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Updated: May 2, 2026
10:29
Studying Dynamic Processes of Nano-sized Objects in Liquid using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy
Published on: February 5, 2017
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Factors influencing quantitative liquid (scanning) transmission electron microscopy
P Abellan1, T J Woehl, L R Parent
1Fundamental and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, Richland, WA 99352, USA. Patricia.abellanbaeza@pnnl.gov.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|March 20, 2014
Summary
Studying nanomaterials in liquid using electron microscopy is challenging. This study visually assesses experimental factors affecting sample damage, guiding optimal conditions for quantitative analysis in liquid (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM).
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Quantitative analysis of nanomaterials in liquid environments using (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) presents significant experimental hurdles.
- Key factors influencing experimental outcomes include electron dose, imaging mode, acceleration voltage, and beam-induced solution chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visually demonstrate the extent of damage caused by various instrumental and experimental factors in liquid samples during (S)TEM imaging.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of beam-sample interactions under different imaging and experimental conditions.
- To establish procedures for understanding electron beam effects on solutions and guide the selection of optimal conditions for quantitative analysis.
Main Methods:
- Visual assessment of beam-induced sample damage in liquid samples within the (S)TEM.
- Systematic variation of instrumental parameters (e.g., electron dose, acceleration voltage, imaging mode).
- Analysis of beam-sample interactions under diverse experimental conditions.
Main Results:
- Identification of specific instrumental and experimental factors that contribute to sample damage in liquid (S)TEM.
- Presentation of new insights into beam-sample interactions, complementing previous findings.
- Demonstration of how different conditions impact the integrity of liquid samples during imaging.
Conclusions:
- This work provides crucial information for selecting optimal experimental conditions to achieve quantitative results in liquid (S)TEM.
- It highlights the experimental factors that necessitate further investigation for fully quantitative analyses.
- Understanding and controlling beam-sample interactions are essential for reliable nanomaterial studies in liquid environments.
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