1
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Axelrod JJ, Zhang JT, Petrov PN, Glaeser RM, Müller H. Modern approaches to improving phase contrast electron microscopy. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 86:102805. [PMID: 38531188 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Although defocus can be used to generate partial phase contrast in transmission electron microscope images, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) can be further improved by the development of phase plates which increase contrast by applying a phase shift to the unscattered part of the electron beam. Many approaches have been investigated, including the ponderomotive interaction between light and electrons. We review the recent successes achieved with this method in high-resolution, single-particle cryo-EM. We also review the status of using pulsed or near-field enhanced laser light as alternatives, along with approaches that use scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with a segmented detector rather than a phase plate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy J Axelrod
- Department of Physics, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, One Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jessie T Zhang
- Department of Physics, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Petar N Petrov
- Department of Physics, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, One Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Robert M Glaeser
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Holger Müller
- Department of Physics, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, One Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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2
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Robinson AW, Moshtaghpour A, Wells J, Nicholls D, Chi M, MacLaren I, Kirkland AI, Browning ND. High-speed 4-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy using compressive sensing techniques. J Microsc 2024. [PMID: 38711338 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.13315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Here we show that compressive sensing allows 4-dimensional (4-D) STEM data to be obtained and accurately reconstructed with both high-speed and reduced electron fluence. The methodology needed to achieve these results compared to conventional 4-D approaches requires only that a random subset of probe locations is acquired from the typical regular scanning grid, which immediately generates both higher speed and the lower fluence experimentally. We also consider downsampling of the detector, showing that oversampling is inherent within convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) patterns and that detector downsampling does not reduce precision but allows faster experimental data acquisition. Analysis of an experimental atomic resolution yttrium silicide dataset shows that it is possible to recover over 25 dB peak signal-to-noise ratio in the recovered phase using 0.3% of the total data. Lay abstract: Four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4-D STEM) is a powerful technique for characterizing complex nanoscale structures. In this method, a convergent beam electron diffraction pattern (CBED) is acquired at each probe location during the scan of the sample. This means that a 2-dimensional signal is acquired at each 2-D probe location, equating to a 4-D dataset. Despite the recent development of fast direct electron detectors, some capable of 100kHz frame rates, the limiting factor for 4-D STEM is acquisition times in the majority of cases, where cameras will typically operate on the order of 2kHz. This means that a raster scan containing 256^2 probe locations can take on the order of 30s, approximately 100-1000 times longer than a conventional STEM imaging technique using monolithic radial detectors. As a result, 4-D STEM acquisitions can be subject to adverse effects such as drift, beam damage, and sample contamination. Recent advances in computational imaging techniques for STEM have allowed for faster acquisition speeds by way of acquiring only a random subset of probe locations from the field of view. By doing this, the acquisition time is significantly reduced, in some cases by a factor of 10-100 times. The acquired data is then processed to fill-in or inpaint the missing data, taking advantage of the inherently low-complex signals which can be linearly combined to recover the information. In this work, similar methods are demonstrated for the acquisition of 4-D STEM data, where only a random subset of CBED patterns are acquired over the raster scan. We simulate the compressive sensing acquisition method for 4-D STEM and present our findings for a variety of analysis techniques such as ptychography and differential phase contrast. Our results show that acquisition times can be significantly reduced on the order of 100-300 times, therefore improving existing frame rates, as well as further reducing the electron fluence beyond just using a faster camera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex W Robinson
- Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- SenseAI Innovations Ltd., University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Amirafshar Moshtaghpour
- Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Correlated Imaging Group, Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Jack Wells
- SenseAI Innovations Ltd., University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Distributed Algorithms Centre for Doctoral Training, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Daniel Nicholls
- Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- SenseAI Innovations Ltd., University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Miaofang Chi
- Chemical Science Division, Centre for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ian MacLaren
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Angus I Kirkland
- Correlated Imaging Group, Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nigel D Browning
- Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- SenseAI Innovations Ltd., University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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3
