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Title: Probing molecular vibrations by monochromated electron microscopy

Journal Article · · Trends in Chemistry

Chemical bonds fundamentally determine molecular properties and are prevalently characterized by various spectroscopic means such as infrared and Raman spectroscopies. However, the spatial resolution of these conventional approaches is insufficient to reveal nanoscale features. Recently, monochromated electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) in the transmission electron microscope achieved a groundbreaking energy resolution of a few millielectronvolts and enabled direct observation of molecular vibrational spectrum with unmatched spatial resolution. Vibrational EELS is widely applicable to both organic and inorganic matter in the solid state or liquid phase. In this study, we introduce recent advancements and key concepts of this method, compare with other spectroscopic techniques, and discuss future developments for potential applications in research fields centered on catalysts, polymers, and live cells.

Research Organization:
Univ. of California, Irvine, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Materials Sciences & Engineering Division (MSE); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0014430
OSTI ID:
1977697
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1837335
Journal Information:
Trends in Chemistry, Vol. 4, Issue 1; ISSN 2589-5974
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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