Structural, Morphological, and Electron Transport Studies of Annealing Dependent In2O3 Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

PubMed Central

Mahalingam, S.; Abdullah, H.; Shaari, S.; Muchtar, A.; Asshari, I.

2015-01-01

Indium oxide (In2O3) thin films annealed at various annealing temperatures were prepared by using spin-coating method for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The objective of this research is to enhance the photovoltaic conversion efficiency in In2O3 thin films by finding the optimum annealing temperature and also to study the reason for high and low performance in the annealed In2O3 thin films. The structural and morphological characteristics of In2O3 thin films were studied via XRD patterns, atomic force microscopy (AFM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), EDX sampling, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The annealing treatment modified the nanostructures of the In2O3 thin films viewed through FESEM images. The In2O3-450°C-based DSSC exhibited better photovoltaic performance than the other annealed thin films of 1.54%. The electron properties were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) unit. The In2O3-450°C thin films provide larger diffusion rate, low recombination effect, and longer electron lifetime, thus enhancing the performance of DSSC. PMID:26146652

Water without windows: Evaluating the performance of open cell transmission electron microscopy under saturated water vapor conditions, and assessing its potential for microscopy of hydrated biological specimens

PubMed Central

Yamashita, Masao; Cheung, Martin; Kalale, Chola; Adaniya, Hidehito; Kuwahara, Ryusuke; Shintake, Tsumoru

2017-01-01

We have performed open cell transmission electron microscopy experiments through pure water vapor in the saturation pressure regime (>0.6 kPa), in a modern microscope capable of sub-Å resolution. We have systematically studied achievable pressure levels, stability and gas purity, effective thickness of the water vapor column and associated electron scattering processes, and the effect of gas pressure on electron optical resolution and image contrast. For example, for 1.3 kPa pure water vapor and 300kV electrons, we report pressure stability of ± 20 Pa over tens of minutes, effective thickness of 0.57 inelastic mean free paths, lattice resolution of 0.14 nm on a reference Au specimen, and no significant degradation in contrast or stability of a biological specimen (M13 virus, with 6 nm body diameter). We have also done some brief experiments to confirm feasibility of loading specimens into an in situ water vapor ambient without exposure to intermediate desiccating conditions. Finally, we have also checked if water experiments had any discernible impact on the microscope performance, and report pertinent vacuum and electron optical data, for reference purposes. PMID:29099843

Advances in high-resolution imaging--techniques for three-dimensional imaging of cellular structures.

PubMed

Lidke, Diane S; Lidke, Keith A

2012-06-01

A fundamental goal in biology is to determine how cellular organization is coupled to function. To achieve this goal, a better understanding of organelle composition and structure is needed. Although visualization of cellular organelles using fluorescence or electron microscopy (EM) has become a common tool for the cell biologist, recent advances are providing a clearer picture of the cell than ever before. In particular, advanced light-microscopy techniques are achieving resolutions below the diffraction limit and EM tomography provides high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) images of cellular structures. The ability to perform both fluorescence and electron microscopy on the same sample (correlative light and electron microscopy, CLEM) makes it possible to identify where a fluorescently labeled protein is located with respect to organelle structures visualized by EM. Here, we review the current state of the art in 3D biological imaging techniques with a focus on recent advances in electron microscopy and fluorescence super-resolution techniques.

Software electron counting for low-dose scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Mittelberger, Andreas; Kramberger, Christian; Meyer, Jannik C

2018-05-01

The performance of the detector is of key importance for low-dose imaging in transmission electron microscopy, and counting every single electron can be considered as the ultimate goal. In scanning transmission electron microscopy, low-dose imaging can be realized by very fast scanning, however, this also introduces artifacts and a loss of resolution in the scan direction. We have developed a software approach to correct for artifacts introduced by fast scans, making use of a scintillator and photomultiplier response that extends over several pixels. The parameters for this correction can be directly extracted from the raw image. Finally, the images can be converted into electron counts. This approach enables low-dose imaging in the scanning transmission electron microscope via high scan speeds while retaining the image quality of artifact-free slower scans. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Integration of a high-NA light microscope in a scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Zonnevylle, A C; Van Tol, R F C; Liv, N; Narvaez, A C; Effting, A P J; Kruit, P; Hoogenboom, J P

2013-10-01

We present an integrated light-electron microscope in which an inverted high-NA objective lens is positioned inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM objective lens and the light objective lens have a common axis and focal plane, allowing high-resolution optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy on the same area of a sample simultaneously. Components for light illumination and detection can be mounted outside the vacuum, enabling flexibility in the construction of the light microscope. The light objective lens can be positioned underneath the SEM objective lens during operation for sub-10 μm alignment of the fields of view of the light and electron microscopes. We demonstrate in situ epifluorescence microscopy in the SEM with a numerical aperture of 1.4 using vacuum-compatible immersion oil. For a 40-nm-diameter fluorescent polymer nanoparticle, an intensity profile with a FWHM of 380 nm is measured whereas the SEM performance is uncompromised. The integrated instrument may offer new possibilities for correlative light and electron microscopy in the life sciences as well as in physics and chemistry. © 2013 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2013 Royal Microscopical Society.

Development of an environmental high-voltage electron microscope for reaction science.

PubMed

Tanaka, Nobuo; Usukura, Jiro; Kusunoki, Michiko; Saito, Yahachi; Sasaki, Katuhiro; Tanji, Takayoshi; Muto, Shunsuke; Arai, Shigeo

2013-02-01

Environmental transmission electron microscopy and ultra-high resolution electron microscopic observation using aberration correctors have recently emerged as topics of great interest. The former method is an extension of the so-called in situ electron microscopy that has been performed since the 1970s. Current research in this area has been focusing on dynamic observation with atomic resolution under gaseous atmospheres and in liquids. Since 2007, Nagoya University has been developing a new 1-MV high voltage (scanning) transmission electron microscope that can be used to observe nanomaterials under conditions that include the presence of gases, liquids and illuminating lights, and it can be also used to perform mechanical operations to nanometre-sized areas as well as electron tomography and elemental analysis by electron energy loss spectroscopy. The new instrument has been used to image and analyse various types of samples including biological ones.

A Survey of the Use of Iterative Reconstruction Algorithms in Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Otón, J.; Vilas, J. L.; Kazemi, M.; Melero, R.; del Caño, L.; Cuenca, J.; Conesa, P.; Gómez-Blanco, J.; Marabini, R.; Carazo, J. M.

2017-01-01

One of the key steps in Electron Microscopy is the tomographic reconstruction of a three-dimensional (3D) map of the specimen being studied from a set of two-dimensional (2D) projections acquired at the microscope. This tomographic reconstruction may be performed with different reconstruction algorithms that can be grouped into several large families: direct Fourier inversion methods, back-projection methods, Radon methods, or iterative algorithms. In this review, we focus on the latter family of algorithms, explaining the mathematical rationale behind the different algorithms in this family as they have been introduced in the field of Electron Microscopy. We cover their use in Single Particle Analysis (SPA) as well as in Electron Tomography (ET). PMID:29312997

Schottky barrier height measurements of Cu/Si(001), Ag/Si(001), and Au/Si(001) interfaces utilizing ballistic electron emission microscopy and ballistic hole emission microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Balsano, Robert; Matsubayashi, Akitomo; LaBella, Vincent P., E-mail: vlabella@albany.edu

2013-11-15

The Schottky barrier heights of both n and p doped Cu/Si(001), Ag/Si(001), and Au/Si(001) diodes were measured using ballistic electron emission microscopy and ballistic hole emission microscopy (BHEM), respectively. Measurements using both forward and reverse ballistic electron emission microscopy (BEEM) and (BHEM) injection conditions were performed. The Schottky barrier heights were found by fitting to a linearization of the power law form of the Bell-Kaiser BEEM model. The sum of the n-type and p-type barrier heights are in good agreement with the band gap of silicon and independent of the metal utilized. The Schottky barrier heights are found to bemore » below the region of best fit for the power law form of the BK model, demonstrating its region of validity.« less

Characterization of Sulfur and Nanostructured Sulfur Battery Cathodes in Electron Microscopy Without Sublimation Artifacts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Levin, Barnaby D. A.; Zachman, Michael J.; Werner, Jörg G.

