EVQ-218 is a unique high energy nanoparticle with a method of manufacture that avoids chem. or biol. synthesis.As a result, EVQ-218 possesses a truly bare surface, free of stabilizing shell chem. present on traditional synthetic nanoparticles.Rapid, light driven formation results in an ultra-stable surface structure that is non emissive, with particles that do not aggregate or fall out of suspension.This enhanced particle stability reduces the need for surfactants or other nanomaterial preservatives.In an everchanging regulatory landscape, there is increasing scrutiny to definitively characterize nanomaterials and assess their potential environmental/toxicol. footprint.A variety of studies have been established, to compare various nanomaterials to NIST standards, and degradation species of interest (ie. ions).EVQ-218 exhibits particle size, shape, and uniformity that is nearly equivalent to NIST standardsDifferences in the two particles are distinct in their surface structure, chem., and reactivity.Comparative data, including kinetic stability, were obtained using a variety of methods.The most compelling data presented herein utilizes STEM-EELS to confirm distinct surface chem. variations in the two particle systems.