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Corrêa LM, Ortega E, Ponce A, Cotta MA, Ugarte D. High precision orientation mapping from 4D-STEM precession electron diffraction data through quantitative analysis of diffracted intensities. Ultramicroscopy 2024; 259:113927. [PMID: 38330596 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2024.113927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The association of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and detection of a diffraction pattern at each probe position (so-called 4D-STEM) represents one of the most promising approaches to analyze structural properties of materials with nanometric resolution and low irradiation levels. This is widely used for texture analysis of materials using automated crystal orientation mapping (ACOM). Herein, we perform orientation mapping in InP nanowires exploiting precession electron diffraction (PED) patterns acquired by an axial CMOS camera. Crystal orientation is determined at each probe position by the quantitative analysis of diffracted intensities minimizing a residue comparing experiments and simulations in analogy to x-ray structural refinement. Our simulations are based on the two-beam dynamical diffraction approximation and yield a high angular precision (∼0.03°), much lower than the traditional ACOM based on pattern matching algorithms (∼1°). We anticipate that simultaneous exploration of both spot positions and high precision crystal misorientation will allow the exploration of the whole potentiality provided by PED-based 4D-STEM for the characterization of deformation fields in nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo M Corrêa
- Instituto de Fisica "Gleb Wataghin", Universidade Estadual de Campinas-UNICAMP, 13083-859 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Ortega
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX 78249, United States
| | - Arturo Ponce
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX 78249, United States
| | - Mônica A Cotta
- Instituto de Fisica "Gleb Wataghin", Universidade Estadual de Campinas-UNICAMP, 13083-859 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel Ugarte
- Instituto de Fisica "Gleb Wataghin", Universidade Estadual de Campinas-UNICAMP, 13083-859 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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4
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Cooper D, Bruas L, Bryan M, Boureau V. Measuring electrical properties in semiconductor devices by pixelated STEM and off-axis electron holography (or convergent beams vs. plane waves). Micron 2024; 179:103594. [PMID: 38340549 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2024.103594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
We demonstrate the use of both pixelated differential phase contrast (DPC) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and off-axis electron holography (EH) for the measurement of electric fields and assess the advantages and limitations of each technique when applied to technologically relevant samples. Three different types of samples are examined, firstly a simple highly-doped Si pn junction. Then a SiGe superlattice is examined to evaluate the effects of the mean inner potential on the measured signal. Finally, an InGaN/GaN microwire light-emitting diode (LED) device is examined which has a polarization field, variations of mean inner potential and a wurtzite crystal lattice. We discuss aspects such as spatial resolution and sensitivity, and the concept of pseudo-field is defined. However, the most important point is the need to limit the influence of diffraction contrast to obtain accurate measurements. In this respect, the use of a plane electron wave for EH is clearly beneficial when compared to the use of a convergent beam for pixelated DPC STEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cooper
- Universite Grenoble Alpes, CEA, LETI, F-38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Lucas Bruas
- Universite Grenoble Alpes, CEA, LETI, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Matthew Bryan
- Universite Grenoble Alpes, CEA, LETI, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Victor Boureau
- Universite Grenoble Alpes, CEA, LETI, F-38000 Grenoble, France; Interdisciplinary Center for Electron Microscopy, EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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5
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Ishida Y. Atomic-Scale Imaging of Clay Mineral Nanosheets and Their Supramolecular Complexes through Electron Microscopy: A Supramolecular Chemist's Perspective. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:6065-6076. [PMID: 38484331 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Recent advancements in electron microscopy techniques have revolutionized the ability to directly visualize and understand the intricate world of supramolecular chemistry. This paper provides a concise overview of a study delving into the atomic-scale imaging of monolayer clay mineral nanosheets and their associated supramolecular complexes. The imaging is conducted by harnessing the power of aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Clay mineral nanosheets, with their anionic charge and ultrathin thickness (of 1 nm), serve as a stable Coulombic host material for cationic guest molecules through electrostatic interactions, facilitating exceptional stability and control during observation. By incorporation of heavy-metal atom markers coordinated within the target molecules, high-angle annular dark field STEM enables a clear visualization of these supramolecular complexes. This approach helps to overcome the limitations of graphene-based systems and expands the possibilities of atomic-scale imaging of nonperiodic molecular assemblies formed by weak supramolecular interactions. The fusion of electron microscopy techniques with the principles of supramolecular and material chemistry offers exciting opportunities for studying the structure, behavior, and properties of complex supramolecular systems. It sheds light on the intricate molecular architectures and design principles governing these systems. This study showcases the immense potential of electron microscopy in supramolecular chemistry and invites researchers from various disciplines to explore the transformative possibilities of atomic-scale imaging in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Ishida
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 816-8580 Japan
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6
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Axelrod JJ, Zhang JT, Petrov PN, Glaeser RM, Mȕller H. Modern approaches to improving phase contrast electron microscopy. ARXIV 2024:arXiv:2401.11678v2. [PMID: 38344223 PMCID: PMC10854270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Although defocus can be used to generate partial phase contrast in transmission electron microscope images, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) can be further improved by the development of phase plates which increase contrast by applying a phase shift to the unscattered part of the electron beam. Many approaches have been investigated, including the ponderomotive interaction between light and electrons. We review the recent successes achieved with this method in high-resolution, single-particle cryo-EM. We also review the status of using pulsed or near-field enhanced laser light as alternatives, along with approaches that use scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with a segmented detector rather than a phase plate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy J Axelrod
