Using the example of carbon nanoparticles of different functionality and shape, the possibilities of a comprehensive surface characterization are presented. In the focus of the analytical work lie electrokinetic and wetting measurements, which were supplemented by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and gas sorption measurements. Thus, the chemical functionality, the surface energy as well as the topography of the particle surfaces can be described quantitatively. Knowing these variables allows a targeted selection of particles as reinforcing materials as well as nucleating agents.