How to Cite ACS Nano in APA Format

Complete guide to citing ACS Nano in APA 7th edition with examples, unique formatting requirements, and common issues specific to this source.

ACS Nano presents unique citation challenges that require specific guidance beyond general source type rules. This page provides targeted help for finding citation information, handling ACS Nano's particular format requirements, and avoiding common mistakes specific to this platform.

Quick Reference: ACS Nano Citations

Reference List Format:
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxxx

ACS Nano-Specific Notes:
Citing articles from ACS Nano requires adherence to specific formatting guidelines that align with the American Chemical Society (ACS) style, which diverges from the more general citation formats students might encounter, such as APA or MLA. One notable distinction is that ACS Nano citations often need to list all authors when there are 20 or fewer, which is a point of divergence from APA's guideline to list only the first 19 authors followed by an ellipsis and the final author's name when there are more than 20 authors. In ACS Nano, each author's surname is followed by their initials without periods, and authors are separated by semicolons rather than commas. This meticulous listing ensures clarity and gives credit to all contributors.

A common point of confusion arises in the sequence and punctuation of these citations. Students frequently overlook the use of italicized journal titles and volume numbers in ACS style, which is crucial for maintaining consistency and professionalism. Additionally, ACS Nano requires the use of DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers) when available, positioned at the end of the citation. Best practices include double-checking that the author list and their initials are correctly formatted and ensuring that all elements, such as the article title, journal name, year, volume, and page range, are accurately presented. Utilizing citation management tools or referring to the ACS style guide can help students navigate these specifics and avoid common pitfalls, ensuring their references meet the journal's standards.

In-Text Citation:
- Parenthetical: ([Author], [Year])
- Narrative: [Author] ([Year])

Key Points:
- Use Journal Article format with ACS Nano specifics
- Locate citation info on ACS Nano's website
- Handle ACS Nano's unique formatting requirements

Last Updated: 2025-10-31 | Reading Time: 5 minutes

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Where to Find Citation Information on ACS Nano

ACS Nano is a prominent journal published by the American Chemical Society (ACS), which focuses on nanoscience and nanotechnology research. Properly citing articles from ACS Nano requires locating specific bibliographic information. Here’s a detailed guide for students to efficiently find citation information on the ACS Nano website:

1. Accessing ACS Nano:
   - Start by navigating to the ACS Publications website directly: ACS Publications.
   - Use the search bar on the homepage to enter "ACS Nano" or directly visit the ACS Nano journal page by selecting it from the list of journals.

2. Locating an Article:
   - Once on the ACS Nano journal page, you can find articles by entering keywords, authors' names, or specific topics in the search bar.
   - You can also browse through recent issues, or the archive, by selecting the "Volumes & Issues" tab.

3. Author Information:
   - After selecting an article, look for the author byline at the top of the article's abstract page. The authors' names are typically listed prominently below the article title.
   - Clicking on an author’s name may provide additional details such as their affiliation and other works published.

4. Publication Date:
   - The publication date is typically located directly under the article title, near the author byline. It might be formatted as "Published Date" or "Publication Date."
   - Ensure you note the full date (day, month, year) for accurate citation.

5. Article Title:
   - The title of the article is prominently displayed at the top of the article page. It is generally bold and immediately noticeable.

6. URL/Access Information:
   - The URL for the article is found in the browser’s address bar. Ensure you copy the complete URL, which should start with "https://pubs.acs.org/doi/" followed by the specific DOI (Digital Object Identifier) of the article.
   - DOI is crucial as it provides a permanent link to the article. Additionally, the DOI is often listed within the article details, usually near the abstract or at the bottom of the page.

7. Additional Citation Information:
   - Look for supplementary citation information such as the volume, issue, and page numbers. These are generally found near the top of the article page, often adjacent to the publication date.

By following these steps, students can efficiently gather all necessary information to cite ACS Nano articles properly. Remember, maintaining accuracy in these details is essential for scholarly communication and upholding academic integrity.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your ACS Nano Citation

How to Create an ACS Nano Citation

Creating a citation for an article in ACS Nano, a prominent scientific journal, follows a specific format. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can accurately cite your sources. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure clarity and correctness in your citations.

What You Need

1. Access to the article you want to cite.
2. Basic information about the article, including authors, publication year, title, journal name, volume, issue number, and page range.
3. A computer or device with internet access.
4. A citation tool or word processor, if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Identify the Authors
   Action: Look for the names of the authors of the article you intend to cite. Typically, these can be found at the top of the article or in the citation information section.
   Verification: Ensure you have the first initial and last name of each author. If there are two authors, include both names separated by an ampersand (&). If there are more than two authors, list only the first author followed by "et al."
   Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.
   Tip: If you are using an online database, the citation format may be automatically generated, making it easier to gather this information.

2. Determine the Publication Year
   Action: Find the year the article was published. This information is usually located near the author names.
   Verification: Ensure you have the correct publication year, as this is crucial for proper citation.
   Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes.
   Tip: Make sure you are looking at the correct version of the article, especially if it has been updated or revised.

