Probing the Nucleation and Growth Kinetics of Bismuth Nanoparticles via In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy

The nucleation and growth mechanism of nanoparticles is an important theory,which can guide the preparation of nanomaterials.However,it is still lacking in direct observation on the details of the evolution of intermediate state structure during nucleation and growth.In this work,the evolution process of bismuth nanoparticles induced by electron beam was revealed by in-situ transmission electron microscopy(TEM)at atomic scale.The experimental results demonstrate that the size,stable surface and crystallographic defect have important influences on the growth of Bi nanoparticles.Two non-classical growth paths including single crystal growth and polycrystalline combined growth,as well as,corresponding layer-by-layer growth mechanism along{012}stable crystal plane of Bi nanoparticles with dodecahedron structure were revealed by in-situ TEM directly.These results provide important guidance and a new approach for in-depth understanding of the nucleation and growth kinetics of nanoparticles.

Revealing the microstructures of metal halide perovskite thin films via advancedtransmission electron microscopy

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are excellent semiconductors that have led to breakthroughs in applications in thinfilmsolar cells, detectors, and light-emitting diodes due to their remarkable optoelectronic properties and defect tolerance.However, the performance and stability of MHP-based devices are significantly influenced by their microstructures includingthe formation of defects, composition fluctuations, structural inhomogeneity, etc. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) is a powerful tool for direct observation of microstructure at the atomic-scale resolution and has been used to correlatethe microstructure and performance of MHP-based devices. In this review, we highlight the application of TEMtechniques in revealing the microstructures of MHP thin films at the atomic scale. The results provide critical understandingof the performance of MHP devices and guide the design of strategies for improving the performance and stability ofMHP devices.

Recent progress about transmission electron microscopy characterizations on lithium-ion batteries

With the rapid development of portable electronics,new energy vehicles,and smart grids,ion batteries are becoming one of the most widely used energy storage devices,while the safety concern of ion batteries has always been an urgent problem to be solved.To develop a safety-guaranteed battery,the characterization of the internal structure is indispensable,where electron microscopy plays a crucial role.Based on this,this paper summarizes the application of transmission electron microscopy(TEM)in battery safety,further concludes and analyzes the aspects of dendrite growth and solid electrolyte interface(SEI)formation that affect the safety of ion batteries,and emphasizes the importance of electron microscopy in battery safety research and the potential of these techniques to promote the future development of this field.These advanced electron microscopy techniques and their prospects are also discussed.

Ultrafast photoemission electron microscopy:A multidimensional probe of nonequilibrium physics

Exploring the realms of physics that extend beyond thermal equilibrium has emerged as a crucial branch of condensed matter physics research.It aims to unravel the intricate processes involving the excitations,interactions,and annihilations of quasi-and many-body particles,and ultimately to achieve the manipulation and engineering of exotic non-equilibrium quantum phases on the ultrasmall and ultrafast spatiotemporal scales.Given the inherent complexities arising from many-body dynamics,it therefore seeks a technique that has efficient and diverse detection degrees of freedom to study the underlying physics.By combining high-power femtosecond lasers with real-or momentum-space photoemission electron microscopy(PEEM),imaging excited state phenomena from multiple perspectives,including time,real space,energy,momentum,and spin,can be conveniently achieved,making it a unique technique in studying physics out of equilibrium.In this context,we overview the working principle and technical advances of the PEEM apparatus and the related laser systems,and survey key excited-state phenomena probed through this surface-sensitive methodology,including the ultrafast dynamics of electrons,excitons,plasmons,spins,etc.,in materials ranging from bulk and nano-structured metals and semiconductors to low-dimensional quantum materials.Through this review,one can further envision that time-resolved PEEM will open new avenues for investigating a variety of classical and quantum phenomena in a multidimensional parameter space,offering unprecedented and comprehensive insights into important questions in the field of condensed matter physics.

