Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) is presented as a representative tool for the investigation of nanomaterials: Aerosil200V and two iron oxides (nanohematite and nanogoethite). IGC was used for characterization of the surface properties of materials. Parameters describing their surface properties are calculated from the retention data of test solutes injected into a column filled with the solid of interest. It is possible to determine the surface activity and the Hamaker constants of different nanomaterials. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.