Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Preparation of Graphene-Supported Microwell Liquid Cells for In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy
Published on: July 15, 2019
Unravelling the Mechanisms of Gold-Silver Core-Shell Nanostructure Formation by in Situ TEM Using an Advanced Liquid
Andreas Hutzler1, Tilo Schmutzler2, Michael P M Jank3
1Electron Devices (LEB), Department of Electrical, Electronic and Communication Engineering , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) , Cauerstraße 6 , 91058 Erlangen , Germany.
Abstract:
The growth of silver shells on gold nanorods is investigated by in situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy using an advanced liquid cell architecture. The design is based on microwells in which the liquid is confined between a thin Si3N4 membrane on one side and a few-layer graphene cap on the other side. A well-defined specimen thickness and an ultraflat cell top allow for the application of high-resolution TEM and the application of analytical TEM techniques on the same sample. The combination of high-resolution data with chemical information is validated by radically new insights into the growth of silver shells on cetrimonium bromide stabilized gold nanorods. It is shown that silver bromide particles already formed in the stock solution play an important role in the exchange of silver ions. The Ag shell growth can be directly correlated with the layer-by-layer dissolution of AgBr nanocrystals, which can be controlled by the electron flux density via distinctly generated chemical species in the solvent. The derived model framework is confirmed by in situ UV-vis absorption spectroscopy evaluating the blue shift in the longitudinal surface plasmon resonance of anisotropic NRs in a complementary batch experiment.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanism of Lamellipodia Formation
Mechanism of Filopodia Formation
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
Mechanisms of Membrane Domain Formation
Another mechanism for membrane domain formation involves membrane proteins interacting with...
The Nucleosome Core Particle
The paradox
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their main responsibility is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. While on the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access DNA...
Aldehydes and Ketones with Amines: Enamine Formation Mechanism
Formation of Complex Ions

