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Scanning Electron Microscopy

Scanning Electron Microscopy

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to study the surface features of a sample by using an electron beam that scans the sample surface in a two-dimensional manner. Typically, areas between ~1 centimeter to 5 micrometers in width can be imaged. SEM can be used to image bacteria, viruses, tissues as well as larger samples like insects. Conventional SEM gives a magnification ranging from 20X to 30,000X and spatial resolution of 50 to 100 nanometers.
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...

Overview of Microscopy Techniques

Overview of Microscopy Techniques

The early pioneers of microscopy opened a window into the invisible world of microorganisms. In 1830, Joseph Jackson Lister created an essentially modern light microscope. The 20th century saw the development of microscopes that leveraged nonvisible light, such as fluorescence microscopy that uses an ultraviolet light source and electron microscopy that uses short-wavelength electron beams. These advances significantly improved magnification, image resolution, and contrast. By comparison, the...

Overview of Electron Microscopy

Overview of Electron Microscopy

The wavelengths of visible light ultimately limit the maximum theoretical resolution of images created by light microscopes. Most light microscopes can only magnify 1000X, and a few can magnify up to 1500X. Electrons, like electromagnetic radiation, can behave like waves, but with wavelengths of 0.005 nm, they produce significantly greater resolution up to 0.05 nm as compared to 500 nm for visible light. An electron microscope (EM) can create a sharp image that is magnified up to 2,000,000X.

Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy

Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy

To be visualized by an electron microscope, either transmission or scanning, biological samples need to be fixed (stabilized) so the electron beam does not destroy them and dried thoroughly (desiccated/dehydrated) so the vacuum does not affect them. Fixation needs to be done as quickly as possible because the sample properties will start changing as soon as it is removed from its natural environment. For example, in a tissue sample, the oxygen levels begin decreasing, causing an altered...

Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction

Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can be used to determine the 3D structure of biological samples with the help of techniques such as electron microscope tomography and single-particle reconstruction. While single-particle reconstruction can examine macromolecules and macromolecular complexes in vitro conditions only, tomography permits the study of cell components or small cells in vivo.
Electron Tomography
Electron tomography can be performed either in TEM or STEM (scanning transmission...

Voltammetric Techniques: Linear-Scan (E vs Time)

Voltammetric Techniques: Linear-Scan (E vs Time)

Polarography is a classical voltammetric technique used to analyze electrochemical reactions. This method applies a linear potential sweep to a dropping mercury electrode (DME), and the resulting current is measured. A dropping mercury electrode is commonly used as the working electrode in polarography. It consists of a capillary tube filled with mercury, where the tiny droplet forms at the tip. This droplet continuously drops from the capillary, creating a new electrode surface for each...

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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Probing Surface Electrochemical Activity of Nanomaterials using a Hybrid Atomic Force Microscope-Scanning Electrochemical Microscope (AFM-SECM)

Probing Surface Electrochemical Activity of Nanomaterials using a Hybrid Atomic Force Microscope-Scanning Electrochemical Microscope (AFM-SECM)

Published on: February 10, 2021

Scanning electrochemical microscopy.

Shigeru Amemiya¹, Allen J Bard, Fu-Ren F Fan

¹University of Pittsburgh, Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania 15260, USA.

Annual Review of Analytical Chemistry (Palo Alto, Calif.)

|July 20, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) has advanced significantly since 2000, enabling new applications in materials science and biology. This technique probes charge transport, evaluates electrocatalytic activity, and studies local material properties with high resolution.

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Area of Science:

Electrochemistry
Materials Science
Nanotechnology

Background:

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) has evolved considerably since 2000.
Key advancements include the development of nanometer-sized tips, enhancing spatial resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the progress and new applications of SECM since 2000.
To highlight important trends and emerging uses of SECM in various scientific fields.

Main Methods:

Adaptation of SECM for studying charge transport across liquid/liquid interfaces.
Application of SECM to investigate charge transport in thin films and membranes.
Utilizing SECM in biological systems, including single cells, to analyze ion transport and enzyme activity.

Main Results:

SECM is effective for evaluating electrocatalytic activities for reactions like oxygen reduction and hydrogen oxidation.
The technique is valuable for studying the local properties and reactivity of diverse materials (metals, insulators, semiconductors).
Integration of SECM with other techniques like atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides complementary data.

Conclusions:

SECM is a versatile and powerful electrochemical tool with broad applications.
Recent developments have expanded its utility in nanoscience, energy conversion, and biological studies.
Combining SECM with other techniques enhances its analytical capabilities.