Characterization of local chemical ordering and deformation behavior in high entropy alloys by transmission electron microscopy

Short-range ordering(SRO)is one of the most important structural features of high entropy alloys(HEAs).However,the chemical and structural analyses of SROs are very difficult due to their small size,complexed compositions,and varied locations.Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)as well as its aberration correction techniques are powerful for characterizing SROs in these compositionally complex alloys.In this short communication,we summarized recent progresses regarding characterization of SROs using TEM in the field of HEAs.By using advanced TEM techniques,not only the existence of SROs was confirmed,but also the effect of SROs on the deformation mechanism was clarified.Moreover,the perspective related to application of TEM techniques in HEAs are also discussed.

Capturing the non-equilibrium state in light–matter–free-electron interactions through ultrafast transmission electron microscopy

Ultrafast transmission electron microscope(UTEM) with the multimodality of time-resolved diffraction, imaging,and spectroscopy provides a unique platform to reveal the fundamental features associated with the interaction between free electrons and matter. In this review, we summarize the principles, instrumentation, and recent developments of the UTEM and its applications in capturing dynamic processes and non-equilibrium transient states. The combination of the transmission electron microscope with a femtosecond laser via the pump–probe method guarantees the high spatiotemporal resolution, allowing the investigation of the transient process in real, reciprocal and energy spaces. Ultrafast structural dynamics can be studied by diffraction and imaging methods, revealing the coherent acoustic phonon generation and photoinduced phase transition process. In the energy dimension, time-resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy enables the examination of the intrinsic electronic dynamics of materials, while the photon-induced near-field electron microscopy extends the application of the UTEM to the imaging of optical near fields with high real-space resolution. It is noted that light–free-electron interactions have the ability to shape electron wave packets in both longitudinal and transverse directions, showing the potential application in the generation of attosecond electron pulses and vortex electron beams.

基于SEM的土体微观结构三维分析与分维计算方法

土体微观结构研究很早就建立了三维空间的分形模型,但分形维数计算所需参数很难由常规土工试验得到,限制了分形理论在土体研究中的应用。基于陕西定边与甘肃兰州原状土样的扫描电镜(SEM)试验,提出了三维化处理与三角形网格原理联合方法,可以得到土体颗粒(孔隙)不同测量尺度对应的表面积与体积计算值,由此实现分形维数的计算,并通过分形理论在土水特征中的应用验证了方法的有效性与可靠性。另外,三维化处理还可获取视孔隙率、比面等土体微观结构参数,可以作为土体微观结构定量分析研究的新途径。

Recent progress on advanced transmission electron microscopy characterization for halide perovskite semiconductors

Halide perovskites are strategically important in the field of energy materials. Along with the rapid development of the materials and related devices, there is an urgent need to understand the structure–property relationship from nanoscale to atomic scale. Much effort has been made in the past few years to overcome the difficulty of imaging limited by electron dose,and to further extend the investigation towards operando conditions. This review is dedicated to recent studies of advanced transmission electron microscopy(TEM) characterizations for halide perovskites. The irradiation damage caused by the interaction of electron beams and perovskites under conventional imaging conditions are first summarized and discussed. Low-dose TEM is then discussed, including electron diffraction and emerging techniques for high-resolution TEM(HRTEM) imaging. Atomic-resolution imaging, defects identification and chemical mapping on halide perovskites are reviewed. Cryo-TEM for halide perovskites is discussed, since it can readily suppress irradiation damage and has been rapidly developed in the past few years. Finally, the applications of in-situ TEM in the degradation study of perovskites under environmental conditions such as heating,biasing, light illumination and humidity are reviewed. More applications of emerging TEM characterizations are foreseen in the coming future, unveiling the structural origin of halide perovskite’s unique properties and degradation mechanism under operando conditions, so to assist the design of a more efficient and robust energy material.

