Accessing local electron-beam induced temperature changes during in situ liquid-phase transmission electron...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemistry
• Physics

Background:

• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a powerful tool for analyzing materials at the nanoscale.
• Liquid-phase TEM enables in-situ observation of dynamic processes in liquids.
• Electron beam irradiation can induce various effects, including heating, which may alter experimental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate and quantify electron-beam induced heating in liquid-phase TEM at low electron flux densities.
• To investigate the influence of this heating effect on radiolysis chemistry.
• To provide a better understanding of beam-sample interactions in liquid environments.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing gold (Au) nanoparticles as local nanothermometers to measure temperature changes.
• Performing liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy experiments at controlled, low electron flux densities.
• Employing theoretical calculations to support experimental observations.

Main Results:

• A significant electron-beam induced heating effect was observed in liquid samples.
• The experimental results showing heating were consistent with theoretical predictions.
• The impact of beam-induced heating on radiolysis chemistry was estimated.

Conclusions:

• Electron beam heating is a critical factor to consider in liquid-phase TEM, even at low electron fluxes.
• Understanding and accounting for beam-induced heating is essential for accurate interpretation of radiolysis chemistry in liquid samples.
• Gold nanoparticles serve as effective nanothermometers for quantifying beam-induced heating in liquid environments.