Abstract Lithium sulfur (Li–S) batteries have the potential to provide higher energy storage density at lower cost than conventional lithium ion batteries. A key challenge for Li–S batteries is the loss of sulfur to the electrolyte during cycling. This loss can be mitigated by sequestering the sulfur in nanostructured carbon–sulfur composites. The nanoscale characterization of the sulfur distribution within these complex nanostructured electrodes is normally performed by electron microscopy, but sulfur sublimates and redistributes in the high-vacuum conditions of conventional electron microscopes. The resulting sublimation artifacts render characterization of sulfur in conventional electron microscopes problematic and unreliable. Here, we demonstratemore » two techniques, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and scanning electron microscopy in air (airSEM), that enable the reliable characterization of sulfur across multiple length scales by suppressing sulfur sublimation. We use cryo-TEM and airSEM to examine carbon–sulfur composites synthesized for use as Li–S battery cathodes, noting several cases where the commonly employed sulfur melt infusion method is highly inefficient at infiltrating sulfur into porous carbon hosts.« less

Immunogold labeling reveals subcellular localisation of silica nanoparticles in a human blood-brain barrier model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Dong; Anguissola, Sergio; O'Neill, Tiina; Dawson, Kenneth A.

2015-05-01

Subcellular location of nanoparticles has been widely investigated with fluorescence microscopy, via fluorescently labeled antibodies to visualise target antigens in cells. However, fluorescence microscopy, such as confocal or live cell imaging, has generally limited 3D spatial resolution. Conventional electron microscopy can be useful in bridging resolution gap, but still not ideal in resolving subcellular organelle identities. Using the pre-embedding immunogold electron microscopic imaging, we performed accurate examination of the intracellular trafficking and gathered further evidence of transport mechanisms of silica nanoparticles across a human in vitro blood-brain barrier model. Our approach can effectively immunolocalise a variety of intracellular compartments and provide new insights into the uptake and subcellular transport of nanoparticles.Subcellular location of nanoparticles has been widely investigated with fluorescence microscopy, via fluorescently labeled antibodies to visualise target antigens in cells. However, fluorescence microscopy, such as confocal or live cell imaging, has generally limited 3D spatial resolution. Conventional electron microscopy can be useful in bridging resolution gap, but still not ideal in resolving subcellular organelle identities. Using the pre-embedding immunogold electron microscopic imaging, we performed accurate examination of the intracellular trafficking and gathered further evidence of transport mechanisms of silica nanoparticles across a human in vitro blood-brain barrier model. Our approach can effectively immunolocalise a variety of intracellular compartments and provide new insights into the uptake and subcellular transport of nanoparticles. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Nanoparticle characterisation data, preservation of cellular structures, staining controls, optimisation of size amplification via the silver enhancement, and more imaging results from anti-clathrin and anti-caveolin 1 immunolabeling. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01539a

Simulating Lattice Image of Suspended Graphene Taken by Helium Ion Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyamoto, Yoshiyuki; Zhang, Hong; Rubio, Angel

2013-03-01

Atomic scale image in nano-scale helps us to characterize property of graphene, and performance of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is significant, so far. While a tool without pre-treatment of samples is demanded in practice. Helium ion microscopy (HIM), firstly reported by Word et. al. in 2006, was applied for monitoring graphene in device structure (Lumme, et. al., 2009). Motivated by recent HIM explorations, we examined the possibility of taking lattice image of suspended graphene by HIM. The intensity of secondary emitted electron is recorded as a profile of scanned He+-beam in HIM measurement. We mimicked this situation by performing electron-ion dynamics based on the first-principles simulation within the time-dependent density functional theory. He+ ion collision on single graphene sheet at several impact points were simulated and we found that the amount of secondary emitted electron from graphene reflected the valence charge distribution of the graphene sheet. Therefore HIM using atomically thin He-beam should be able to provide the lattice image, and we propose that an experiment generating ultra-thin He+ ion beam (Rezeq et. al., 2006) should be combined with HIM technique. All calculations were performed by using the Earth Simulator.

Comparison of optimal performance at 300 keV of three direct electron detectors for use in low dose electron microscopy

PubMed Central

McMullan, G.; Faruqi, A.R.; Clare, D.; Henderson, R.

2014-01-01

Low dose electron imaging applications such as electron cryo-microscopy are now benefitting from the improved performance and flexibility of recently introduced electron imaging detectors in which electrons are directly incident on backthinned CMOS sensors. There are currently three commercially available detectors of this type: the Direct Electron DE-20, the FEI Falcon II and the Gatan K2 Summit. These have different characteristics and so it is important to compare their imaging properties carefully with a view to optimise how each is used. Results at 300 keV for both the modulation transfer function (MTF) and the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) are presented. Of these, the DQE is the most important in the study of radiation sensitive samples where detector performance is crucial. We find that all three detectors have a better DQE than film. The K2 Summit has the best DQE at low spatial frequencies but with increasing spatial frequency its DQE falls below that of the Falcon II. PMID:25194828

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nanoclusters of ZnS Comprised on Nanowires

PubMed Central

Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; Khun, Kimleang; Liu, Xianjie; Willander, Magnus

2013-01-01

Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide cationic (CTAB) surfactant was used as template for the synthesis of nanoclusters of ZnS composed of nanowires, by hydrothermal method. The structural and morphological studies were performed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques. The synthesized ZnS nanoclusters are composed of nanowires and high yield on the substrate was observed. The ZnS nanocrystalline consists of hexagonal phase and polycrystalline in nature. The chemical composition of ZnS nanoclusters composed of nanowires was studied by X-ray photo electron microscopy (XPS). This investigation has shown that the ZnS nanoclusters are composed of Zn and S atoms. PMID:28348350

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nanoclusters of ZnS Comprised on Nanowires.

PubMed

Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; Khun, Kimleang; Liu, Xianjie; Willander, Magnus

2013-09-09

Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide cationic (CTAB) surfactant was used as template for the synthesis of nanoclusters of ZnS composed of nanowires, by hydrothermal method. The structural and morphological studies were performed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques. The synthesized ZnS nanoclusters are composed of nanowires and high yield on the substrate was observed. The ZnS nanocrystalline consists of hexagonal phase and polycrystalline in nature. The chemical composition of ZnS nanoclusters composed of nanowires was studied by X-ray photo electron microscopy (XPS). This investigation has shown that the ZnS nanoclusters are composed of Zn and S atoms.

Visualization of Hierarchical Nanodomains in Polymer/Fullerene Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells

DOE PAGES

Wen, Jianguo; Miller, Dean J.; Chen, Wei; ...

2014-06-20

Here, traditional electron microscopy techniques such as bright-field imaging provide poor contrast for organic films and identification of structures in amorphous material can be problematic, particularly in high-performance organic solar cells. By combining energy-filtered corrected transmission electron microscopy, together with electron energy loss and X-ray energy-dispersive hyperspectral imaging, we have imaged PTB7/ PC 61BM blended polymer optical photovoltaic films, and were able to identify domains ranging in size from several hundred nanometers to several nanometers in extent. This work verifies that microstructural domains exist in bulk heterojunctions in PTB7/PC 61BM polymeric solar cells at multiple length scales and expands ourmore » understanding of optimal device performance providing insight for the design of even higher performance cells.« less

Vertically grown nanowire crystals of dibenzotetrathienocoronene (DBTTC) on large-area graphene

DOE PAGES

Kim, B.; Chiu, C. -Y.; Kang, S. J.; ...

