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.

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.

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.

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Antennae of Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

The morphology of antennae of Aphidoletes aphidimyza was observed with a scanning electron microscope. The results showed that both male and female were fourteen segmented, the male was approximately 2000 μm and the female was 1050μm. Six types of sensillae on the antenna were observed, viz. chaetica （Ch）, trichoidea （Tr）, basiconica （Ba）, cavity （Ca）, styloid （St） and circumfila （Ci） on the antennae of A. aphidimyza. Sensillae Ch had a long external-process, with a base surrounded by membranous sockets and a length of about 67.5 μm. Sensillae Tr were distally curved and inserted into a depression, 61.0μm long. Sensillae Ba were peg-like and 4.7μm long on the antennae. Sensillae Ca were pit-like in appearance and the diameter of the pit was 1.2μm. Sensilla St was found on the second sub-segment flagellum of the male antennae. The length of the sensilla was about 21 μm and the diameter was 1.5μm. The circurnfila, which are a unique type of sensilla found only on cecidomyiid antennae, formed loops around each of the antennal sub-segments, and were attached to the surface by a series of stalks. Sensilla St was only present on male antenna. The number of Ba and Tr was almost the same in both sexes. There were more Sensilla Ca on the male antenna than on the female, while there was more Ch on the female.

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.

Mssbauer and electron microscopy study of martensitic transformations in an Fe-Mn-Mo alloy

The kinetic,morphological,crystallographic,and magnetic characteristics of thermally induced martensites in Fe-13.4wt% Mn-5.2wt%Mo alloy were investigated by scanning electron microscopy（SEM）,transmission electron microscopy（TEM）,and M（o｜¨）ssbauer spectroscopy.The experimental results reveal that two types of thermal-induced martensites,e（hcp） andα＇（bcc） martensites,are formed in the as-quenched condition,and these transformations have athermal characters.Mo addition to the Fe-Mn alloy does not change the coexistence ofεandα＇ martensites with the Mn content between 10wt%and 15wt%.Besides,M（o｜¨）ssbauer spectra reveal a paramagnetic character with a singlet for theγ（fcc） austenite andεmartensite phases and a ferromagnetic character with a broad sextet for theα＇ martensite phase. The volume fraction ofα＇ martensite forming in the quenched alloy is much more than that of theεmartensite.

Application of electron microscopy in gastroenterology

Electron microscopy has long been used in research in the fields of life sciences and materials sciences.Transmission and scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX)analyses have also been performed in the field of gastroenterology.Electron microscopy and EDX enable(1)Observation of ultrastructural differences in esophageal epithelial cells in patients with gastroesophageal reflux and eosinophilic esophagitis;(2)Detection of lanthanum deposition in the stomach and duodenum;(3)Ultrastructural and elemental analyses of enteroliths and bezoars;(4)Detection and characterization of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract;(5)Diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors with neuroendocrine differentiation;and(6)Analysis of gold nanoparticles potentially used in endoscopic photodynamic therapy.This review aims to foster a better understanding of electron microscopy applications by reviewing relevant clinical studies,basic research findings,and the state of current research carried out in gastroenterology science.

Use of electron microscopy on microstructure characterization of high chromium cast irons

The physical metallurgy underlying the development of cast microstructures in abrasion resistant high chromium cast irons, and their structural modification by thermal treatments is relatively complex. Structural characterisation via electron microscopy therefore has a key role to play in furthering our understanding of the phase transformations that control the microstructures and hence the service performances of these irons as wear parts. This paper shows how both scanning and especially transmission electron microscopy can provide valuable information on the nature of eutectic and secondary carbides and on the matrix structures in these irons. Particular attention is given to current characterisation research on conventionally cast 30%Cr irons that are used for applications involving corrosive wear e.g. slurry pumps and on a semi-solid cast 27%Cr iron that has a potential for applications in industry.