- Department of Physics, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, One Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jessie T Zhang
- Department of Physics, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Petar N Petrov
- Department of Physics, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, One Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Robert M Glaeser
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Holger Mȕller
- Department of Physics, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, One Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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7
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DeRonja J, Nowell M, Wright S, Kacher J. Generational assessment of EBSD detectors for cross-correlation-based analysis: From scintillators to direct detection. Ultramicroscopy 2024; 257:113913. [PMID: 38141535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2023.113913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Introduced over ten years ago, cross-correlation-based electron backscatter diffraction has enabled high precision measurements of crystallographic rotations and elastic strain gradients at high spatial resolution. Since that time, there have been remarkable improvements in electron detector technology, including the advent of ultra-high speed detectors and the commercialization of direct detectors. In this study, we assess the efficacy of multiple generations of electron detectors for cross-correlation-based analysis using a single crystal Si sample as a reference. We show that, while improvements in precision are modest, there have been significant gains in the rate at which high-quality diffraction patterns can be collected. This has important implications in the size of datasets that can be collected and reduces the impact of drift and sample contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Josh Kacher
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States.
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8
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Nguyen KX, Jiang Y, Lee CH, Kharel P, Zhang Y, van der Zande AM, Huang PY. Achieving sub-0.5-angstrom-resolution ptychography in an uncorrected electron microscope. Science 2024; 383:865-870. [PMID: 38386746 DOI: 10.1126/science.adl2029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Subangstrom resolution has long been limited to aberration-corrected electron microscopy, where it is a powerful tool for understanding the atomic structure and properties of matter. Here, we demonstrate electron ptychography in an uncorrected scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) with deep subangstrom spatial resolution down to 0.44 angstroms, exceeding the conventional resolution of aberration-corrected tools and rivaling their highest ptychographic resolutions. Our approach, which we demonstrate on twisted two-dimensional materials in a widely available commercial microscope, far surpasses prior ptychographic resolutions (1 to 5 angstroms) of uncorrected STEMs. We further show how geometric aberrations can create optimized, structured beams for dose-efficient electron ptychography. Our results demonstrate that expensive aberration correctors are no longer required for deep subangstrom resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla X Nguyen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Yi Jiang
- Advanced Photon Source Facility, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, USA
| | - Chia-Hao Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Priti Kharel
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Arend M van der Zande
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Pinshane Y Huang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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9
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Bijelić L, Ruiz-Zepeda F, Hodnik N. The role of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy in unraveling the structure-property relationships of Pt-based fuel cells electrocatalysts. Inorg Chem Front 2024; 11:323-341. [PMID: 38235274 PMCID: PMC10790562 DOI: 10.1039/d3qi01998e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Platinum-based fuel cell electrocatalysts are structured on a nano level in order to extend their active surface area and maximize the utilization of precious and scarce platinum. Their performance is dictated by the atomic arrangement of their surface layers atoms via structure-property relationships. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) are the preferred methods for characterizing these catalysts, due to their capacity to achieve local atomic-level resolutions. Size, morphology, strain and local composition are just some of the properties of Pt-based nanostructures that can be obtained by (S)TEM. Furthermore, advanced methods of (S)TEM are able to provide insights into the quasi-in situ, in situ or even operando stability of these nanostructures. In this review, we present state-of-the-art applications of (S)TEM in the investigation and interpretation of structure-activity and structure-stability relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lazar Bijelić
- Laboratory for Electrocatalysis, Department of Materials Chemistry, National Insititute of Chemistry Hajdrihova 19 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
- University of Nova Gorica Vipavska 13 Nova Gorica SI-5000 Slovenia
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda
- Laboratory for Electrocatalysis, Department of Materials Chemistry, National Insititute of Chemistry Hajdrihova 19 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
- Department of Physics and Chemistry of Materials, Institute for Metals and Technology IMT Lepi pot 11 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Nejc Hodnik
- Laboratory for Electrocatalysis, Department of Materials Chemistry, National Insititute of Chemistry Hajdrihova 19 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
- University of Nova Gorica Vipavska 13 Nova Gorica SI-5000 Slovenia
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10
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Gu Z, Wang K, Rao Y, Nan P, Cheng L, Ge B, Zhang W, Ma C. Atomic-Resolution Electron Microscopy Unravelling the Role of Unusual Asymmetric Twin Boundaries in the Electron-Beam-Sensitive NASICON-Type Solid Electrolyte. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:11818-11826. [PMID: 38078871 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c03852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