2016-06-01

Here we demonstrate controlled growth of vertical organic crystal nanowires on single layer graphene. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transition electron microscopy (TEM), and Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXD), we probe the microstructure and morphology of dibenzotetrathienocoronene (DBTTC) nanowires epitaxially grown on graphene. The investigation is performed at both the ensemble and single nanowire level, and as function of growth parameters, providing insight of and control over the formation mechanism. Finally, the size, density and height of the nanowires can be tuned via growth conditions, opening new avenues for tailoring three-dimensional (3-D) nanostructured architectures for organic electronics with improvedmore » functional performance.« less

Molecular tips for scanning tunneling microscopy: intermolecular electron tunneling for single-molecule recognition and electronics.

PubMed

Nishino, Tomoaki

2014-01-01

This paper reviews the development of molecular tips for scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Molecular tips offer many advantages: first is their ability to perform chemically selective imaging because of chemical interactions between the sample and the molecular tip, thus improving a major drawback of conventional STM. Rational design of the molecular tip allows sophisticated chemical recognition; e.g., chiral recognition and selective visualization of atomic defects in carbon nanotubes. Another advantage is that they provide a unique method to quantify electron transfer between single molecules. Understanding such electron transfer is mandatory for the realization of molecular electronics.

High-quality ultrastructural preservation using cryofixation for 3D electron microscopy of genetically labeled tissues

PubMed Central

Boassa, Daniela; Hu, Junru; Romoli, Benedetto; Phan, Sebastien; Dulcis, Davide

2018-01-01

Electron microscopy (EM) offers unparalleled power to study cell substructures at the nanoscale. Cryofixation by high-pressure freezing offers optimal morphological preservation, as it captures cellular structures instantaneously in their near-native state. However, the applicability of cryofixation is limited by its incompatibility with diaminobenzidine labeling using genetic EM tags and the high-contrast en bloc staining required for serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBEM). In addition, it is challenging to perform correlated light and electron microscopy (CLEM) with cryofixed samples. Consequently, these powerful methods cannot be applied to address questions requiring optimal morphological preservation. Here, we developed an approach that overcomes these limitations; it enables genetically labeled, cryofixed samples to be characterized with SBEM and 3D CLEM. Our approach is broadly applicable, as demonstrated in cultured cells, Drosophila olfactory organ and mouse brain. This optimization exploits the potential of cryofixation, allowing for quality ultrastructural preservation for diverse EM applications. PMID:29749931

Investigation of porous asphalt microstructure using optical and electron microscopy.

PubMed

Poulikakos, L D; Partl, M N

2010-11-01

Direct observations of porous asphalt concrete samples in their natural state using optical and electron microscopy techniques led to useful information regarding the microstructure of two mixes and indicated a relationship between microstructure and in situ performance. This paper presents evidence that suboptimal microstructure can lead to premature failure thus making a first step in defining well or suboptimal performing pavements with a bottom-up approach (microstructure). Laboratory and field compaction produce different samples in terms of the microstructure. Laboratory compaction using the gyratory method has produced more microcracks in mineral aggregates after the binder had cooled. Well-performing mixes used polymer-modified binders, had a more homogeneous void structure with fewer elongated voids and better interlocking of the aggregates. Furthermore, well-performing mixes showed better distribution of the mastic and better coverage of the aggregates with bitumen. Low vacuum scanning electron microscopy showed that styrene butadiene styrene polymer modification in binder exists in the form of discontinuous globules and not continuous networks. A reduction in the polymer phase was observed as a result of aging and in-service use. © 2010 The Authors Journal compilation © 2010 The Royal Microscopical Society.

Quantitative Cryo-Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy of Biological Materials.

PubMed

Elbaum, Michael

2018-05-11

Electron tomography provides a detailed view into the 3D structure of biological cells and tissues. Physical fixation by vitrification of the aqueous medium provides the most faithful preservation of biological specimens in the native, fully hydrated state. Cryo-microscopy is challenging, however, because of the sensitivity to electron irradiation and due to the weak electron scattering of organic material. Tomography is even more challenging because of the dependence on multiple exposures of the same area. Tomographic imaging is typically performed in wide-field transmission electron microscopy (TEM) mode with phase contrast generated by defocus. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is an alternative mode based on detection of scattering from a focused probe beam, without imaging optics following the specimen. While careful configuration of the illumination and detectors is required to generate useful contrast, STEM circumvents the major restrictions of phase contrast TEM to very thin specimens and provides a signal that is more simply interpreted in terms of local composition and density. STEM has gained popularity in recent years for materials science. The extension of STEM to cryomicroscopy and tomography of cells and macromolecules is summarized herein. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ag-doped TiO2 hollow microspheres with visible light response by template-free route for removal of tetracycline hydrochloride from aqueous solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jian; Li, Xuanhua; Peng, Meiling; Tang, Yuanyuan; Ke, Anqi; Gan, Wei; Fu, Xucheng; Hao, Hequn

2018-06-01

In this study, Ag-doped TiO2 hollow microspheres were synthesized by a template-free route, and their photocatalytic performance and catalytic mechanism were investigated. The hollow microspheres were characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy. Ag-doped hollow TiO2 microspheres exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance for tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) in water. TC degradation follows pseudo first-order kinetics, and hydroxyl radical (OH·) and holes (h+) were active substances in the photocatalytic reaction.

Investigating the performance of nitrogen-doped graphene photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joseph, Easter; Singh, Balbir Singh Mahinder; Mohamed, Norani Muti; Kait, Chong Fai; Saheed, Mohamed Shuaib Mohamed; Khatani, Mehboob

2016-11-01

In this paper, the atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (AP-CVD) is used to synthesize graphene on a copper substrate by utilizing methane as a precursor and N-doped graphene (NDG) in the presence of ammonia. The performance of pure titanium dioxide (TiO2), TiO2/graphene, and TiO2/NDG as photoanodes in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) were compared. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed flakes of few layers with an interrupted layer in both graphene and NDG. DSSC consist of TiO2/NDG photoanode exhibits a better enhancement due to the high conductivity of donor N in graphene which enhances the electron transportation across nanoporous TiO2.

Automated magnification calibration in transmission electron microscopy using Fourier analysis of replica images.

PubMed

van der Laak, Jeroen A W M; Dijkman, Henry B P M; Pahlplatz, Martin M M

2006-03-01

The magnification factor in transmission electron microscopy is not very precise, hampering for instance quantitative analysis of specimens. Calibration of the magnification is usually performed interactively using replica specimens, containing line or grating patterns with known spacing. In the present study, a procedure is described for automated magnification calibration using digital images of a line replica. This procedure is based on analysis of the power spectrum of Fourier transformed replica images, and is compared to interactive measurement in the same images. Images were used with magnification ranging from 1,000 x to 200,000 x. The automated procedure deviated on average 0.10% from interactive measurements. Especially for catalase replicas, the coefficient of variation of automated measurement was considerably smaller (average 0.28%) compared to that of interactive measurement (average 3.5%). In conclusion, calibration of the magnification in digital images from transmission electron microscopy may be performed automatically, using the procedure presented here, with high precision and accuracy.

Enhancing Ion Migration in Grain Boundaries of Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Perovskites by Chlorine

DOE PAGES

Yang, Bin; Brown, Chance C.; Huang, Jingsong; ...

