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Updated: Feb 25, 2026
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Revealing Dynamic Processes of Materials in Liquids Using Liquid Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy
Published on: December 20, 2012
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Visualization of Colloidal Nanocrystal Formation and Electrode-Electrolyte Interfaces in Liquids Using TEM
Zhiyuan Zeng1, Wenjing Zheng1,2, Haimei Zheng1,3
1Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory , Berkeley, California 94720, United States.
Accounts of Chemical Research
|August 8, 2017
Summary
Liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM) visualizes dynamic liquid-solid interfaces, revealing nanocrystal growth pathways and electrode reactions. This technique offers insights into nanoparticle formation and battery material behavior.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Sciences
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a powerful tool for materials and chemical sciences.
- Liquid phase environmental TEM, specifically liquid cell TEM, is gaining interest for studying dynamic phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and applications of liquid cell TEM.
- To focus on studying dynamic phenomena at liquid-solid interfaces, including nanocrystal growth and electrode-electrolyte interfaces.
Main Methods:
- Liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for in-situ observation.
- Tracking single nanoparticle growth trajectories.
- Electrochemical liquid cell TEM for studying electrode-electrolyte interfaces.
Main Results:
- Observed two distinct growth pathways for platinum nanoparticles (monomer attachment and coalescence).
- Investigated facet development during nanocube growth, revealing similar growth rates for low-energy facets.
- Studied electrode-electrolyte interfaces, observing dendrite formation, MoS2 decomposition, and various Li-ion battery electrode reactions.
Conclusions:
- Liquid cell TEM provides unprecedented insights into dynamic processes at liquid-solid interfaces.
- The technique is valuable for understanding nanocrystal formation, self-assembly, and electrochemical reactions.
- Future opportunities exist for applying liquid phase environmental TEM to a broader range of liquid chemical reactions.
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