3 minute read
NPL has worked with The University of Manchester and 15 leading research institutes worldwide to demonstrate the ability to accurately measure graphene’s thickness at the atomic level. A new global standard has been developed through this work, ISO/TS 21356-2, allowing graphene to move one step closer to transforming everyday technology.
Graphene is often called a ‘wonder material’ because it’s incredibly strong, light and conductive. It could revolutionise everything from electric cars to smartphones but only if we can guarantee its quality.
To do that, a group of scientists from the University of Manchester and NPL gathered to set a new global benchmark for testing graphene’s single-atom thickness. They used a technique called transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to check whether graphene really is just one atom thick, a key feature that gives it its unique properties. The results, published in 2D Materials , will form the basis of a new ISO international standard, giving manufacturers confidence that the graphene they use meets strict quality requirements.
“Industry needs certainty,” explains Dr Andrew Pollard, Principal Scientist at NPL. “Our work ensures that companies can trust the material they’re using, whether it’s for lightweight vehicles, sports equipment, touchscreens, or advanced electronics.”
“NPL are world experts in standardisation. It’s been great to be able to learn from their expertise to develop a standard protocol that we believe will be useful and accessible to industry, so can support the exploiting the exciting properties of graphene in commercial applications”. said Professor Sarah Haigh, Professor of Materials.
The new protocol allows labs to perform these measurements reproducibly, wherever they are in the world. NPL and the University of Manchester/Henry Royce Institute are able to support users directly if they don’t have TEM or other graphene characterisation equipment. This achievement builds on NPL’s widely downloaded Good Practice Guide 145 which was developed with the University of Manchester and has already helped businesses and researchers worldwide.
Find out more about NPL’s work with graphene
22 Jan 2026