Surface Chemical Analysis of Ceramics and Ceramic‐Enhanced Analytics

This chapter gives a brief overview of methods used to analyze functionalized surfaces with a comparison among different working principles and performances. The schematic, yet nonexhaustive summary, can guide a nonexpert reader in evaluating potential and limitations of some of the most used analytical tools. Most significant methods such as electron and X-ray spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and vibrational spectroscopy (Raman and Infrared) are in focus. These techniques will be described in general terms, to provide a concise overview of their working principles, capabilities, and applications. The second part of this chapter will present exciting examples in which ceramic nanostructures are exploited to enhance the chemical sensitivity in optical sensing, vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman), and mass spectrometry and enable novel surface analytical tools based on their versatile properties.