An atomic-scale understanding of the role of nonperiodic features is essential to the rational design of highly Li-ion-conductive solid electrolytes. Unfortunately, most solid electrolytes are easily damaged by the intense electron beam needed for atomic-resolution electron microscopy observation, so the reported in-depth atomic-scale studies are limited to Li0.33La0.56TiO3- and Li7La3Zr2O12-based materials. Here, we observe on an atomic scale a third type of solid electrolyte, Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP), through minimization of damage induced by specimen preparation. With this capability, LATP is found to contain large amounts of twin boundaries with an unusual asymmetric atomic configuration. On the basis of the experimentally determined structure, the theoretical calculations suggest that such asymmetric twin boundaries may considerably promote Li-ion transport. This discovery identifies a new entry point for optimizing ionic conductivity, and the method presented here will also greatly benefit the mechanistic study of solid electrolytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenqi Gu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- School of Materials & Energy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yifei Rao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Pengfei Nan
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Lixun Cheng
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Binghui Ge
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Wenhua Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Cheng Ma
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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11
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Messina MS, Chang CJ. Chemical Sensors and Imaging: Molecular, Materials, and Biological Platforms. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:1706-1711. [PMID: 37780366 PMCID: PMC10540294 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c01070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
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12
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Chafiq M, Chaouiki A, Ko YG. Recent Advances in Multifunctional Reticular Framework Nanoparticles: A Paradigm Shift in Materials Science Road to a Structured Future. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2023; 15:213. [PMID: 37736827 PMCID: PMC10516851 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-023-01180-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Porous organic frameworks (POFs) have become a highly sought-after research domain that offers a promising avenue for developing cutting-edge nanostructured materials, both in their pristine state and when subjected to various chemical and structural modifications. Metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks are examples of these emerging materials that have gained significant attention due to their unique properties, such as high crystallinity, intrinsic porosity, unique structural regularity, diverse functionality, design flexibility, and outstanding stability. This review provides an overview of the state-of-the-art research on base-stable POFs, emphasizing the distinct pros and cons of reticular framework nanoparticles compared to other types of nanocluster materials. Thereafter, the review highlights the unique opportunity to produce multifunctional tailoring nanoparticles to meet specific application requirements. It is recommended that this potential for creating customized nanoparticles should be the driving force behind future synthesis efforts to tap the full potential of this multifaceted material category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Chafiq
- Materials Electrochemistry Group, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Abdelkarim Chaouiki
- Materials Electrochemistry Group, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Gun Ko
- Materials Electrochemistry Group, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Li G, Zhang H, Han Y. Applications of Transmission Electron Microscopy in Phase Engineering of Nanomaterials. Chem Rev 2023; 123:10728-10749. [PMID: 37642645 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Phase engineering of nanomaterials (PEN) is an emerging field that aims to tailor the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials by precisely manipulating their crystal phases. To advance PEN effectively, it is vital to possess the capability of characterizing the structures and compositions of nanomaterials with precision. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a versatile tool that combines reciprocal-space diffraction, real-space imaging, and spectroscopic techniques, allowing for comprehensive characterization with exceptional resolution in the domains of time, space, momentum, and, increasingly, even energy. In this Review, we first introduce the fundamental mechanisms behind various TEM-related techniques, along with their respective application scopes and limitations. Subsequently, we review notable applications of TEM in PEN research, including applications in fields such as metallic nanostructures, carbon allotropes, low-dimensional materials, and nanoporous materials. Specifically, we underscore its efficacy in phase identification, composition and chemical state analysis, in situ observations of phase evolution, as well as the challenges encountered when dealing with beam-sensitive materials. Furthermore, we discuss the potential generation of artifacts during TEM imaging, particularly in scanning modes, and propose methods to minimize their occurrence. Finally, we offer our insights into the present state and future trends of this field, discussing emerging technologies including four-dimensional scanning TEM, three-dimensional atomic-resolution imaging, and electron microscopy automation while highlighting the significance and feasibility of these advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanxing Li
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hui Zhang
- Electron Microscopy Center, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yu Han
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Electron Microscopy Center, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
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14
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Kim NY, Cao S, More KL, Lupini AR, Miao J, Chi M. Hollow Ptychography: Toward Simultaneous 4D Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2208162. [PMID: 37203310 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202208162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