3. Locate the Article Title
   Action: Look for the title of the article. It is typically displayed prominently at the top of the first page of the article.
   Verification: Ensure you copy the title exactly as it appears, including any capitalization.
   Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes.
   Tip: Titles often contain important keywords, so be sure to preserve the original wording.

4. Find the Journal Name, Volume, and Issue
   Action: Identify the journal name, volume number, and issue number. This information is usually found in the citation information section or the header/footer of the article.
   Verification: Confirm that you have the correct journal name and the corresponding volume and issue numbers.
   Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.
   Tip: Journals typically have a consistent naming format, so be cautious with similar titles.

5. Identify the Page Range
   Action: Look for the page numbers where the article is published. This information is typically located near the volume and issue information.
   Verification: Ensure you have both the starting and ending page numbers for the article.
   Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes.
   Tip: If the article does not have a specific page range, use "Article No." or "e" followed by the article number instead.

6. Collect the DOI
   Action: Find the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) for the article, which is a unique identifier for academic publications. This is usually provided on the first page of the article or in the citation information.
   Verification: Make sure the DOI is accurate and formatted correctly.
   Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.
   Tip: If you cannot find the DOI, you can look it up using online databases or the journal's website.

7. Format the Citation
   Action: Using the information you've gathered, format your citation according to the provided template:
   Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxxx
   Verification: Double-check that all elements are present and correctly formatted.
   Time Estimate: 5-7 minutes.
   Tip: Use a citation management tool or software to help format your citation automatically.

8. Review and Edit
   Action: Carefully review your citation for accuracy, ensuring all details match your source and are in the correct order.
   Verification: Compare your citation against the original article to confirm that there are no errors.
   Time Estimate: 3-5 minutes.
   Tip: It can be helpful to have someone else review your citation for clarity and correctness.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create an accurate citation for any article from ACS Nano. Taking your time during each step will help ensure that your citation is complete and correctly formatted. Consistent practice will also make the process quicker and easier in the future. Always remember to verify your information for accuracy, as precise citations are essential in academic writing.

Real Examples from ACS Nano

This section provides authentic citation examples from ACS Nano using recent publications from 2023-2024.

I can't conduct real-time searches or access live content like articles from ACS Nano directly. However, I can guide you on how to format citations based on typical structures and scenarios you might encounter when citing articles from ACS Nano according to APA 7th edition guidelines. Here's how you might structure your citations based on typical information you could find:

Example 1: Standard Individual Author

1. Scenario Description: This is a research article by a single author discussing advancements in nanotechnology applications.
2. Complete Reference List Citation:
   - Smith, J. A. (2023). Innovations in nanoparticle delivery systems. ACS Nano, 17(3), 1234-1245. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.3b01234
3. In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
   - (Smith, 2023)
4. In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
   - Smith (2023) discusses innovations in nanoparticle delivery systems.
5. Notes: This article is noteworthy for its comprehensive review of recent breakthroughs in the field of nanoparticle delivery, providing insights into both theoretical and practical advancements.

Example 2: Corporate Author

1. Scenario Description: A report published by a research institute on the environmental impacts of nanomaterials.
2. Complete Reference List Citation:
   - National Institute of Nanotechnology. (2023). Environmental implications of nanomaterials. ACS Nano, 17(5), 5678-5689. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.3b04567
3. In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
   - (National Institute of Nanotechnology, 2023)
4. In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
   - According to the National Institute of Nanotechnology (2023), the environmental implications of nanomaterials are significant.
5. Notes: This report is unique as it synthesizes current research from various studies, offering a holistic view of the environmental challenges posed by nanomaterials.

Example 3: Multiple Authors

1. Scenario Description: A collaborative study by multiple authors on the synthesis of graphene-based materials.
2. Complete Reference List Citation:
   - Johnson, L. M., Wang, T., & Kim, S. H. (2023). Synthesis and applications of graphene-based materials. ACS Nano, 17(7), 7890-7902. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.3b07890
3. In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
   - (Johnson, Wang, & Kim, 2023)
4. In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
   - Johnson, Wang, and Kim (2023) explore the synthesis and applications of graphene-based materials.
5. Notes: This study is particularly notable for its interdisciplinary approach, integrating chemistry, materials science, and engineering to address practical applications of graphene.

Example 4: Special Formatting Case

1. Scenario Description: An article with a supplementary material section that includes unique data sets.
2. Complete Reference List Citation:
   - Lee, C. Y., & Patel, R. J. (2023). Advanced characterization techniques for nanomaterials. ACS Nano, 17(9), 9012-9025. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.3b09012
3. In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
   - (Lee & Patel, 2023)
4. In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
   - Lee and Patel (2023) provide advanced characterization techniques for nanomaterials.
5. Notes: This article is unique for its extensive supplementary material, which includes detailed datasets and experimental procedures, offering invaluable resources for researchers in the field.

These examples illustrate how to format various types of sources you might encounter in ACS Nano, ensuring that your citations meet APA 7th edition requirements. Remember to adjust the actual details like author names, article titles, and DOIs based on the real articles you find in the journal.

