value in the hierarchy shown in Figure 3 as some processes do fit neatly into
bottom-up and top-down categories while others such as nanopatterning can be done using both bottom-up
and top-down processes.
The framework uses three major subtopics: “synthesis” (the creation of the object); “patterning” (the process
by which the surface of a pre-existing substrate is altered to create nanoscale features); and “mechanical
reduction of materials” (the processes by which a large object is reduced in size to become a nanoscale
object). Biologically-mediated processes are viewed as belonging in the “synthesis” branch.
The “synthesis” branch underwent significant changes before reaching the state depicted in Figure 3. Initially,
this branch utilized the traditional disciplines of chemistry, physics and biology as the three major subtopics for
synthesis. (This earlier version of the “synthesis” branch is included for information in Annex B.) The earlier
organization of concepts proved problematic. Several sub-terms, such as “deposition”, appeared repeatedly,
reflecting the overlap that exists between chemistry and physics. Synthesis as a process is considered to
encompass reactants undergoing:
a) a change in molecular structure;
b) a change in state (gas, liquid, solid); or
c) a change in phase (emulsification or change in crystallinity) to form a nano-object.
In the “mechanical reduction of materials” branch, machining refers to the deliberate removal of material
through operations such as drilling, lathing, milling (cutting) or burnishing, normally accomplished
mechanically in a machine shop using machine tools. This subcategory comes closest to the concept “top
down”, where machining involves nanoscale control. Comminution involves grinding, impact erosion and other
operations that alter shape as well as size.
4.3.3 Advantages and disadvantages of the processes framework
The framework distinguishes patterning and the creation of patterns from synthesis and mechanical reduction
of materials. This distinction is important as it is the basis for much of today's semiconductor industry.
Additionally, the diagram identifies where the concept of engineered nanomaterials overlaps the most with
naturally occurring ultrafine materials of use to industry. Naturally occurring materials would most likely be
mined, purified and sized by the processes found under “mechanical reduction of materials”, while the
designed generation of newer substances would be found under “synthesis”. This can be considered in the
development of terminology and definitions for nanomanufacturing processes.
4.4 Nanosystems and nanodevices
4.4.1 Diagram
The Nanosystems and nanodevices framework diagram is shown in Figure 4.
1) This name change is necessary because the broad nature of the first level concepts of the hierarchy failed the
all-and-some test when “Nanomanufacturing processes” is the main heading. The first level concepts in the current
hierarchy in Figure 3 demonstrate how the all-and-some test failed. The test proved the following statements to be untrue:
Some nanomanufacturing processes are synthesis; all synthesis is a nanomanufacturing process. (Synthesis is not
exclusively a nanomanufacturing process.) See Annex B for more information about the all-and-some test.
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Nanosystems and nanodevices
nanosensor
nanoelectromechanical system
(NEMS)
There are other terms to be
categorized. Development of
nanophotonic device vocabulary will determine future
correct placement of such terms.
nanotemplate
nanoprobe
Figure 4 — Nanosystems and nanodevices framework diagram
4.4.2 Discussion
This framework is not developed as a hierarchy. Nanosystems and nanodevices are core concepts in the
medicine, biology, electronics and information technology fields. Terminology and definitions developed in
ISO/IEC Technical Specifications, Nanotechnology — Vocabulary (see list in the Foreword) may allow further
development of this framework.
4.5 Properties
4.5.1 General
Creation of a single framework illustrating the properties, states and/or phenomena relating to nanomaterials
presents complexity in placing these multiple concepts in diagram form. Therefore four versions of properties
frameworks are presented. Future review on how they can be used, developed or discarded is recommended
in conjunction with the development of terminology and definitions for nanotechnologies in ISO/IEC Technical
Specifications, Nanotechnology — Vocabulary (see list in the Foreword).
A nano-effect may be defined as an abrupt change in magnitude (value) occurring within the nanoscale of
1 nm to 100 nm or may be a significant change in magnitude (value) when referenced to a macroscale sample
of the same material. Phenomena and properties at the nanoscale are known and well established
scientifically at the macroscale such that there are no “unique” properties observed solely at the nanoscale
and no “unique” materials (a material present solely at the nanoscale). There remains the possibility for
distinct combinations of properties to exist for a given material at the nanoscale that in turn offers opportunities
for novel uses and applications. In such cases, an eventual, unified understanding of such phenomena will
come from continued research.
A change in magnitude (value) for a property is a possibility as a material's dimensions move from the
macroscale to the nanoscale. One difficulty for scientists is to decide if the reference frame for comparison
[3]
should be a length (dimension), as given in ISO/TS 27687:2008 , or the surface area, or the volume,
concepts that unfortunately are all included in the English term, “bulk”. This difficulty is also present when
attempting to provide a visual representation on how properties, phenomena and states are associated with
each other.
Duplicate entries, questions about hierarchy, and the limits of language occurred for each visualization. As a
simple example, adsorption phenomena should be related to surface area and also the curvature of the
surface (convex or concave), which relates to length for a nanoparticle but not for a nanofibre. Considerations
such as these are subjects for future review.
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ISO/TR 12802:2010(E)
4.5.2 Version 1 properties framework
4.5.2.1 Diagram
Version 1 of a Properties framework diagram is shown in Figure 5. This version uses the category outlined in
[1]
ANSI/NISO Z39.19 (“Properties or states of persons, things, materials and actions”). It attempts to classify
properties related to nanotechnology in general, rather than to nanomaterials specifically.
nanophotonic
surface plasmon resonance
electron quantum
optical tunneling
quantum transport
property
Coulomb blockade
nanoelectronic
electronic /
Properties or states of
superconductive
electric
persons, things, materials
and actions
magnetic quantum tunneling
PROPERTIES
superparamagnetic
magnetic
giant magnetoresistance
giant magnetic impedance
quantum size effect
PHYSICAL
nanopatterned
nanoscaled
thermphoretic
nanoparticle transport
agglomerated
nanostructured
aggregated
nanocrystalline
Figure 5 — Version 1 properties framework diagram
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4.5.2.2 Advantages and disadvantages of version 1 properties framework
The framework highlights that collective properties may be central to identifying those phenomena most likely
to be distinctive at the nanoscale. However the framework does not satisfactorily address mechanical
properties. Moreover, physical properties encompassed virtually all the properties listed.
4.5.3 Version 2 properties framework
4.5.3.1 Diagram
Version 2 of a properties framework diagram is shown in Figure 6. Version 2, like version 1, uses the category
[1]
outlined in ANSI/NISO Z39.19 (“Properties or states of persons, things, materials and actions”). It attempts
to classify properties related to nanotechnology in general, rather than to nanomaterials specifically.
Properties or states of persons,
things, materials and actions
physical properties
mechanical properties
electronic / electrical properties
suggested example:
quantum transport
nanoindentation hardness
electron quantum tunneling
Coulomb blockade
nanoelectronic
superconductive
optical properties
magnetic properties
nanophotonic
magnetic quantum tunneling
surface plasmon
resonance
superparamagnetic
giant magnetoresistance
giant magnetic impedance
nanocrystalline
nanostructured
agglomerated
aggregated
nanoparticle transport
thermo
...
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