Comparative Study of Nanoscale Surface Structures of Calcite Microcrystals Using FE-SEM, AFM, and TEM

2006 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 302-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yung-Ching Chien ◽  
Alfonso Mucci ◽  
Jeanne Paquette ◽  
S. Kelly Sears ◽  
Hojatollah Vali
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Surface Structures ◽  
Surface Features ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Micrometer Size ◽  
Microscopic Techniques

The bulk morphology and surface features that developed upon precipitation on micrometer-size calcite powders and millimeter-size cleavage fragments were imaged by three different microscopic techniques: field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of Pt-C replicas, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Each technique can resolve some nanoscale surface features, but they offer different ranges of magnification and dimensional resolutions. Because sample preparation and imaging is not constrained by crystal orientation, FE-SEM and TEM of Pt-C replicas are best suited to image the overall morphology of microcrystals. However, owing to the decoration effect of Pt-C on the crystal faces, TEM of Pt-C replicas is superior at resolving nanoscale surface structures, including the development of new faces and the different microtopography among nonequivalent faces in microcrystals, which cannot be revealed by FE-SEM. In conjunction with SEM, Pt-C replica provides the evidence that crystals grow in diverse and face-specific modes. The TEM imaging of Pt-C replicas has nanoscale resolution comparable to AFM. AFM yielded quantitative information (e.g., crystallographic orientation and height of steps) of microtopographic features. In contrast to Pt-C replicas and SEM providing three-dimensional images of the crystals, AFM can only image one individual cleavage or flat surface at a time.

scholarly journals Measuring the Autocorrelation Function of Nanoscale Three-Dimensional Density Distribution in Individual Cells Using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, and a New Deconvolution Algorithm

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 661-667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Li ◽  
Di Zhang ◽  
Ilker Capoglu ◽  
Karl A. Hujsak ◽  
Dhwanil Damania ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Density Distribution ◽  
Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Mass Density ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Statistical Measures ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Scanning Transmission

AbstractEssentially all biological processes are highly dependent on the nanoscale architecture of the cellular components where these processes take place. Statistical measures, such as the autocorrelation function (ACF) of the three-dimensional (3D) mass–density distribution, are widely used to characterize cellular nanostructure. However, conventional methods of reconstruction of the deterministic 3D mass–density distribution, from which these statistical measures can be calculated, have been inadequate for thick biological structures, such as whole cells, due to the conflict between the need for nanoscale resolution and its inverse relationship with thickness after conventional tomographic reconstruction. To tackle the problem, we have developed a robust method to calculate the ACF of the 3D mass–density distribution without tomography. Assuming the biological mass distribution is isotropic, our method allows for accurate statistical characterization of the 3D mass–density distribution by ACF with two data sets: a single projection image by scanning transmission electron microscopy and a thickness map by atomic force microscopy. Here we present validation of the ACF reconstruction algorithm, as well as its application to calculate the statistics of the 3D distribution of mass–density in a region containing the nucleus of an entire mammalian cell. This method may provide important insights into architectural changes that accompany cellular processes.

scholarly journals Compatibilization and Characterization of Polylactide and Biopolyethylene Binary Blends by Non-Reactive and Reactive Compatibilization Approaches

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose M. Ferri ◽  
Daniel Garcia-Garcia ◽  
Emilio Rayón ◽  
Maria D. Samper ◽  
Rafael Balart
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Vinyl Acetate ◽  
Charpy Test ◽  
Binary Blends ◽  
Reactive Compatibilization ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Field Emission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Microscopic Techniques

In this study, different compatibilizing agents were used to analyze their influence on immiscible blends of polylactide (PLA) and biobased high-density polyethylene (bioPE) 80/20 (wt/wt). The compatibilizing agents used were polyethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) with a content of 33% of vinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and dicumyl peroxide (DPC). The influence of each compatibilizing agent on the mechanical, thermal, and microstructural properties of the PLA-bioPE blend was studied using different microscopic techniques (i.e., field emission electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy with PeakForce quantitative nanomechanical mapping (AFM-QNM)). Compatibilized PLA-bioPE blends showed an improvement in the ductile properties, with EVA being the compatibilizer that provided the highest elongation at break and the highest impact-absorbed energy (Charpy test). In addition, it was observed by means of the different microscopic techniques that the typical droplet-like structure is maintained, but the use of compatibilizers decreases the dimensions of the dispersed droplets, leading to improved interfacial adhesion, being more pronounced in the case of the EVA compatibilizer. Furthermore, the incorporation of the compatibilizers caused a very marked decrease in the crystallinity of the immiscible PLA-bioPE blend.