18,X,Y aneuploidies and transmission electron microscopy studies in spermatozoa from five carriers of different reciprocal translocations

We analysed ejaculated spermatozoa from five infertile men with different balanced reciprocal translocations to contribute to the study of meiotic segregation of chromosomes 18, X and Y and also to evaluate sperm morphology by transmission electron microscopy （TEM） analysis. Conventional lymphocyte karyotype analyses highlighted dif- ferent reciprocal balanced translocations： t（12; 13）, t（4;9）, t（X;8）, t（8; 10） and t（3; 16）. Semen analysis was performed by light and TEM. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed directly on sperm nuclei using centromeric probes for chromosomes 18, X and Y. The carriers of the balanced reciprocal translocations considered in the present study showed a very similar pattern of sperm pathologies： diffused presence of apoptosis and immaturity. All patients showed meiotic segregation derangements, highlighted by the presence of sperm diploidies and sex chromosome disomies particularly related to the failure of the first meiotic division. However, an increased incidence of chromosome 18 aneuploidy was detected in spermatozoa from t（X;8） and t（8;10） carriers. We have also reported values from sex chromosomes such as t（X;8）, although the X chromosome was involved in translocation. Since patients with reciprocal translocations and spermatogenetic impairment are candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles, the study of sperm parameters, and particularly of the level of aneuploidy rates, would provide better information for couples at risk and would contribute to the data in the literature for a better understanding of the effects of chromosomal rearrangement on the whole meiotic process and, in particular, on chromosomes not involved in translocation.

L-carnitine alleviates sciatic nerve crush injury in rats:functional and electron microscopy assessments

Several studies have demonstrated that L-carnitine exhibits neuroprotective effects on injured sciatic nerve of rats with diabetes mellitus. It is hypothesized that L-carnitine exhibits neuro-protective effects on injured sciatic nerve of rats. Rat sciatic nerve was crush injured by a forceps and exhibited degenerative changes. After intragastric administration of 50 and 100 mg/kg L-carnitine for 30 days, axon area, myelin sheath area, axon diameter, myelin sheath diameter, and numerical density of the myelinated axons of injured sciatic nerve were similar to normal, and the function of injured sciatic nerve also improved signiifcantly. These ifndings suggest that L-carnitine exhibits neuroprotective effects on sciatic nerve crush injury in rats.

A review of in situ transmission electron microscopy study on the switching mechanism and packaging reliability in non-volatile memory

Non-volatile memory(NVM)devices with non-volatility and low power consumption properties are important in the data storage field.The switching mechanism and packaging reliability issues in NVMs are of great research interest.The switching process in NVM devices accompanied by the evolution of microstructure and composition is fast and subtle.Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)with high spatial resolution and versatile external fields is widely used in analyzing the evolution of morphology,structures and chemical compositions at atomic scale.The various external stimuli,such as thermal,electrical,mechanical,optical and magnetic fields,provide a platform to probe and engineer NVM devices inside TEM in real-time.Such advanced technologies make it possible for an in situ and interactive manipulation of NVM devices without sacrificing the resolution.This technology facilitates the exploration of the intrinsic structure-switching mechanism of NVMs and the reliability issues in the memory package.In this review,the evolution of the functional layers in NVM devices characterized by the advanced in situ TEM technology is introduced,with intermetallic compounds forming and degradation process investigated.The principles and challenges of TEM technology on NVM device study are also discussed.

Scanning transmission electron microscopy: A review of high angle annular dark field and annular bright field imaging and applications in lithium-ion batteries

Scanning transmission electron microscopy（STEM） has been shown as powerful tools for material characterization,especially after the appearance of aberration-corrector which greatly enhances the resolution of STEM. High angle annular dark field（HAADF） and annular bright field（ABF） imaging of the aberration-corrected STEM are widely used due to their high-resolution capabilities and easily interpretable image contrasts. However, HAADF mode of the STEM is still limited in detecting light elements due to the weak electron-scattering power. ABF mode of the STEM could detect light and heavy elements simultaneously, providing unprecedented opportunities for probing unknown structures of materials. Atomiclevel structure investigation of materials has been achieved by means of these imaging modes, which is invaluable in many fields for either improving properties of materials or developing new materials. This paper aims to provide a introduction of HAADF and ABF imaging techniques and reviews their applications in characterization of cathode materials, study of electrochemical reaction mechanisms, and exploring the effective design of lithium-ion batteries（LIBs）. The future prospects of the STEM are also discussed.

Transmission Electron Microscopy as a Powerful Tool for Investigating Lithium-ion Battery Materials

Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) stands out as one of the most powerful tools for characterizing materials at multiple scales and dimensions. This unique technique has nowadays been widely employed in investigating the lithium-ion battery(LIB) materials. The present perspective paper focuses on several LIB related aspects that are recently revealed by using TEM. Finally, we present outlook on the future directions of TEM for LIB research and development.

