TGA and XRF purity by type of MWCNT sample. The objective of this study was to characterize an assortment of commercially available, non-functionalized of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) samples using thermogravimetric analysis, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Variability in the physicochemical properties of MWCNTs may be a significant factor in why many toxicological investigations have findings that are difficult to reproduce. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that investigators studying these materials present characterization information with their research findings in addition to providing their source.