Atomic-Scale Imaging and Spectroscopy for In Situ Liquid Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy

Journal Article · Mon Jun 04 04:00:00 EDT 2012 · Microscopy and Microanalysis, 18(3):621-627

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927612000104· OSTI ID:1052927

Jungjohann, K L; Evans, James E; Aguiar, Jeff; Arslan, Ilke; Browning, Nigel D

Observation of growth, synthesis, dynamics and electrochemical reactions in the liquid state is an important yet largely unstudied aspect of nanotechnology. The only techniques that can potentially provide the insights necessary to advance our understanding of these mechanisms is simultaneous atomic-scale imaging and quantitative chemical analysis (through spectroscopy) under environmental conditions in the transmission electron microscope (TEM). In this study we describe the experimental and technical conditions necessary to obtain electron energy loss (EEL) spectra from a nanoparticle in colloidal suspension using aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) combined with the environmental liquid stage. At a fluid path length below 400 nm, atomic resolution images can be obtained and simultaneous compositional analysis can be achieved. We show that EEL spectroscopy can be used to quantify the total fluid path length around the nanoparticle, and demonstrate characteristic core-loss signals from the suspended nanoparticles can be resolved and analyzed to provide information on the local interfacial chemistry with the surrounding environment. The combined approach using aberration corrected STEM and EEL spectra with the in situ fluid stage demonstrates a plenary platform for detailed investigations of solution based catalysis and biological research.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1052927
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-85660
• Journal Information: Microscopy and Microanalysis, 18(3):621-627, Journal Name: Microscopy and Microanalysis, 18(3):621-627
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

EELS
STEM
atomic resolution
in situ
liquid cell
spectroscopy