Evolution of pore systems in low-maturity oil shales during thermal upgrading--Quantified by dynamic SEM and machine learning

In-situ upgrading by heating is feasible for low-maturity shale oil,where the pore space dynamically evolves.We characterize this response for a heated substrate concurrently imaged by SEM.We systematically follow the evolution of pore quantity,size(length,width and cross-sectional area),orientation,shape(aspect ratio,roundness and solidity)and their anisotropy—interpreted by machine learning.Results indicate that heating generates new pores in both organic matter and inorganic minerals.However,the newly formed pores are smaller than the original pores and thus reduce average lengths and widths of the bedding-parallel pore system.Conversely,the average pore lengths and widths are increased in the bedding-perpendicular direction.Besides,heating increases the cross-sectional area of pores in low-maturity oil shales,where this growth tendency fluctuates at<300℃ but becomes steady at>300℃.In addition,the orientation and shape of the newly-formed heating-induced pores follow the habit of the original pores and follow the initial probability distributions of pore orientation and shape.Herein,limited anisotropy is detected in pore direction and shape,indicating similar modes of evolution both bedding-parallel and bedding-normal.We propose a straightforward but robust model to describe evolution of pore system in low-maturity oil shales during heating.

Nanoscale cathodoluminescence spectroscopy probing the nitride quantum wells in an electron microscope

To gain further understanding of the luminescence properties of multiquantum wells and the factors affecting them on a microscopic level,cathodoluminescence combined with scanning transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopy was used to measure the luminescence of In_(0.15)Ga_(0.85)N five-period multiquantum wells.The lattice-composition-energy relationship was established with the help of energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy,and the bandgaps of In_(0.15)Ga_(0.85)N and GaN in multiple quantum wells were extracted by electron energy loss spectroscopy to understand the features of cathodoluminescence spectra.The luminescence differences between different periods of multiquantum wells and the effects of defects such as composition fluctuation and dislocations on the luminescence of multiple quantum wells were revealed.Our study establishing the direct relationship between the atomic structure of In_(x)Ga_(1-x)N multiquantum wells and photoelectric properties provides useful information for nitride applications.

Bio-soft matter derived from traditional Chinese medicine:Characterizations of hierarchical structure,assembly mechanism,and beyond

Structural and functional explorations on bio-soft matter such as micelles,vesicles,nanoparticles,aggregates or polymers derived from traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has emerged as a new topic in the field of TCM.The discovery of such cross-scaled bio-soft matter may provide a unique perspective for unraveling the new effective material basis of TCM as well as developing innovative medicine and biomaterials.Despite the rapid rise of TCM-derived bio-soft matter,their hierarchical structure and assembly mechanism must be unambiguously probed for a further in-depth understanding of their pharmacological activity.In this review,the current emerged TCM-derived bio-soft matter assembled from either small molecules or macromolecules is introduced,and particularly the unambiguous elucidation of their hierarchical structure and assembly mechanism with combined electron microscopic and spectroscopic techniques is depicted.The pros and cons of each technique are also discussed.The future challenges and perspective of TCM-derived bio-soft matter are outlined,particularly the requirement for their precise in situ structural determination is highlighted.

Microscopic Analysis of Cementitious Sand and Gravel Damming Materia

The mechanical properties of cementitious sand and gravel damming material have been experimentally determined by means of microscopic SEM(Scanning Electron Microscopy)image analysis.The results show that the combination of fly ash and water can fill the voids in cemented sand and gravel test blocks because of the presence of hydrated calcium silicate and other substances;thereby,the compactness and mechanical properties of these materials can be greatly improved.For every 10 kg/m^(3) increase in the amount of cementitious material,the density increases by about 2%,and the water content decreases by 0.2%.The amount of cementitious material used in the sand and gravel in these tests was 80-110 kg/m^(3),the water-binder ratio was 1-1.50.Moreover,the splitting tensile strength was 1/10 of the compressive strength,and the maximum strength was 7.42 MPa at 90 d.The optimal mix ratio has been found to be 50 kg of cement,60 kg of fly ash and 120 kg of water(C50F60W120).The related dry density was 2.6 g/cm^(3),the water content was 6%,and the water-binder ratio was 1.09.

Transmission Electron Microscopy Investigation of the Ar^+ Ion Irradiation Effect in Semiconductor GaAs

Room temperature irradiation effect of GaAs compound semiconductor by 100 keV Ar+ ions has been systematically studied by means of transmission electron microscopy. The dose dependenceoof the Ar+ ion irradiation and room temperature annealing effects have been investigated. The experimental results show that the structure of GaAs transforms from perfect crystalline through weakly and severely damaged crystalline to amorphous states with the increase of the irradiation dose and the damaged states are changed during room temperature annealing.

Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM) Observations of Antennal Sensilla of Chrysopa pallens Rambur(Neuroptera：Chrysopidae)

[Objectives]The paper was to provide background information for ongoing research on relationship between smell and behavior of the green lacewing Chrysopa pallens（ Rambur）（ Neuroptera： Chrysopidae）. [Methods]The submicroscopic structure of antennal sensilla of C. pallens was examined using scanning electron microscopy. [Results]Antennae of female and male C. pallens were linear in shape and（ 1. 52 ± 0. 08） and（ 1. 58 ± 0. 23） cm in length,respectively. The scape and pedicel were composed of single sub-segment,while the flagellum consisted of 116 sub-segments,on which most sensilla distributed. The flagella of female and male antennae were（ 1. 44 ± 0. 04） and（ 1. 47 ± 0. 13） cm in length,respectively. Nine morphological sensilla types were recorded in both sexes,including four types of highly abundant and widely distributed sensilla trichodea（ ST Ⅰ,ST Ⅱ,ST Ⅲ and ST Ⅳ）,three types of sensilla basiconica（ SB Ⅰ,SB Ⅱ,and SB Ⅲ）,and one of each type of sensilla chaetica and B9 hm bristles. Although the shape,structure,numbers,and distribution of antennae of females and males were basically similar,major differences were recorded between the sexes in the length of some sensilla types. Both the ST Ⅲ and SB Ⅰ in female adults were significantly longer than that in male ones. Notably,SB Ⅱ was found only in female. [Conclusions]The paper laid a foundation for revealing the relationship between smell and behavior,playing a crucial role in promoting the important biological control effect of C. pallens in farmland ecological system.

In situ observation of the electrochemical behavior of Li–CO_(2)/O_(2)batteries in an environmental transmission electron microscope

Li–CO_(2)/O_(2)batteries,a promising energy storage technology,not only provide ultrahigh discharge capacity but also capture CO_(2)and turn it into renewable energy.Their electrochemical reaction pathways'ambiguity,however,creates a hurdle for their practical application.This study used copper selenide(CuSe)nanosheets as the air cathode medium in an environmental transmission electron microscope to in situ study Li–CO_(2)/O_(2)(mix CO_(2)as well as O_(2)at a volume ratio of 1:1)and Li–O_(2)batteries as well as Li–CO_(2)batteries.Primary discharge reactions take place successively in the Li–CO_(2)/O_(2)–CuSe nanobattery:(I)4Li^(+)+O_(2)+4e^(−)→2Li_(2)O;(II)Li_(2)O+CO_(2)→Li_(2)CO_(3).The charge reaction proceeded via(III)2Li_(2)CO_(3)→4Li^(+)+2CO_(2)+O_(2)+4e^(−).However,Li–O_(2)and Li–CO_(2)nanobatteries showed poor cycling stability,suggesting the difficulty in the direct decomposition of the discharge product.The fluctuations of the Li–CO_(2)/O_(2)battery's electrochemistry were also shown to depend heavily on O_(2).The CuSe‐based Li–CO_(2)/O_(2)battery showed exceptional electrochemical performance.The Li^–CO_(2)/O_(2)battery offered a discharge capacity apex of 15,492 mAh g^(−1) and stable cycling 60 times at 100 mA g^(−1).Our research offers crucial insight into the electrochemical behavior of Li–CO_(2)/O_(2),Li–O_(2),and Li–CO_(2)nanobatteries,which may help the creation of high‐performance Li–CO_(2)/O_(2)batteries for energy storage applications.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of the Bug Eye and Sand Coral

We present a Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technique for the characterisation of biological and non-biological samples at nano-scale level. Scanning Electron Microscopy has been around for a long while especially in material science laboratories in developed countries. The SEM has enabled scientist to have a better understanding of microstructure by providing unsurpassed optical magnifications of samples. In this introductory paper, we introduce the techniques of using SEM to capture highly magnified microstructure of a fly found on an African soybean (Glycine max) seed. We are able to estimate the number of lenses in each eye and zoom into features that could describe its life characteristics. Hexagonal lenses are estimated to have sizes ranging from 14 um to 19 um. This paper also presents a finding of a sea coral “pie like structure” on a single grain of sand used for water filtration.

Adverse Effects of Permanent Waving and Hair Relaxation—Assessment by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Permanent waving is very popular in Japan. Polypeptide chains (main chains) form the principal components of hair, and they are lined up longitudinally. Hair relaxation is also called straight permanent waving, and there are methods that change curly or wavy hair into straight hair. Hair damage as a result of winding, combing, and using high-temperature hairdressing irons is also often seen. By using scanning electron micrographs (SEM) we showed broken hairs and hair damage caused by permanent wave solutions. The hair damage is obvious when comparisons are made with the condition of the hair surface, condition of the cuticle, etc. Hair swelling by permanent wave solutions, manipulations such as winding, etc., inadequate rinsing with water, procedures on injured hair at the outset, etc., are considered possible reasons for any of these types of injury.

TiO₂Nanoparticles Induced Genotoxicity in Cultured Cells Using Atmospheric Scanning Electron Microscopy (ASEM)

Nano-sized titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are widely used as a dye in food and cosmetics. TiO2 NPs are known to induce DNA damage when incorporated into cells. However, no bioassay is currently available to easily determine the cell incorporation of TiO2 NPs or related DNA damage, and to date, few studies have examined the different degrees of incorporation into cells according to the size of the TiO2 NPs particles and the presence or absence of cell specificity regarding DNA damage. This present study was therefore designed to examine COS7 cells that had incorporated TiO2 NPs using atmospheric scanning electron microscopy (ASEM). The results indicated that absorption of TiO2 NPs into cells and nuclear abnormalities had occurred. ASEM is a rapid and simple technique that enables the observation of samples immediately after fixation with glutaraldehyde and staining with phosphotungstic acid, and this method was suggested to be useful in screening for DNA damage.

Wireless Preamplifier for the Specimen Current Mode Detector in a SEM

Using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in the back-scattered electron (BSE) mode the composition of multi-element specimens may be determined based on the strong dependence of emission coefficient η on the average atomic number of elements Z. The output video signal of the usual BSE detectors is produced from their sensors, and the larger proportion of high-energy electrons with modified spectrum is added. Since η = is/ip (is and ip currents of specimen and probe), better accuracy must be achieved by direct measurements those currents on the specimen surface. Here, an experimental model of a current detector for a presented specimen is described. The cage is mounted on the carousel of the moving specimen stage. The input of the preamplifier is connected to the specimen holder in the form of a disk, the diameter of which is 12 mm. When the probe along its surface scanned, the input potential begins to pulsate with a negative polarity. The output of this preamplifier is connected to a small light-emitting diode, which creates intensity-modulated radiation in the chamber. Thus created the light video signal will be picked up by the photomultiplier of the E-T detector. The modes of true SE and BSE are set by applying tens bias volts of various polarities to the specimens or the cage itself.

CP-SEM在锂离子电池材料分析的应用

CP-SEM(截面抛光-扫描电子显微镜)是一种常见的材料表征技术,因其具有无结构破坏、无机械损害的特点,已在新能源、冶金、生物医药等领域得到了广泛应用。通过对近期相关文献的探讨,综述了CP-SEM在锂离子电池材料分析中的应用。包括:(1)利用CP-SEM观测W掺杂LiNi_(0.9)Co_(0.1)O_(2)颗粒截面,探究LiNi_(0.9)Co_(0.1)O_(2)的循环稳定性和倍率性能提高的机理;(2)利用CP-SEM观测不同充电终止电压对LiNi_(0.6)Co_(0.2)MnO_(2)材料结构,研究过充对其性能的影响;(3)利用CP-SEM观测容量衰减的高镍/硅氧碳软包电池的正负极极片截面,识别出电池容量衰减主要来源于负极;(4)利用CP-SEM表征隔膜的截面的微观结构,对隔膜的涂层厚度和材料进行定性定量分析;(5)利用CP-SEM表征不同ZrO_(2)添加量的PVA基复合隔膜结构,评价电池的循环性能。