2017-05-26

Ionicity plays an important role in determining material properties, as well as optoelectronic performance of organometallic trihalide perovskites (OTPs). Ion migration in OTP films has recently been under intensive investigation by various scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques. Controversial findings regarding the role of grain boundaries (GBs) associated with ion migration are often encountered, likely as a result of feedback errors and topographic effects common in to SPM. In this work, electron microscopy and spectroscopy (scanning transmission electron microscopy/electron energy loss spectroscopy) are combined with a novel, open-loop, band-excitation, (contact) Kelvin probe force microscopy (BE-KPFM and BE-cKPFM), in conjunction with abmore » initio molecular dynamics simulations to examine the ion behavior in the GBs of CH 3NH 3PbI 3 perovskite films. Furthermore, this combination of diverse techniques provides a deeper understanding of the differences between ion migration within GBs and interior grains in OTP films. Our work demonstrates that ion migration can be significantly enhanced by introducing additional mobile Cl - ions into GBs. The enhancement of ion migration may serve as the first step toward the development of high-performance electrically and optically tunable memristors and synaptic devices.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Bin; Brown, Chance C.; Huang, Jingsong

Ionicity plays an important role in determining material properties, as well as optoelectronic performance of organometallic trihalide perovskites (OTPs). Ion migration in OTP films has recently been under intensive investigation by various scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques. Controversial findings regarding the role of grain boundaries (GBs) associated with ion migration are often encountered, likely as a result of feedback errors and topographic effects common in to SPM. In this work, electron microscopy and spectroscopy (scanning transmission electron microscopy/electron energy loss spectroscopy) are combined with a novel, open-loop, band-excitation, (contact) Kelvin probe force microscopy (BE-KPFM and BE-cKPFM), in conjunction with abmore » initio molecular dynamics simulations to examine the ion behavior in the GBs of CH 3NH 3PbI 3 perovskite films. Furthermore, this combination of diverse techniques provides a deeper understanding of the differences between ion migration within GBs and interior grains in OTP films. Our work demonstrates that ion migration can be significantly enhanced by introducing additional mobile Cl - ions into GBs. The enhancement of ion migration may serve as the first step toward the development of high-performance electrically and optically tunable memristors and synaptic devices.« less

Correlating Intravital Multi-Photon Microscopy to 3D Electron Microscopy of Invading Tumor Cells Using Anatomical Reference Points

PubMed Central

Karreman, Matthia A.; Mercier, Luc; Schieber, Nicole L.; Shibue, Tsukasa; Schwab, Yannick; Goetz, Jacky G.

2014-01-01

Correlative microscopy combines the advantages of both light and electron microscopy to enable imaging of rare and transient events at high resolution. Performing correlative microscopy in complex and bulky samples such as an entire living organism is a time-consuming and error-prone task. Here, we investigate correlative methods that rely on the use of artificial and endogenous structural features of the sample as reference points for correlating intravital fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy. To investigate tumor cell behavior in vivo with ultrastructural accuracy, a reliable approach is needed to retrieve single tumor cells imaged deep within the tissue. For this purpose, fluorescently labeled tumor cells were subcutaneously injected into a mouse ear and imaged using two-photon-excitation microscopy. Using near-infrared branding, the position of the imaged area within the sample was labeled at the skin level, allowing for its precise recollection. Following sample preparation for electron microscopy, concerted usage of the artificial branding and anatomical landmarks enables targeting and approaching the cells of interest while serial sectioning through the specimen. We describe here three procedures showing how three-dimensional (3D) mapping of structural features in the tissue can be exploited to accurately correlate between the two imaging modalities, without having to rely on the use of artificially introduced markers of the region of interest. The methods employed here facilitate the link between intravital and nanoscale imaging of invasive tumor cells, enabling correlating function to structure in the study of tumor invasion and metastasis. PMID:25479106

Facile synthesis of graphene-wrapped honeycomb MnO2 nanospheres and their application in supercapacitors.

PubMed

Zhu, Jiayi; He, Junhui

2012-03-01

Graphene-wrapped MnO(2) nanocomposites were first fabricated by coassembly between honeycomb MnO(2) nanospheres and graphene sheets via electrostatic interaction. The materials were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The novel MnO(2)/graphene hybrid materials were used for investigation of electrochemical capacitive behaviors. The hybrid materials displayed enhanced capacitive performance (210 F/g at 0.5 A/g). Additionally, over 82.4% of the initial capacitance was retained after repeating the cyclic voltammetry test for 1000 cycles. The improved electrochemical performance might be attributed to the combination of the pesudocapacitance of MnO(2) nanospheres with the honeycomb-like "opened" structure and good electrical conductivity of graphene sheets. © 2012 American Chemical Society

Freeze-drying synthesis of three-dimensional porous LiFePO4 modified with well-dispersed nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tu, Xiaofeng; Zhou, Yingke; Song, Yijie

2017-04-01

The three-dimensional porous LiFePO4 modified with uniformly dispersed nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes has been successfully prepared by a freeze-drying method. The morphology and structure of the porous composites are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the electrochemical performances are evaluated using the constant current charge/discharge tests, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes are uniformly dispersed inside the porous LiFePO4 to construct a superior three-dimensional conductive network, which remarkably increases the electronic conductivity and accelerates the diffusion of lithium ion. The porous composite displays high specific capacity, good rate capability and excellent cycling stability, rendering it a promising positive electrode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Spectral Interferometry with Electron Microscopes

PubMed Central

Talebi, Nahid

2016-01-01

Interference patterns are not only a defining characteristic of waves, but also have several applications; characterization of coherent processes and holography. Spatial holography with electron waves, has paved the way towards space-resolved characterization of magnetic domains and electrostatic potentials with angstrom spatial resolution. Another impetus in electron microscopy has been introduced by ultrafast electron microscopy which uses pulses of sub-picosecond durations for probing a laser induced excitation of the sample. However, attosecond temporal resolution has not yet been reported, merely due to the statistical distribution of arrival times of electrons at the sample, with respect to the laser time reference. This is however, the very time resolution which will be needed for performing time-frequency analysis. These difficulties are addressed here by proposing a new methodology to improve the synchronization between electron and optical excitations through introducing an efficient electron-driven photon source. We use focused transition radiation of the electron as a pump for the sample. Due to the nature of transition radiation, the process is coherent. This technique allows us to perform spectral interferometry with electron microscopes, with applications in retrieving the phase of electron-induced polarizations and reconstructing dynamics of the induced vector potential. PMID:27649932

Correlating Atom Probe Tomography with Atomic-Resolved Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy: Example of Segregation at Silicon Grain Boundaries.

PubMed

Stoffers, Andreas; Barthel, Juri; Liebscher, Christian H; Gault, Baptiste; Cojocaru-Mirédin, Oana; Scheu, Christina; Raabe, Dierk

2017-04-01

In the course of a thorough investigation of the performance-structure-chemistry interdependency at silicon grain boundaries, we successfully developed a method to systematically correlate aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. The correlative approach is conducted on individual APT and TEM specimens, with the option to perform both investigations on the same specimen in the future. In the present case of a Σ9 grain boundary, joint mapping of the atomistic details of the grain boundary topology, in conjunction with chemical decoration, enables a deeper understanding of the segregation of impurities observed at such grain boundaries.

Preparation of isolated nuclei from K 562 haemopoietic cell line for high resolution scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Reipert, S; Reipert, B M; Allen, T D

1994-09-01

The aim of the work is to visualise nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) in mammalian cells by high resolution scanning electron microscopy. A detergent-free isolation protocol was employed to obtain clean nuclei from the haemopoietic cell line K 562. Nuclear isolation was performed by mechanical homogenisation under hypotonic conditions followed by purification of the nuclear fraction. The isolated nuclei were attached to silicon chips, fixed, critical point dried, and sputter coated with a thin film (3-4 nm) of tantalum. Analysis of the nuclear surface by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a strong sensitivity of the outer nuclear membrane (ONM) to disruption during the isolation procedure. A significant reduction of the characteristic pattern of damage to the ONM was achieved by means of an isopicnic centrifugation on an isoosmolar balanced Percoll gradient. Analysis of the population of isolated nuclei by flow cytometry showed no signs of cell cycle specific losses of nuclei during isolation. The SEM investigations of the morphology of the nuclear envelope (NE) and of substructural details of NPCs and polyribosomes were performed using an in-lens field emission scanning electron microscope.

