A Universal Nano-capillary Based Method of Catalyst Immobilization for Liquid-Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy.

ABSTRACT: A universal nano-capillary based method for sample deposition on the silicon nitride membrane of liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM) chips is demonstrated. It is applicable to all substances which can be dispersed in a solvent and are suitable for drop casting, including catalysts, biological samples, and polymers. Most importantly, this method overcomes limitations concerning sample immobilization due to the fragility of the ultra-thin silicon nitride membrane required for electron transmission. Thus, a straightforward way is presented to widen the research area of LCTEM to encompass any sample which can be externally deposited beforehand. Using this method, Nix B nanoparticles are deposited on the ?m-scale working electrode of the LCTEM chip and in?situ observation of single catalyst particles during ethanol oxidation is for the first time successfully monitored by means of TEM movies.

SUBMITTER: Tarnev T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7155139 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature