Quantitative structural characterization and property measurements of materials by in situ electron microscopy

原位电子显微镜对材料的定量结构表征和性能测量

• 批准号: RGPIN-2019-06444
• 负责人: Howe, Jane
• 金额: $ 2.77万
• 依托单位: University of Toronto
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2021
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2021-01-01 至 2022-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=738914
• 关键词: Quantitative; structural; characterization; property; measurements

The long-term objective of the research program is to carry out quantitative structural characterization and property measurements of materials during their exposure to relevant and realistic stimuli or environments, and their real-time evolution during processing and operation at nano and sub-nanometer length scales. The short-term objective is to build a liquid-cell electron and correlative microscopy platform that allows the study of how materials function in liquid environments. We will devote a portion of the program towards the understanding of electron-beam effects in aqueous solutions with multiple species, as well as electron beam interactions with nonpolar solutions and ionic liquids. Based upon the new knowledge gain from the fundamental studies of the beam effects, we are striving to explore new frontiers of liquid cell electron microscopy research with improved techniques in several technological areas including: i) catalysis and photochemistry; ii) corrosion and cavitation; iii) environmental remediation and water treatment; and iv) and identifying extraterrestrial amino acids in the carbon-rich meteorites and asteroids. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) offers structural and compositional information of materials at the atomic level. TEM is conventionally carried out on a thin, solid sample in high vacuum. In order to study materials immersed in water and other liquids, we propose an interdisciplinary, "lab-in-the-gap" approach. Specifically, using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology with a high level of miniaturization, research will be conducted in fully integrated, closed liquid cell sample holders that enable the study of materials immersed in liquid, with possible additional stimuli such as optical or electrical influence, heat or gas, and simultaneously acquire multiple responses and signals in situ. The CFI-funded Ontario Centre for the Characterisation of Advanced Materials at the University of Toronto includes an environmental TEM and a high-resolution scanning electron microscope that provide the platforms for the proposed Discovery program. Electron microcopy is rapidly evolving from an observational science to an in situ laboratory platform for advancing many fronts of science and engineering research. Liquid cell electron microscopy is one of the areas that is experiencing revolutionary growth. Preliminary data from our prototype liquid cell suggest that we on the right track for making important discoveries in a number of technological sectors. HQP will be directly involved in the design of the liquid microscopy experiments and the operation of the liquid cell holder. They will gain first-hand experience to work with fundamental research coupled with applied interdisciplinary projects to solve critical problems in the fields of materials synthesis, space science, alternative energy resources, and beyond.

该研究计划的长期目标是对材料在暴露于相关和现实刺激或环境期间进行定量结构表征和性能测量，以及在纳米和亚纳米长度尺度上加工和操作期间的实时演化。 短期目标是建立一个液体细胞电子和关联显微镜平台，可以研究材料在液体环境中的功能。我们将把该计划的一部分用于了解多种物质水溶液中的电子束效应，以及电子束与非极性溶液和离子液体的相互作用。基于从光束效应基础研究中获得的新知识，我们正在努力探索液体细胞电子显微镜研究的新领域，并在几个技术领域改进技术，包括：i）催化和光化学； ii) 腐蚀和气蚀； iii) 环境修复和水处理； iv) 识别富含碳的陨石和小行星中的地外氨基酸。 透射电子显微镜 (TEM) 可提供原子水平上材料的结构和成分信息。 TEM 通常是在高真空下对薄的固体样品进行的。为了研究浸入水和其他液体中的材料，我们提出了一种跨学科的“间隙实验室”方法。具体来说，使用高度小型化的微机电系统（MEMS）技术，研究将在完全集成的、封闭的液体电池样品架中进行，从而能够研究浸入液体中的材料，并可能施加光学或电学影响等额外刺激，热量或气体，并同时获取原位多个响应和信号。 由 CFI 资助的多伦多大学安大略先进材料表征中心包括环境 TEM 和高分辨率扫描电子显微镜，为拟议的发现计划提供平台。 电子显微镜正从观察科学迅速发展为现场实验室平台，以推进科学和工程研究的许多前沿。液体细胞电子显微镜是正在经历革命性增长的领域之一。我们的原型液体电池的初步数据表明，我们在许多技术领域取得重要发现的方向正确。 HQP将直接参与液体显微镜实验的设计和液体池支架的操作。他们将获得基础研究和应用跨学科项目的第一手经验，以解决材料合成、空间科学、替代能源等领域的关键问题。