Distributions of methyl group rotational barriers in polycrystalline organic solids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beckmann, Peter A., E-mail: pbeckman@brynmawr.edu, E-mail: wangxianlong@uestc.edu.cn; Conn, Kathleen G.; Division of Education and Human Services, Neumann University, One Neumann Drive, Aston, Pennsylvania 19014-1298

We bring together solid state {sup 1}H spin-lattice relaxation rate measurements, scanning electron microscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and electronic structure calculations for two methyl substituted organic compounds to investigate methyl group (CH{sub 3}) rotational dynamics in the solid state. Methyl group rotational barrier heights are computed using electronic structure calculations, both in isolated molecules and in molecular clusters mimicking a perfect single crystal environment. The calculations are performed on suitable clusters built from the X-ray diffraction studies. These calculations allow for an estimate of the intramolecular and the intermolecular contributions to the barrier heights. The {sup 1}H relaxation measurements,more » on the other hand, are performed with polycrystalline samples which have been investigated with scanning electron microscopy. The {sup 1}H relaxation measurements are best fitted with a distribution of activation energies for methyl group rotation and we propose, based on the scanning electron microscopy images, that this distribution arises from molecules near crystallite surfaces or near other crystal imperfections (vacancies, dislocations, etc.). An activation energy characterizing this distribution is compared with a barrier height determined from the electronic structure calculations and a consistent model for methyl group rotation is developed. The compounds are 1,6-dimethylphenanthrene and 1,8-dimethylphenanthrene and the methyl group barriers being discussed and compared are in the 2–12 kJ mol{sup −1} range.« less

Importance of microscopy in durability studies of solidified and stabilized contaminated soils

USGS Publications Warehouse

Klich, I.; Wilding, L.P.; Drees, L.R.; Landa, E.R.

1999-01-01

Solidification/stabilization (S/S) is recognized by the U.S. EPA as a best demonstrated available technology for the containment of contaminated soils and other hazardous wastes that cannot be destroyed by chemical, thermal, or biological means. Despite the increased use of S/S technologies, little research has been conducted on the weathering and degradation of solidified and stabilized wastes once the treated materials have been buried. Published data to verify the performance and durability of landfilled treated wastes over time are rare. In this preliminary study, optical and electron microscopy (scanning electron microscopy [SEM], transmission electron microscopy [TEM] and electron probe microanalyses [EPMA]) were used to evaluate weathering features associated with metal-bearing contaminated soil that had been solidified and stabilized with Portland cement and subsequently buried on site, stored outdoors aboveground, or achieved in a laboratory warehouse for up to 6 yr. Physical and chemical alteration processes identified include: freeze-thaw cracking, cracking caused by the formation of expansive minerals such as ettringite, carbonation, and the movement of metals from waste aggregates into the cement micromass. Although the extent of degradation after 6 yr is considered slight to moderate, results of this study show that the same environmental concerns that affect the durability of concrete must be considered when evaluating the durability and permanence of the solidification and stabilization of contaminated soils with cement. In addition, such evaluations cannot be based on leaching and chemical analyses alone. The use of all levels of microscopic analyses must be incorporated into studies of the long-term performance of S/S technologies.Solidification/stabilization (S/S) is recognized by the U.S. EPA as a best demonstrated available technology for the containment of contaminated soils and other hazardous wastes that cannot be destroyed by chemical, thermal, or biological means. Despite the increased use of S/S technologies, little research has been conducted on the weathering and degradation of solidified and stabilized wastes once the treated materials have been buried. Published data to verify the performance and durability of landfilled treated wastes over time are rare. In this preliminary study, optical and electron microscopy (scanning electron microscopy [SEM], transmission electron microscopy [TEM] and electron probe microanalyses [EPMA]) were used to evaluate weathering features associated with metal-bearing contaminated soil that had been solidified and stabilized with Portland cement and subsequently buried on site, stored outdoors aboveground, or archived in a laboratory, warehouse for up to 6 yr. Physical and chemical alteration processes identified include: freeze-thaw cracking, cracking caused by the formation of expansive minerals such as ettringite, carbonation, and the movement of metals from waste aggregates into the cement micromass. Although the extent of degradation after 6 yr is considered slight to moderate, results of this study show that the same environmental concerns that affect the durability of concrete must be considered when evaluating the durability and permanence of the solidification and stabilization of contaminated soils with cement. In addition, such evaluations cannot be based on leaching and chemical analyses alone. The use of all levels of microscopic analyses must be incorporated into studies of the long-term performance of S/S technologies.

Crystal growth of carbonate apatite using a CaCO3 flux.

PubMed

Suetsugu, Y; Tanaka, J

1999-09-01

Single crystals of carbonate apatite were grown using a CaCO3 flux under an Ar gas pressure of 55 MPa. The crystals obtained were observed by scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Electron probe microanalyses and thermal analyses were performed. CO3 ions in planar triangle form replaced both OH sites and PO4 tetrahedral sites in the apatite structure: in particular, the OH sites were perfectly substituted by CO3 ions using this method.

Simple synthesis of MoS{sub 2} inorganic fullerene-like nanomaterials from MoS{sub 2} amorphous nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chang Lianxia; China Faw Group Corporation R and D Center, Changchun, 130011; Yang Haibin

The amorphous MoS{sub 2} nanoparticles have been synthesized by a simple oxidation-reduction reaction in an aqueous solution. A series of products with different morphologies, such as MoS{sub 2} nanospheres, inorganic fullerene-like nanospheres, nanorods and Mo bended rods, can be obtained by annealing the amorphous MoS{sub 2} nanoparticles under N{sub 2} atmosphere under 400-1200 deg. C. These products have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy in detail. The possible transformation mechanism for the structure has been discussed based on the experimental results. In addition, the optical properties of IF-MoS{submore » 2} have also been performed by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy.« less

Evidence of Momentum Conservation at a Nonepitaxial Metal/Semiconductor Interface Using Ballistic Electron Emission Microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, L. D.

1996-01-01

Ballistic-Electron-Emission Microscopy (BEEM) spectroscopy has been performed on Au/Si(111) structures as a function of Au thickness and temperature. At 77 K a direct signature of parallel momentum conservation at the Au/Si interface is observed in the BEEM spectra. The variation in spectral shape with both Au thickness and temperature places restrictions on allowable values of inelastic and elastic mean-free paths in the metal, and also requires the presence of multiple electron passes within the Au layer. An independent indication of multiple reflections is directly observed in the attenuation of BEEM current with Au thickness.

Spectroscopic study of Pbs nano-structured layer prepared by Pld utilized as a Hall-effect magnetic sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atwa, D. M.; Aboulfotoh, N.; El-magd, A. Abo; Badr, Y.

2013-10-01

Lead sulfide (PbS) nano-structured films have been grown on quartz substrates using PLD technique. The deposited films were characterized by several structural techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Selected-area electron diffraction patterns (SAED). The results prove the formation of cubic phase of PbS nanocrystals. Elemental analysis of the deposited films compared to the bulk target was obtained via laser induced fluorescence of the produced plasma particles and the energy dispersive X-ray "EDX" technique. The Hall coefficient measurements indicate an efficient performance of the deposited films as a magnetic sensor.

New developments in electron microscopy for serial image acquisition of neuronal profiles.

