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Advances in Transmission Electron Microscopy to Image Nanocrystals
Sungsu Kang1,2, Minyoung Lee1, Jinho Rhee1
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; email: jsh528@snu.ac.kr, jungwonpark@snu.ac.kr.
Annual Review of Physical Chemistry
|December 19, 2025
Summary
Recent transmission electron microscopy (TEM) advancements allow atomic-scale observation of nanocrystals. These innovations overcome limitations, enabling detailed analysis of structure, defects, and dynamics for materials by design.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Traditional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) faced limitations in resolution, radiation damage, and environmental constraints for observing nanocrystals.
- Weak contrast for light elements and 2D projection issues hindered detailed analysis of nanoscale structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight recent advancements in TEM enabling high-resolution observation of nanocrystals.
- To discuss how new techniques overcome historical limitations in materials characterization.
- To emphasize the potential of these advancements for materials by design.
Main Methods:
- Innovations in TEM instrumentation and specimen preparation techniques.
- Development of advanced imaging modalities and overcoming high-vacuum constraints.
- Application of advanced image processing, including machine learning for data interpretation (denoising, segmentation, quantitative analysis).
Main Results:
- Achieved unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions for nanocrystal observation.
- Enabled atomic-scale visualization of structural motifs, defects, strain distributions, and dynamic transformations.
- Facilitated in-situ observation of nanocrystals in realistic environments like liquids and gases.
Conclusions:
- Emerging TEM techniques provide novel insights into nanoscale processes.
- Directly link atomic structure and dynamics to functional properties of materials.
- Significantly advance the field of materials by design through enhanced characterization capabilities.
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