Book excerpt: Nanodiamonds: Advanced Material Analysis, Properties and Applications illustrates the complementarity of specific techniques to fully characterize nanodiamonds from their diamond core (crystalline structure, defects, sp2 carbon, impurities, strain) to their surface (surface chemistry, stability of surface groups, reactivity, surface charge, colloidal properties). The relationship between physical and chemical parameters sits at the heart of what this book is about. Recent advances in the synthesis of nanodiamonds either by HPHT or detonation are covered, along with extended characterization of the core and surface of nanodiamonds, focusing on the most advanced experimental tools developed for nanoscale diagnosis. Each technique presented includes presentation of both principles and applications. This combination of advanced characterizations offers readers a better understanding of the relationship that exists between physical and chemical parameters of nanodiamonds and their properties. In particular, the role of structural defects or chemical impurities is illustrated. Toxicity of nanodiamonds for cells is also discussed, as It is an essential issue for their bioapplications. Final sections in the book cover the main promising new advances and applications of nanodiamonds, the formation of hybrids, and their use in polymer and oil composites. - Provides a focused analysis of the relationship between the physical, chemical parameters, and properties of nanodiamonds - Allows the reader to better understand the material characterization of nanodiamonds and how they can be most successfully used - Presents R&D scientists and engineers with the information they need to understand how nanodiamonds can be used to create more efficient products - Includes novel applications, for example, the formation of hybrids based on nanodiamonds, that are covered in detail