PubMed

Kubota, Yoshiyuki

2015-02-01

Recent developments in electron microscopy largely automate the continuous acquisition of serial electron micrographs (EMGs), previously achieved by laborious manual serial ultrathin sectioning using an ultramicrotome and ultrastructural image capture process with transmission electron microscopy. The new systems cut thin sections and capture serial EMGs automatically, allowing for acquisition of large data sets in a reasonably short time. The new methods are focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy, ultramicrotome/serial block-face scanning electron microscopy, automated tape-collection ultramicrotome/scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope camera array. In this review, their positive and negative aspects are discussed. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

On the chemical homogeneity of In xGa 1–xN alloys – Electron microscopy at the edge of technical limits

DOE PAGES

Specht, Petra; Kisielowski, Christian

2016-08-30

Ternary In xGa 1–xN alloys became technologically attractive when p-doping was achieved to produce blue and green light emitting diodes (LED)s. Starting in the mid 1990th, investigations of their chemical homogeneity were driven by the need to understand carrier recombination mechanisms in optical device structures to optimize their performance. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is the technique of choice to complement optical data evaluations, which suggests the coexistence of local carrier recombination mechanisms based on piezoelectric field effects and on indium clustering in the quantum wells of LEDs. We summarize the historic context of homogeneity investigations using electron microscopy techniques thatmore » can principally resolve the question of indium segregation and clustering in In xGa 1–xN alloys if optimal sample preparation and electron dose-controlled imaging techniques are employed together with advanced data evaluation.« less

Direct identification of metallic and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes in scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Li, Jie; He, Yujun; Han, Yimo; Liu, Kai; Wang, Jiaping; Li, Qunqing; Fan, Shoushan; Jiang, Kaili

2012-08-08

Because of their excellent electrical and optical properties, carbon nanotubes have been regarded as extremely promising candidates for high-performance electronic and optoelectronic applications. However, effective and efficient distinction and separation of metallic and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes are always challenges for their practical applications. Here we show that metallic and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes on SiO(2) can have obviously different contrast in scanning electron microscopy due to their conductivity difference and thus can be effectively and efficiently identified. The correlation between conductivity and contrast difference has been confirmed by using voltage-contrast scanning electron microcopy, peak force tunneling atom force microscopy, and field effect transistor testing. This phenomenon can be understood via a proposed mechanism involving the e-beam-induced surface potential of insulators and the conductivity difference between metallic and semiconducting SWCNTs. This method demonstrates great promise to achieve rapid and large-scale distinguishing between metallic and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes, adding a new function to conventional SEM.

Large-scale synthesis of monodisperse magnesium ferrite via an environmentally friendly molten salt route.

PubMed

Lou, Zhengsong; He, Minglong; Wang, Ruikun; Qin, Weiwei; Zhao, Dejian; Chen, Changle

2014-02-17

Sub-micrometer-sized magnesium ferrite spheres consisting of uniform small particles have been prepared using a facile, large-scale solid-state reaction employing a molten salt technique. Extensive structural characterization of the as-prepared samples has been performed using scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and X-ray diffraction. The yield of the magnesium ferrite sub-micrometer spheres is up to 90%, and these sub-micrometer spheres are made up of square and rectangular nanosheets. The magnetic properties of magnesium ferrite sub-micrometer spheres are investigated, and the magnetization saturation value is about 24.96 emu/g. Moreover, the possible growth mechanism is proposed based on the experimental results.

Qualitative and quantitative interpretation of SEM image using digital image processing.

PubMed

Saladra, Dawid; Kopernik, Magdalena

2016-10-01

The aim of the this study is improvement of qualitative and quantitative analysis of scanning electron microscope micrographs by development of computer program, which enables automatic crack analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. Micromechanical tests of pneumatic ventricular assist devices result in a large number of micrographs. Therefore, the analysis must be automatic. Tests for athrombogenic titanium nitride/gold coatings deposited on polymeric substrates (Bionate II) are performed. These tests include microshear, microtension and fatigue analysis. Anisotropic surface defects observed in the SEM micrographs require support for qualitative and quantitative interpretation. Improvement of qualitative analysis of scanning electron microscope images was achieved by a set of computational tools that includes binarization, simplified expanding, expanding, simple image statistic thresholding, the filters Laplacian 1, and Laplacian 2, Otsu and reverse binarization. Several modifications of the known image processing techniques and combinations of the selected image processing techniques were applied. The introduced quantitative analysis of digital scanning electron microscope images enables computation of stereological parameters such as area, crack angle, crack length, and total crack length per unit area. This study also compares the functionality of the developed computer program of digital image processing with existing applications. The described pre- and postprocessing may be helpful in scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy surface investigations. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2016 Royal Microscopical Society.

Revealing the synergetic effects in Ni nanoparticle-carbon nanotube hybrids by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy and their application in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Guanqi; Zhong, Jun; Wang, Jian; Sham, Tsun-Kong; Sun, Xuhui; Lee, Shuit-Tong

2015-05-01

The hybrids of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the supported Ni nanoparticles (NPs) have been studied by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and tested by the hydrolysis reaction of ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3). Data clearly showed the existence of a strong interaction between Ni NPs and thin CNTs (C-O-Ni bonds), which favored the tunable (buffer) electronic structure of Ni NPs facilitating the catalytic process. The hydrolysis process of AB confirmed the hypothesis that the hybrids with a strong interfacial interaction would show superior catalytic performance, while the hybrids with a weak interfacial interaction show poor performance. Our results provide a wealth of detailed information regarding the electronic structure of the NP-CNT hybrids and provide guidance towards the rational design of high-performance catalysts for energy applications.The hybrids of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the supported Ni nanoparticles (NPs) have been studied by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and tested by the hydrolysis reaction of ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3). Data clearly showed the existence of a strong interaction between Ni NPs and thin CNTs (C-O-Ni bonds), which favored the tunable (buffer) electronic structure of Ni NPs facilitating the catalytic process. The hydrolysis process of AB confirmed the hypothesis that the hybrids with a strong interfacial interaction would show superior catalytic performance, while the hybrids with a weak interfacial interaction show poor performance. Our results provide a wealth of detailed information regarding the electronic structure of the NP-CNT hybrids and provide guidance towards the rational design of high-performance catalysts for energy applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Magnified TEM images, high resolution TEM images and the particle size distributions of the samples, the STXM results of a thick tube at different positions, XPS results, stability test. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01168j

Surface modification of cellulose acetate membrane using thermal annealing to enhance produced water treatment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kusworo, T. D., E-mail: tdkusworo@che.undip.ac.id; Aryanti, N., E-mail: nita.aryanti@gmail.com; Firdaus, M. M. H.

2015-12-29

This study is performed primarily to investigate the effect of surface modification of cellulose acetate using thermal annealing on the enhancement of membrane performance for produced water treatment. In this study, Cellulose Acetate membranes were casted using dry/wet phase inversion technique. The effect of additive and post-treatment using thermal annealing on the membrane surface were examined for produced water treatment. Therma annealing was subjected to membrane surface at 60 and 70 °C for 5, 10 and 15 second, respectively. Membrane characterizations were done using membrane flux and rejection with produced water as a feed, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fouriermore » Transform Infra Red (FTIR) analysis. Experimental results showed that asymmetric cellulose acetate membrane can be made by dry/wet phase inversion technique. The results from the Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analysis was also confirmed that polyethylene glycol as additivie in dope solution and thermal annealing was affected the morphology and membrane performance for produced water treatment, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed that the selective layer and the substructure of membrane became denser and more compact after the thermal annealing processes. Therefore, membrane rejection was significantly increased while the flux was slighty decreased, respectively. The best membrane performance is obtained on the composition of 18 wt % cellulose acetate, poly ethylene glycol 5 wt% with thermal annealing at 70° C for 15 second.« less

In-situ spectro-microscopy on organic films: Mn-Phthalocyanine on Ag(100)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Mahboob, Abdullah; Sadowski, Jerzy T.; Vescovo, Elio

2013-03-01

Metal phthalocyanines are attracting significant attention, owing to their potential for applications in chemical sensors, solar cells and organic magnets. As the electronic properties of molecular films are determined by their crystallinity and molecular packing, the optimization of film quality is important for improving the performance of organic devices. Here, we present the results of in situ low-energy electron microscopy / photoemission electron microscopy (LEEM/PEEM) studies of incorporation-limited growth of manganese-phthalocyanine (MnPc) on Ag(100) surfaces. MnPc thin films were grown on both, bulk Ag(100) surface and thin Ag(100)/Fe(100) films, where substrate spin-polarized electronic states can be modified through tuning the thickness of the Ag film. We also discuss the electronic structure and magnetic ordering in MnPc thin films, investigated by angle- and spin-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Research carried out at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials and National Synchrotron Light Source, Brookhaven National Laboratory, which are supported by the U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, under Contract No. DE-AC02-98CH10886.