Lattice Distortion Analysis Directly from High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy Images —the LADIA Program Package

Direct strain mapping from high resolution transmission electron microscopy images is possible for coherent structures. At proper imaging conditions the intensity peaks in the image have a constant spatial relationship with the projected atom columns. This allows the determination of the geometry of the projected unit cell without comparison with image simulations. The fast procedure is particularly suited for the analysis of large areas. The software package LADIA is written in the PV-WAVE code and provides all necessary tools for image processing and analysis. Image intensity peaks are determined by a cross-correlation technique, which avoids problems from noise in the low spatial frequency range. The lower limit of strain that can be detected at a sampling rate of 44 pixels/nm is≈2%.

Fixation methods for electron microscopy of human and other liver

For an electron microscopic study of the liver,expertise and complicated,time-consuming processing of hepatic tissues and cells is needed.The interpretation of electron microscopy(EM) images requires knowledge of the liver fine structure and experience with the numerous artifacts in fixation,embedding,sectioning,contrast staining and microscopic imaging.Hence,the aim of this paper is to present a detailed summary of different methods for the preparation of hepatic cells and tissue,for the purpose of preserving long-standing expertise and to encourage new investigators and clinicians to include EM studies of liver cells and tissue in their projects.

Bacterial entombment by intratubular mineralization following orthograde mineral trioxide aggregate obturation: a scanning electron microscopy study

The time domain entombment of bacteria by intratubular mineralization following orthograde canal obturation with mineral trioxide aggregate（MTA） was studied by scanning electron microscopy（SEM）. Single-rooted human premolars（n560） were instrumented to an apical size #50/0.06 using ProF ile and treated as follows： Group 1（n510） was filled with phosphate buffered saline（PBS）; Group 2（n510） was incubated with Enterococcus faecalis for 3 weeks, and then filled with PBS; Group 3（n520） was obturated orthograde with a paste of OrthoM TA（BioM TA, Seoul, Korea） and PBS; and Group 4（n520） was incubated with E. faecalis for 3 weeks and then obturated with OrthoM TA–PBS paste. Following their treatments, the coronal openings were sealed with PBS-soaked cotton and intermediate restorative material（IRM）, and the roots were then stored in PBS for 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 weeks. After each incubation period, the roots were split and their dentin/MTA interfaces examined in both longitudinal and horizontal directions by SEM. There appeared to be an increase in intratubular mineralization over time in the OrthoM TA-filled roots（Groups 3 and 4）. Furthermore, there was a gradual entombment of bacteria within the dentinal tubules in the E. faecalis inoculated MTA-filled roots（Group 4）. Therefore, the orthograde obturation of root canals with OrthoM TA mixed with PBS may create a favorable environment for bacterial entombment by intratubular mineralization.

Comparison of scanning electron microscopy findings regarding biofilm colonization with microbiological results in nasolacrimal stents for external, endoscopic and transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy

AIM:To compare bacterial biofilm colonization in lacrimal stents following external dacryocystorhinostomy(EX-DCR),endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(EN-DCR),and transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy(TC-DCR)with multidiode laser.METHODS:This prospective study included 30consecutive patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent EXT-,EN-,or TC-DCR.Thirty removed lacrimal stent fragments and conjunctival samples were cultured.The lacrimal stent biofilms were examined by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).RESULTS:Eleven(36.7%)of the 30 lacrimal stent cultures were positive for aerobic bacteria(most commonly Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa).However anaerobic bacteria and fungi were not identified in the lacrimal stent cultures.Twenty-seven(90%)patients had biofilmpositive lacrimal stents.The conjunctival culture positivity after the DCR,biofilm positivity on stents,the grade of biofilm colonization,and the presence of mucus and coccoid and rod-shaped organisms did not significantly differ between any of the groups(P】0.05).However,a significant difference was found when the SEM results were compared to the results of the lacrimal stent and conjunctival cultures(P【0.001).CONCLUSION:Type of dacryocystorhinostomy(DCR)surgery did not affect the biofilm colonization of the lacrimal stents.SEM also appears to be more precise than microbiological culture for evaluating the presence of biofilms on lacrimal stents.