Mass spectrometry techniques in the context of nanometrology

[Display omitted] ► CdS QDs smaller than 6nm diameter were produced by soft chemistry methods. ► MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry technique is applied to QDs for size determination. ► MALDI-TOF MS and TEM techniques are complementary tools for nanometrology. With the development of material sciences, the characterization of nanomaterials has become a critical issue in managing their fascinating size-dependent physical and chemical properties. Controlling these properties from synthesis to the application phase, and consequently to their fate as a worldwide environmental and societal concern, is becoming more and more necessary. In this context, nanometrology, seen as a step to the total control of quantum dot (QD) properties, should make real headway in the near future. From this perspective, we present a careful investigation of small (