Transmission electron microscopy of the preclinical phase of experimental phytophotodermatitis.

PubMed

Almeida, Hiram Larangeira de; Sotto, Miriam Nakagami; Castro, Luis Antonio Suita de; Rocha, Nara Moreira

2008-06-01

To examine the epidermis in induced phytophotodermatitis using transmission electron microscopy in order to detect histologic changes even before lesions are visible by light microscopy. In the first six hours after the experimental induction of phytophotodermatitis, no changes are detectable by light microscopy. Only after 24 hours can keratinocyte necrosis and epidermal vacuolization be detected histologically, and blisters form by 48 hours. The dorsum of four adult rats (Rattus norvegicus) was manually epilated. After painting the right half of the rat with the peel juice of Tahiti lemon, they were exposed to sunlight for eight minutes under general anesthesia. The left side was used as the control and exposed to sunlight only. Biopsies were performed immediately after photoinduction and one and two hours later, and the tissue was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. No histological changes were seen on the control side. Immediately after induction, vacuolization in keratinocytes was observed. After one hour, desmosomal changes were also observed in addition to vacuolization. Keratin filaments were not attached to the desmosomal plaque. Free desmosomes and membrane ruptures were also seen. At two hours after induction, similar changes were found, and granular degeneration of keratin was also observed. The interaction of sunlight and psoralens generates a photoproduct that damages keratinocyte proteins, leading to keratinocyte necrosis and blister formation. Transmission electron microscopy can detect vacuolization, lesions of the membrane, and desmosomes in the first two hours after experimental induction of phytophotodermatitis.

Three-Dimensional Unstained Live-Cell Imaging Using Stimulated Parametric Emission Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dang, Hieu M.; Kawasumi, Takehito; Omura, Gen; Umano, Toshiyuki; Kajiyama, Shin'ichiro; Ozeki, Yasuyuki; Itoh, Kazuyoshi; Fukui, Kiichi

2009-09-01

The ability to perform high-resolution unstained live imaging is very important to in vivo study of cell structures and functions. Stimulated parametric emission (SPE) microscopy is a nonlinear-optical microscopy based on ultra-fast electronic nonlinear-optical responses. For the first time, we have successfully applied this technique to archive three-dimensional (3D) images of unstained sub-cellular structures, such as, microtubules, nuclei, nucleoli, etc. in live cells. Observation of a complete cell division confirms the ability of SPE microscopy for long time-scale imaging.

Galvanic displacement reaction and rapid thermal annealing in size/shape controlling silver nanoparticles on silicon substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Tapas; Satpati, Biswarup

2017-05-01

The effect of the thermal annealing on silver nanoparticles deposited on silicon surface has been studied. The silver nanoparticles have been deposited by the galvanic displacement reaction. Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) has been performed on the Si substrate, containing the silver nanoparticles. The scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study show that the galvanic displacement reaction and subsequent rapid thermal annealing could lead to well separated and spherical shaped larger silver nanoparticles on silicon substrate.

Single particle analysis based on Zernike phase contrast transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Danev, Radostin; Nagayama, Kuniaki

2008-02-01

We present the first application of Zernike phase-contrast transmission electron microscopy to single-particle 3D reconstruction of a protein, using GroEL chaperonin as the test specimen. We evaluated the performance of the technique by comparing 3D models derived from Zernike phase contrast imaging, with models from conventional underfocus phase contrast imaging. The same resolution, about 12A, was achieved by both imaging methods. The reconstruction based on Zernike phase contrast data required about 30% fewer particles. The advantages and prospects of each technique are discussed.

Flower-like NiO structures: Controlled hydrothermal synthesis and electrochemical characteristic

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chai, Hui; Chen, Xuan; Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials, Institute of Applied Chemistry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, Xinjiang

Graphical abstract: Flower-like porous NiO was obtained via thermal decomposition of the precursor prepared by a hydrothermal process using hexamethylenetetramine and polyethylene glycol as hydrolysis-controlling agent and surfactant, respectively. The morphology and microstructure of as-synthesized NiO were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the flower-like porous NiO has high capacity (340 F g{sup −1}) with excellent cycling performance as electrode materials of electrochemical capacitors (ECs), which may be attributed to the unique microstrcture of NiO. Data analyses indicated that NiO with novel porousmore » structure attractive for practical and large-scale applications in electrochemical capacitors. Display Omitted Highlights: ► Synthesis and characterization of NiO with novel porous structure is presented in this work. ► The electrochemical performance of product was examined. ► NiO with excellent performance as electrode materials may be due to the unique microstrcture. ► NiO with novel porous structure attractive for practical with high capacity (340 F g{sup −1}). -- Abstract: Flower-like porous NiO was obtained by thermal decomposition of the precursor prepared by a hydrothermal process with hexamethylenetetramine and polyethylene glycol as hydrolysis-controlling agent and surfactant, respectively. The morphology and microstructure of as-synthesized NiO were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The resulting structures of NiO exhibited porous like petal building blocks. The electrochemical measurements’ results demonstrated that flower-like porous NiO has high capacity (340 F g{sup −1}) with excellent cycling performance as electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors, which may be attributed to the unique structure of NiO. The results indicated that NiO with novel porous structure has been attractive for practical and large-scale applications in electrochemical capacitors.« less

High Performance Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-12

Micron- Size Ferromagnet . Physical Review Letters, 92(3) 037205 (2004) [22] A. Z. Genack and A. G. Redeld. Theory of nuclear spin diusion in a...perform spatially resolved scanned probe studies of spin dynamics in nanoscale ensembles of few electron spins of varying size . Our research culminated...perform spatially resolved scanned probe studies of spin dynamics in nanoscale ensembles of few electron spins of varying size . Our research culminated

Low cost, high performance processing of single particle cryo-electron microscopy data in the cloud.

PubMed

Cianfrocco, Michael A; Leschziner, Andres E

2015-05-08

The advent of a new generation of electron microscopes and direct electron detectors has realized the potential of single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) as a technique to generate high-resolution structures. Calculating these structures requires high performance computing clusters, a resource that may be limiting to many likely cryo-EM users. To address this limitation and facilitate the spread of cryo-EM, we developed a publicly available 'off-the-shelf' computing environment on Amazon's elastic cloud computing infrastructure. This environment provides users with single particle cryo-EM software packages and the ability to create computing clusters with 16-480+ CPUs. We tested our computing environment using a publicly available 80S yeast ribosome dataset and estimate that laboratories could determine high-resolution cryo-EM structures for $50 to $1500 per structure within a timeframe comparable to local clusters. Our analysis shows that Amazon's cloud computing environment may offer a viable computing environment for cryo-EM.

Fabrication of ordered NiO coated Si nanowire array films as electrodes for a high performance lithium ion battery.

PubMed

Qiu, M C; Yang, L W; Qi, X; Li, Jun; Zhong, J X

2010-12-01

Highly ordered NiO coated Si nanowire array films are fabricated as electrodes for a high performance lithium ion battery via depositing Ni on electroless-etched Si nanowires and subsequently annealing. The structures and morphologies of as-prepared films are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. When the potential window versus lithium was controlled, the coated NiO can be selected to be electrochemically active to store and release Li+ ions, while highly conductive crystalline Si cores function as nothing more than a stable mechanical support and an efficient electrical conducting pathway. The hybrid nanowire array films exhibit superior cyclic stability and reversible capacity compared to that of NiO nanostructured films. Owing to the ease of large-scale fabrication and superior electrochemical performance, these hybrid nanowire array films will be promising anode materials for high performance lithium-ion batteries.

