Three-dimensional characterization of noble-metal nanoparticles and their assemblies by electron tomography

New developments in the field of nanomaterials drive the need for quantitative characterization techniques that yield information down to the atomic scale. In this Review, we focus on the three-dimensional investigations of metal nanoparticles and their assemblies by electron tomography. This technique has become a versatile tool to understand the connection between the properties and structure or composition of nanomaterials. The different steps of an electron tomography experiment are discussed and we show how quantitative three-dimensional information can be obtained even at the atomic scale.