Initiation and Evolution of Epitaxial Growth of GaAs on CaF2/Si (111) Substrates

1993 ◽  
Vol 317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weidan Li ◽  
Takayoshi Anan ◽  
Thomas Thundat ◽  
Leo J. Schowalter
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Optimal Growth ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Subsequent Growth ◽  
Mbe Growth ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Transmission Electron

AbstractIn this work, MBE growth of GaAs on CaF2/Si (111) substrates has been studied with both Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force Microscopy. It has been observed that, under certain conditions, a chemical reaction between As adatoms and the CaF2 layers can be induced, by which a more stable As layer on the CaF2 surface is formed. The existence of the As layer modifies the CaF2 surface free energy, which, if properly controlled, leads to two-dimensional (2D) nucleation of GaAs on the CaF2/Si (111) surface as opposed to the more commonly observed three-dimensional (3D) growth. Artificial Modification of the CaF2 (111) surface by introducing Ca prior to GaAs growth is also discussed as a promising way to achieve 2D nucleation. In subsequent growth, two kinds of twins have been observed. All samples were observed to have Micro-twins near the GaAs/CaF2 interface. These twins can be suppressed during the first 1000Å, if the layer is grown in a narrow optimal growth window. Otherwise, the growth will be in a 3D Mode at lower temperatures, or it will suffer from the formation of large rotational twins at higher temperatures. It has been observed that growth on vicinal substrates tilted toward [112] azimuth is helpful in suppressing the development of rotational twins so that growth on these substrates have a wider optimal growth window. Surface Morphology of CaF2 epitaxial layers grown on Si (111) substrates with different vicinal angles has also been investigated. It May have significant impact on the twin development during subsequent GaAs growth.

scholarly journals Photoluminescence of MoS2Prepared by Effective Grinding-Assisted Sonication Exfoliation

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing-Yuan Wu ◽  
Meng-Na Lin ◽  
Long-De Wang ◽  
Tong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Sonication Time ◽  
Final Solution ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Large Scale Preparation ◽  
Scale Preparation ◽  
Microscopic Techniques

Exfoliation of bulk molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) using sonication in appropriate solvent is a promising route to large-scale preparation of few-layered or monolayered crystals. Grinding-assisted sonication exfoliation was used for preparing monolayered MoS2nanosheets from natural mineral molybdenite. By controlling the sonication time, larger crystallites could be further exfoliated to smaller as well as thinner nanosheets without damaging their structures. The concentration of 1.6 mg mL−1of final solution could be achieved. Several microscopic techniques like scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were employed to evaluate the exfoliation results. Strong photoluminescence with the peak centered at 440 nm was also observed in the resulting dispersion which included several small lateral-sized (~3 nm) nanostructures.

AFM studies of annealed single-crystal α-alumina surfaces

1995 ◽  
Vol 53 ◽  
pp. 332-333
Author(s):  
Jason R. Heffelfinger ◽  
Michael W. Bench ◽  
C. Barry Carter
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Single Crystal ◽  
Finite Size ◽  
Atomic Level ◽  
Surface Structures ◽  
Santa Barbara ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Insulating Surfaces ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Transmission Electron

Since the invention of atomic-force microscopy (AFM) in 1986, the technique has found an invaluable niche in the imaging of insulating surfaces. AFM allows for analysis of topographical details at the atomic level with minimum sample preparation, but the technique is subject to artifacts such as broadening of surface structures and ghost images of the tip due to the finite size and shape of the contacting probe. In the present investigation, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used as supporting techniques to AFM in the study of annealed single-crystal α-alumina surfaces. Although discrepancies were found between the EM data and the AFM images which point to artifacts inherent to the AFM, useful information on surface step heights and roughness of terraces was gained using AFM.AFM studies were performed on a Nanoscope III (Digital Instruments, Santa Barbara, CA) using microfabricated Si3N4 cantilevers (Ultralevers, Park Inst., Sunnyvale, CA).

scholarly journals Microscopic Techniques for the Analysis of Micro and Nanostructures of Biopolymers and Their Derivatives

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhilash Venkateshaiah ◽  
Vinod V.T. Padil ◽  
Malladi Nagalakshmaiah ◽  
Stanisław Waclawek ◽  
Miroslav Černík ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Decisive Role ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Morphological Properties ◽  
Synthesis Of Nanoparticles ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Microscopic Techniques