Common Issues When Citing ACS Nano

Finding Authors

Issue Description:
Students often struggle to correctly identify and format author names when citing articles from ACS Nano. This can be due to the multiple authorship common in scientific papers, where numerous contributors are listed.

Why It Happens:
ACS Nano, like many scientific journals, often features articles with long lists of authors, sometimes exceeding 10 or more. The format in which authors are presented on the publication can also vary, causing confusion about the order and completeness of names to include.

Solution:
1. Navigate to the article's landing page on the ACS Nano website.
2. Locate the "Authors" section, usually found near the top of the article.
3. List all authors in the order they appear. According to APA 7th edition, for articles with up to 20 authors, include all names. For articles with more than 20 authors, list the first 19, insert an ellipsis, and then add the final author’s name.
4. Format names as "Last Name, Initial(s)."

Example:
- Before: Smith, J., Brown, P., & Others.
- After: Smith, J. A., Brown, P. D., Lee, E. F., ... Thompson, G. L.

Date Formats

Issue Description:
Students often struggle with the correct date format for ACS Nano citations, resulting in inconsistent citation styles.

Why It Happens:
ACS Nano articles often list publication dates in various formats, such as month-day-year or year-month-day, leading to confusion about which format to use in citations.

Solution:
1. Find the publication date on the article's page, usually near the title or authors.
2. Use the APA 7th edition format, which requires the year of publication only.
3. Ensure the date is enclosed in parentheses immediately following the author list, followed by a period.

Example:
- Before: 2023-05-15
- After: (2023).

URL Handling

Issue Description:
Properly handling URLs for ACS Nano articles can be confusing for students, especially with DOI links versus standard URLs.

Why It Happens:
ACS Nano articles are often accessed through institutional libraries with proxy links, or students may not know whether to use a DOI or the direct URL.

Solution:
1. Always prefer using the DOI when available. Locate it on the article's page, often listed as "DOI" under the title or abstract.
2. Format the DOI as a URL: https://doi.org/XX.XXXXX/XXXXX.
3. If no DOI is provided, use the stable URL of the article from the ACS Nano site, avoiding any proxy links.

Example:
- Before: https://proxy.library.edu/acs.nano.10.1021
- After: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.XXXXXXX

Access Requirements

Issue Description:
Students sometimes misunderstand the access requirements for articles from ACS Nano, leading to incorrect citation of sources they can't properly review.

Why It Happens:
ACS Nano is a subscription-based journal, meaning many articles are behind paywalls. Students might cite abstracts or summaries without accessing the full article.

Solution:
1. Check if your institution provides full access to ACS Nano articles. Use library resources or consult a librarian if needed.
2. If full access is not available, avoid citing sections of the article you cannot read in full. Seek alternative sources or request access through interlibrary loan services.
3. Always cite the version you have accessed. If only an abstract is available, indicate this in your citation.

By addressing these common issues with clear steps and examples, students can accurately and confidently cite ACS Nano articles in their academic work.

Note: For general Journal Article citation errors, see How to Cite Journal Article.

Frequently Asked Questions About ACS Nano

Q: How do I find the necessary citation information for an article from ACS Nano on their website?

A: When you navigate to an article on ACS Nano's website, look for the "Citation" or "References" section typically found near the abstract or at the bottom of the page. This section will often provide citation details such as the full list of authors, title, publication date, volume, issue, and page numbers. You can also use citation tools offered on the website to generate an initial APA citation.

Q: How should I format the author names when citing an article from ACS Nano, considering their unique author formats?

A: In APA format, list the authors' last names followed by their initials. ACS Nano articles may have numerous authors, so include up to 20 authors in the reference list, using an ampersand (&) before the last author's name. If there are more than 20 authors, list the first 19, followed by an ellipsis, and then the last author's name.

Q: How do I correctly format the publication date for an article from ACS Nano, considering their specific date formats?

A: In APA format, you should include the year of publication in parentheses immediately after the author's names. If the article provides a more specific date, such as a month and day, include that in the format: (Year, Month Day).

Q: What are the URL and access requirements when citing an article from ACS Nano?

A: If you accessed the article online, include the URL of the article at the end of the citation. If a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is provided, use it in place of the URL with the format: https://doi.org/[DOI]. Ensure that the URL or DOI leads directly to the article.

Q: How does citing an article from ACS Nano differ from citing other journal articles in APA format?

A: While the basic structure of journal article citations remains consistent in APA, ACS Nano articles may feature specific nuances, such as comprehensive author lists and detailed publication dates. Additionally, ensure you accurately capture the journal's title, "ACS Nano," which is distinct from other journals, and always prioritize the use of a DOI if available for more reliable referencing.

Related Guides

Similar Source Types:

• Journal Article - Complete guide to citing journal article

Related Specific Sources:

• Similar Source - How to cite similar sources

Validation Guides:

• Check Capitalization
• Validate URL Format
• Check Author Formatting
• Validate DOI Format

Need More Help?

• Citation Checker Tool - Validate your ACS Nano citations automatically
• Complete APA Guide - Comprehensive APA 7th edition reference

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