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Updated: May 25, 2026

Light-Induced In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy for Observation of the Liquid-Soft Matter Interaction
Published on: July 26, 2022
In situ transmission electron microscopy of light-induced photocatalytic reactions
F Cavalca1, A B Laursen, B E Kardynal
1Center for Electron Nanoscopy, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
Abstract:
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) makes it possible to obtain insight into the structure, composition and reactivity of photocatalysts, which are of fundamental interest for sustainable energy research. Such insight can be used for further material optimization. Here, we combine conventional TEM analysis of photocatalysts with environmental TEM (ETEM) and photoactivation using light. Two novel types of TEM specimen holder that enable in situ illumination are developed to study light-induced phenomena in photoactive materials, systems and photocatalysts at the nanoscale under working conditions. The technological development of the holders is described and two representative photo-induced phenomena are studied: the photodegradation of Cu₂O and the photodeposition of Pt onto a GaN:ZnO photocatalyst.
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