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Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy

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Updated: May 28, 2026

Miniaturized Sample Preparation for Transmission Electron Microscopy

Miniaturized Sample Preparation for Transmission Electron Microscopy

Published on: July 27, 2018

Plastic bag method for active sample loading into transmission electron microscope.

Hao Yao¹, Shigehito Isobe, Yongming Wang

¹Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, N13W8 Kita-ku Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan. yh2008@eng.hokudai.ac.jp

Journal of Electron Microscopy

|October 5, 2011

Summary

A new plastic bag method allows air-sensitive materials, like lithium aluminum hydride, to be observed in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) without air exposure. This technique simplifies sample handling for TEM analysis of delicate substances.

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Published on: July 27, 2018

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Published on: April 11, 2025

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Analytical Chemistry
Microscopy

Background:

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) requires samples to be introduced into a vacuum.
Many advanced materials, such as battery components and catalysts, are sensitive to air and degrade upon exposure.
Existing methods for transferring air-sensitive samples to TEM can be complex and may not fully prevent air contact.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a simple and effective method for transferring air-sensitive samples into a transmission electron microscope (TEM).
To enable the observation of microstructure and phase distribution of air-sensitive materials without degradation.
To demonstrate the utility of the method using a specific air-sensitive compound.

Main Methods:

A novel plastic bag containment system was designed for sample transfer.
The plastic bag method was used to transfer lithium aluminum hydride (Li(3)AlH(6)) into the TEM.
Microstructure and phase distribution of the sample were analyzed using TEM.

Main Results:

The plastic bag method successfully prevented air exposure during sample transfer to the TEM.
Effective observation of microstructure and phase distribution was achieved for lithium aluminum hydride.
The method proved to be a practical approach for handling various air-sensitive materials.

Conclusions:

The plastic bag method is a simple, practical, and effective technique for TEM analysis of air-sensitive samples.
This method significantly reduces air contact, preserving sample integrity for detailed microstructural analysis.
The developed technique is applicable to a range of air-sensitive materials, broadening the scope of TEM investigations.