Natural biopolymers, a class of materials extracted from renewable sources, is garnering interest due to growing concerns over environmental safety; biopolymers have the advantage of biocompatibility and biodegradability, an imperative requirement. The synthesis of nanoparticles and nanofibers from biopolymers provides a green platform relative to the conventional methods that use hazardous chemicals. However, it is challenging to characterize these nanoparticles and fibers due to the variation in size, shape, and morphology. In order to evaluate these properties, microscopic techniques such as optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are essential. With the advent of new biopolymer systems, it is necessary to obtain insights into the fundamental structures of these systems to determine their structural, physical, and morphological properties, which play a vital role in defining their performance and applications. Microscopic techniques perform a decisive role in revealing intricate details, which assists in the appraisal of microstructure, surface morphology, chemical composition, and interfacial properties. This review highlights the significance of various microscopic techniques incorporating the literature details that help characterize biopolymers and their derivatives.

Nanoprober-Based Pick-and-Place Process for Site-Specific Characterization of Individual Carbon Nanotubes

2008 ◽  
Vol 1081 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Hantschel ◽  
Peter Ryan ◽  
Saku Palanne ◽  
Oliver Richard ◽  
Kai Arstila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Specific Analysis ◽  
Pick And Place

AbstractThe potential use of carbon nanotubes (CNT) as interconnects requires also new characterization approaches as the existing ones are optimized for three-dimensional materials and do not work for inherently one-dimensional structures like CNTs. Therefore, we have developed a so-called pick-and-place process which allows to remove an individual CNT from a specific site and to place it at another location for further analysis. The approach is based on nanomanipulation combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This paper presents the pick-and-place concept and explains the different steps required for its successful application. We further demonstrate its power by characterizing individual CNTs using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The developed pick-and-place approach overcomes the challenge of site-specific analysis of CNT interconnects and strongly facilitates the routine analysis of CNTs.

scholarly journals EXPERIMENTAL NANOMECHANICS OF ONE-DIMENSIONAL NANOMATERIALS BY IN SITU MICROSCOPY

NANO ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 02 (05) ◽  
pp. 249-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
XIAODONG HAN ◽  
ZE ZHANG ◽  
ZHONG LIN WANG
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
One Dimensional ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Sic Nanowires ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Plastic Deformation Process ◽  
Relationship Of

This paper provides a comprehensive review on the methodological development and technical applications of in situ microscopy, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), developed in the last decade for investigating the structure-mechanical-property relationship of a single one-dimensional nanomaterial, such as nanotube, nanowire and nanobelt. The paper covers both the fundamental methods and detailed applications, including AFM-based static elastic and plastic measurements of a carbon nanotube, external field-induced resonance dynamic measurement of elastic modulus of a nanotube/nanowire, nano-indentation, and in situ plastic deformation process of a nanowire. Details are presented on the elastic property measurements and direct imaging of plastic to superplastic behavior of semiconductor nanowires at atomic resolution, providing quantitative information on the mechanical behavior of nanomaterials. The studies on the Si and SiC nanowires clearly demonstrated their distinct, "unexpected" and superior plastic mechanical properties. Finally, a perspective is given on the future of nanomechanics.

Scanning and Transmission Microscopy of Nematocyst Batteries in Epitheliomuscular Cells of Hydra

1971 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 410-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane A. Westfall ◽  
S. Yamataka ◽  
Paul D. Enos
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
External Surface ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Surface Structures ◽  
Transmission Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Freeze Dried ◽  
Scanning Electron

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provides three dimensional details of external surface structures and supplements ultrastructural information provided by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Animals composed of watery jellylike tissues such as hydras and other coelenterates have not been considered suitable for SEM studies because of the difficulty in preserving such organisms in a normal state. This study demonstrates 1) the successful use of SEM on such tissue, and 2) the unique arrangement of batteries of nematocysts within large epitheliomuscular cells on tentacles of Hydra littoralis.Whole specimens of Hydra were prepared for SEM (Figs. 1 and 2) by the fix, freeze-dry, coat technique of Small and Màrszalek. The specimens were fixed in osmium tetroxide and mercuric chloride, freeze-dried in vacuo on a prechilled 1 Kg brass block, and coated with gold-palladium. Tissues for TEM (Figs. 3 and 4) were fixed in glutaraldehyde followed by osmium tetroxide. Scanning micrographs were taken on a Cambridge Stereoscan Mark II A microscope at 10 KV and transmission micrographs were taken on an RCA EMU 3G microscope (Fig. 3) or on a Hitachi HU 11B microscope (Fig. 4).

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