With the recent development of high-acquisition-speed pixelated detectors, 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) is becoming routinely available in high-resolution electron microscopy. 4D-STEM acts as a "universal" method that provides local information on materials that is challenging to extract from bulk techniques. It extends conventional STEM imaging to include super-resolution techniques and to provide quantitative phase-based information, such as differential phase contrast, ptychography, or Bloch wave phase retrieval. However, an important missing factor is the chemical and bonding information provided by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). 4D-STEM and EELS cannot currently be acquired simultaneously due to the overlapping geometry of the detectors. Here, the feasibility of modifying the detector geometry to overcome this challenge for bulk specimens is demonstrated, and the use of a partial or defective detector for ptycholgaphic structural imaging is explored. Results show that structural information beyond the diffraction-limit and chemical information from the material can be extracted together, resulting in simultaneous multi-modal measurements, adding the additional dimensions of spectral information to 4D datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Yeon Kim
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Shaohong Cao
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Karren L More
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Andrew R Lupini
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Jianwei Miao
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Miaofang Chi
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
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15
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Chao HY, Venkatraman K, Moniri S, Jiang Y, Tang X, Dai S, Gao W, Miao J, Chi M. In Situ and Emerging Transmission Electron Microscopy for Catalysis Research. Chem Rev 2023. [PMID: 37327473 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Catalysts are the primary facilitator in many dynamic processes. Therefore, a thorough understanding of these processes has vast implications for a myriad of energy systems. The scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) is a powerful tool not only for atomic-scale characterization but also in situ catalytic experimentation. Techniques such as liquid and gas phase electron microscopy allow the observation of catalysts in an environment conducive to catalytic reactions. Correlated algorithms can greatly improve microscopy data processing and expand multidimensional data handling. Furthermore, new techniques including 4D-STEM, atomic electron tomography, cryogenic electron microscopy, and monochromated electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) push the boundaries of our comprehension of catalyst behavior. In this review, we discuss the existing and emergent techniques for observing catalysts using S/TEM. Challenges and opportunities highlighted aim to inspire and accelerate the use of electron microscopy to further investigate the complex interplay of catalytic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yun Chao
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, One Bethel Valley Road, Building 4515, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6064, United States
| | - Kartik Venkatraman
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, One Bethel Valley Road, Building 4515, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6064, United States
| | - Saman Moniri
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Yongjun Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xuan Tang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Sheng Dai
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wenpei Gao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Jianwei Miao
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Miaofang Chi
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, One Bethel Valley Road, Building 4515, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6064, United States
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16
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Zhang H, Li G, Zhang J, Zhang D, Chen Z, Liu X, Guo P, Zhu Y, Chen C, Liu L, Guo X, Han Y. Three-dimensional inhomogeneity of zeolite structure and composition revealed by electron ptychography. Science 2023; 380:633-638. [PMID: 37167385 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg3183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Structural and compositional inhomogeneity is common in zeolites and considerably affects their properties. Thickness-limited lateral resolution, lack of depth resolution, and electron dose-constrained focusing limit local structural studies of zeolites in conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We demonstrate that a multislice ptychography method based on four-dimensional scanning TEM (4D-STEM) data can overcome these limitations. Images obtained from a ~40-nanometer-thick MFI zeolite exhibited a lateral resolution of ~0.85 angstrom that enabled the identification of individual framework oxygen (O) atoms and the precise determination of the orientations of adsorbed molecules. Furthermore, a depth resolution of ~6.6 nanometers allowed probing of the three-dimensional distribution of O vacancies, as well as the phase boundaries in intergrown MFI and MEL zeolites. The 4D-STEM ptychography can be generally applied to other materials with similar high electron-beam sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Electron Microscopy Center, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guanxing Li
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jiaxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Daliang Zhang
- Multi-scale Porous Materials Center, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaona Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Lower-Carbon Catalysis Technology, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Peng Guo
- National Engineering Research Center of Lower-Carbon Catalysis Technology, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yihan Zhu
- Center for Electron Microscopy, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Chemistry Synthesis Technology and College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Institute for Frontier and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Cailing Chen
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lingmei Liu
- Multi-scale Porous Materials Center, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xinwen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yu Han
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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