Real-time visualisation of fast nanoscale processes during liquid reagent mixing by liquid cell transmission electron microscopy.

Liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM) is a powerful technique for investigating crystallisation dynamics with nanometre spatial resolution. However, probing phenomena occurring in liquids while mixing two precursor solutions has proven extremely challenging, requiring sophisticated liquid cell designs. Here, we demonstrate that introducing and withdrawing solvents in sequence makes it possible to maintain optimal imaging conditions while mixing liquids in a commercial liquid cell.

Multi-Stimuli Operando Transmission Electron Microscopy for Two-Terminal Oxide-Based Devices.

The integration of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based chips for in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has emerged as a highly promising technique in the study of nanoelectronic devices within their operational parameters. This innovative approach facilitates the comprehensive exploration of electrical properties resulting from the simultaneous exposure of these devices to a diverse range of stimuli. However, the control of each individual stimulus within the confined environment of an electron microscope is challenging.

Weld-free mounting of lamellae for electrical biasing operando TEM.

Recent advances in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based substrates and sample holders for in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are currently enabling exciting new opportunities for the nanoscale investigation of materials and devices. The ability to perform electrical testing while simultaneously capturing the wide spectrum of signals detectable in a TEM, including structural, chemical, and even electronic contrast, represents a significant milestone in the realm of nanoelectronics. In situ studies hold particular promise for the development of Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) devices for use in next-generation computing.

Recent advances in and characterization techniques for LiLaZrO-based solid-state lithium batteries.

LiLaZrO (LLZO)-based solid-state Li batteries (SSLBs) have emerged as one of the most promising energy storage systems due to the potential advantages of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), such as ionic conductivity, mechanical strength, chemical stability and electrochemical stability. However, there remain several scientific and technical obstacles that need to be tackled before they can be commercialised. The main issues include the degradation and deterioration of SSEs and electrode materials, ambiguity in the Li migration routes in SSEs, and interface compatibility between SSEs and electrodes during the charging and discharging processes.

Nanoscale visualization of metallic electrodeposition in a well-controlled chemical environment.

Liquid phase transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provides a useful means to study a wide range of dynamics in solution with near-atomic spatial resolution and sub-microsecond temporal resolution. However, it is still a challenge to control the chemical environment (such as the flow of liquid, flow rate, and the liquid composition) in a liquid cell, and evaluate its effect on the various dynamic phenomena. In this work, we have systematically demonstrated the flow performance of anliquid TEM system, which is based on 'on-chip flow' driven by external pressure pumps.

Data synchronization in operando gas and heating TEM.

Time-resolved correlations of the environment, the reaction products, the energy transfer and the material structures during the reaction processes make operando gas and heating TEM more and more attractive in recent years. The time delays existing among parameter measurement locations need to be calibrated for valid correlations. Otherwise, erroneous conclusions would be drawn, such as over/under-estimating the critical temperatures, mismatching the structure and composition relationships to activities, and so on.

Sub-Kelvin thermometry for evaluating the local temperature stability within in situ TEM gas cells.

In situ TEM utilizing windowed gas cells is a promising technique for studying catalytic processes, wherein temperature is one of the most important parameters to be controlled. Current gas cells are only capable of temperature measurement on a global (mm) scale, although the local temperature at the spot of observation (µm to nm scale) may significantly differ. Thus, local temperature fluctuations caused by gas flow and heat dissipation dynamics remain undetected when solely relying on the global device feedback.

electrochemistry inside a TEM with controlled mass transport.

The field of electrochemistry promises solutions for the future energy crisis and environmental deterioration by developing optimized batteries, fuel-cells and catalysts. Combined with in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM), it can reveal functional and structural changes. A drawback of this relatively young field is lack of reproducibility in controlling the liquid environment while retaining the imaging and analytical capabilities.

Advanced microheater for in situ transmission electron microscopy; enabling unexplored analytical studies and extreme spatial stability.

In this work we present our advanced in situ heating sample carrier for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TEM is a powerful tool for materials characterization, especially when combined with micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). These deliver in situ stimuli such as heating, in which case temperatures up to 1300 °C can be reached with high temporal stability without affecting the original TEM spatial resolution: indeed, atomic resolution imaging can be routinely performed.

Controlled, reversible, and nondestructive generation of uniaxial extreme strains (>10%) in graphene.

Theoretical calculations have predicted that extreme strains (>10%) in graphene would result in novel applications. However, up to now the highest reported strain reached ∼1.3%.