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Preparation of Graphene-Supported Microwell Liquid Cells for In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy
Published on: July 15, 2019
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MoS2 Liquid Cell Electron Microscopy Through Clean and Fast Polymer-Free MoS2 Transfer
Jiwoong Yang1, Moon Kee Choi2,3, Yuewen Sheng4
1Materials Sciences Division , Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States.
Nano Letters
|February 12, 2019
Summary
Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) serves as a substrate and membrane for liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This enables studies on platinum (Pt) nanocrystal growth and van der Waals epitaxy on MoS2.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Science
Background:
- Two-dimensional (2D) materials possess unique properties driving diverse applications.
- Graphene is utilized in liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM) due to its exceptional characteristics.
- Developing new 2D materials for advanced microscopy is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the use of 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as a functional substrate and membrane for liquid cell TEM.
- To investigate the growth mechanisms of platinum (Pt) nanocrystals on MoS2 substrates.
- To explore the van der Waals epitaxial relationship between Pt nanocrystals and MoS2.
Main Methods:
- A facile and polymer-free MoS2 transfer process was developed.
- Liquid cell TEM was employed to study Pt nanocrystal formation on MoS2.
- Analysis of nanocrystal lattice alignment with the MoS2 substrate.
Main Results:
- Pt nanocrystals grown in MoS2 liquid cells exhibit a strong tendency to align with the MoS2 crystal lattice.
- A van der Waals epitaxial relationship was observed between Pt and MoS2.
- The study elucidated the formation mechanisms of heterostructured 2D materials.
Conclusions:
- MoS2 liquid cells offer a new platform for studying liquid phenomena on 2D materials.
- The polymer-free transfer process facilitates broader applications of MoS2.
- This work advances the understanding of nanocrystal growth and heterostructure formation.
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