General Lab Information

Electron Microscopy

Probing the atomic-scale structure and chemistry of nanomaterials

Understanding how nanomaterials operate in their native, functional environments is critical to advancing materials and devices for next-generation energy technologies. Through our research program in electron microscopy, we probe the atomic-scale structure and chemistry of nanomaterials as they function under application-relevant working temperatures, pressures, and environmental conditions. We develop and apply in situ and operando methods within electron microscopes to follow real-time reaction dynamics of solid, liquid, and gaseous samples exposed to various external stimuli such as heat, electrical current, and light. Our state-of-the-art scanning and transmission electron microscopes feature advanced aberration-correcting optics for imaging and spectroscopy at high spatial and energy resolution. By complementing experiment with theory, we identify processing-structure-property relationships of nanomaterials for catalysis, energy storage and conversion, quantum information science, structural biology, and other applications.

Associated Group Facilities

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Electron Microscopy Facility

This facility consists of five top-of-the line transmission electron microscopes, two of which are highly specialized instruments capable of extreme levels of resolution, achieved through spherical aberration correction. The facility is also equipped with extensive sample-preparation capabilities. The scientific interests of the staff focus on understanding the microscopic origin of the physical and chemical behavior of materials, with specific emphasis on in-situ studies of materials in native, functional environments. Atomic-resolution imaging of internal materials structure with scanning transmission and transmission electron microscopy. Spectroscopic characterization with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Real time studies of processing / structure / property relationships in nanostructured materials, including in liquid and gaseous environments.

Electron Microscopy Staff