ChemiTEM – Transmission Electron Microscopy Optimized for Chemistry and Material Science. Issue 9 (4th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hetaba, Walid; Imlau, Robert; Duarte‐Correa, Liseth; Lamoth, Maximilian; Kujawa, Stephan; Lunkenbein, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Chemistry methods. Volume 1:Issue 9(2021)
• Page Start: 401
• Page End: 407
• Publication Date: 2021-08-04
• Subjects: catalysis -- electron microscopy -- material synthesis -- materials science -- workflows; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; 543
• DOI: 10.1002/cmtd.202100001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2628-9725

Abstract

Abstract: Analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has become a widely implemented part of the characterization workflow in material science. TEM is the key technique for the investigation of local composition, surfaces, and atomic interfaces, all crucial to the individual function of the corresponding solid. To date, necessary tasks for a thorough spatially resolved study in nanoscience are usually performed by TEM specialists. This can lead to long response times and limits any systematic approach to efficiently elaborate new synthesis protocols. An easy TEM access in chemical laboratories for standardized investigations, e. g., material screening or qualitative compositional analysis would greatly improve research efficiency. We present the development of standard procedures and workflows optimized for non‐expert TEM users. Together with additional automation in hardware and software, the TEM user base can thus be extended, rendering it a standard tool in chemistry laboratories. Abstract : Transmission electron microscopy as a standard lab tool: we make this sophisticated tool available to non‐expert TEM users by developing the reported ChemiTEM workflows, including standard procedures, and a guidance app for tablets and smartphones. This generates new possibilities for sample investigation by researchers in modern catalysis research institutes, can reduce training times, and will tremendously improve research efficiency.