The addition of ortho-hexagon nano spinel Co3O4 to improve the performance of activated carbon air cathode microbial fuel cell.

PubMed

Ge, Baochao; Li, Kexun; Fu, Zhou; Pu, Liangtao; Zhang, Xi

2015-11-01

Commercial Co3O4 and ortho-hexagon spinel nano-Co3O4 (OHSNC) were doped in the AC at a different percentage (5%, 10% and 15%) to enhance the performance of microbial fuel cell (MFC). The maximum power density of MFC with 10% OHSNC doped cathode was 1500±14 mW m(-2), which was 97.36% and 41.24% higher than that with the bare AC air cathode and commercial Co3O4 respectively. The electrocatalytic behavior for their better performance was discussed in detail with the help of various structural and electrochemical techniques. The OHSNC was characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the improved performance owed to the enhancement of both kinetics activity and the number of electron transfer in the ORR, and the internal resistance was largely reduced. Therefore, OHSNC was proved to be an excellent cathodic catalyst in AC air cathode MFC. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A hydrothermally synthesized LiFePO4/C composite with superior low-temperature performance and cycle life

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Guan; Liu, Na; Gao, Xuguang; Tian, Xiaohui; Zhu, Yanbin; Zhou, Yingke; Zhu, Qingyou

2018-03-01

The LiFePO4/C composites have been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal process, with the combined carbon sources of fructose and calcium lignosulfonate. The morphology and microstructure of LiFePO4/C were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties were evaluated by the constant-current charge/discharge tests, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The uniform carbon coating layer derived from calcium lignosulfonate can effectively improve the electronic conductivity, lithium-ion diffusivity and surface stability of the LiFePO4/C composites and prevent the side reactions between the LiFePO4 particles and electrolytes. The LiFePO4/C composites display excellent rate capability, superior cycle life and outstanding low temperature performance, which are promising for lithium-ion battery applications in electrical vehicles and electrical energy storage systems.

Healing of broken multiwalled carbon nanotubes using very low energy electrons in SEM: a route toward complete recovery.

PubMed

Kulshrestha, Neha; Misra, Abhishek; Hazra, Kiran Shankar; Roy, Soumyendu; Bajpai, Reeti; Mohapatra, Dipti Ranjan; Misra, D S

2011-03-22

We report the healing of electrically broken multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) using very low energy electrons (3-10 keV) in scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Current-induced breakdown caused by Joule heating has been achieved by applying suitably high voltages. The broken tubes were examined and exposed to electrons of 3-10 keV in situ in SEM with careful maneuvering of the electron beam at the broken site, which results in the mechanical joining of the tube. Electrical recovery of the same tube has been confirmed by performing the current-voltage measurements after joining. This easy approach is directly applicable for the repairing of carbon nanotubes incorporated in ready devices, such as in on-chip horizontal interconnects or on-tip probing applications, such as in scanning tunneling microscopy.

Ultrafast Nonlinear Microscopy in III-V Semiconductor Nanostructures

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-20

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: This project involved the investigation of the photoluminescence properties of individual ZnO nano-rods, characterization ...13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 12. DISTRIBUTION AVAILIBILITY STATEMENT 6. AUTHORS 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAMES AND ADDRESSES 15. SUBJECT TERMS b...Office P.O. Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211 ultrafast imaging, strained nanomaterials , electron-hole plasma dynamics, microscopy

Multi-Resolution Imaging of Electron Dynamics in Nanostructure Interfaces

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-07-27

metallic carbon nanotubes from semiconducting ones. In pentacene transistors, we used scanning photocurrent microscopy to study spatially resolved...photoelectric response of pentacene thin films, which showed that point contacts formed near the hole injection points limit the overall performance of the...photothermal current microscopy, carbon nanotube transistor, pentacene transistor, contact resistance, hole injection 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF

Correlative Light-Electron Microscopy of Lipid-Encapsulated Fluorescent Nanodiamonds for Nanometric Localization of Cell Surface Antigens.

PubMed

Hsieh, Feng-Jen; Chen, Yen-Wei; Huang, Yao-Kuan; Lee, Hsien-Ming; Lin, Chun-Hung; Chang, Huan-Cheng

2018-02-06

Containing an ensemble of nitrogen-vacancy centers in crystal matrices, fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are a new type of photostable markers that have found wide applications in light microscopy. The nanomaterial also has a dense carbon core, making it visible to electron microscopy. Here, we show that FNDs encapsulated in biotinylated lipids (bLs) are useful for subdiffraction imaging of antigens on cell surface with correlative light-electron microscopy (CLEM). The lipid encapsulation enables not only good dispersion of the particles in biological buffers but also high specific labeling of live cells. By employing the bL-encapsulated FNDs to target CD44 on HeLa cell surface through biotin-mediated immunostaining, we obtained the spatial distribution of these antigens by CLEM with a localization accuracy of ∼50 nm in routine operations. A comparative study with dual-color imaging, in which CD44 was labeled with FND and MICA/MICB was labeled with Alexa Fluor 488, demonstrated the superior performance of FNDs as fluorescent fiducial markers for CLEM of cell surface antigens.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cooke, Gary A.; Pestovich, John A.; Huber, Heinz J.

This report presents the results for solid phase characterization (SPC) of solid samples removed from tank 241-C-108 (C-108) on August 12-13,2012, using the off-riser sampler. Samples were received at the 222-S Laboratory on August 13 and were described and photographed. The SPC analyses that were performed include scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using the ASPEX(R)l scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD) using the Rigaku(R) 2 MiniFlex X-ray diffractometer, and polarized light microscopy (PLM) using the Nikon(R) 3 Eclipse Pol optical microscope. The SEM is equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) to provide chemical information. Gary A. Cooke conducted themore » SEM analysis, John A. Pestovich performed the XRD analysis, and Dr. Heinz J. Huber performed the PLM examination. The results of these analyses are presented here.« less

Hydrothermal synthesis of NiCo2O4 nanowires/nitrogen-doped graphene for high-performance supercapacitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Mei; Chen, Jianpeng; Ma, Yuxiao; Zhang, Jingdan; Liu, Jianhua; Li, Songmei; An, Junwei

2014-09-01

NiCo2O4 nanowires/nitrogen-doped graphene (NCO/NG) composite materials were synthesized by hydrothermal treatment in a water-glycerol mixed solvent and subsequent thermal transformation. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of the composites was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectrum techniques. NiCo2O4 nanowires are densely coated by nitrogen-doped graphene and the composite displays good electrochemical performance. The maximum specific capacitance of NCO/NG is 1273.13 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 in 6 M KOH aqueous solution, and it exhibits good capacity retention without noticeable degradation after 3000 cycles at 4 A g-1.

Characterization of 3D interconnected microstructural network in mixed ionic and electronic conducting ceramic composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, William M.; Brinkman, Kyle S.; Lin, Ye; Su, Dong; Cocco, Alex P.; Nakajo, Arata; Degostin, Matthew B.; Chen-Wiegart, Yu-Chen Karen; Wang, Jun; Chen, Fanglin; Chu, Yong S.; Chiu, Wilson K. S.

2014-04-01

The microstructure and connectivity of the ionic and electronic conductive phases in composite ceramic membranes are directly related to device performance. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) including chemical mapping combined with X-ray nanotomography (XNT) have been used to characterize the composition and 3-D microstructure of a MIEC composite model system consisting of a Ce0.8Gd0.2O2 (GDC) oxygen ion conductive phase and a CoFe2O4 (CFO) electronic conductive phase. The microstructural data is discussed, including the composition and distribution of an emergent phase which takes the form of isolated and distinct regions. Performance implications are considered with regards to the design of new material systems which evolve under non-equilibrium operating conditions.The microstructure and connectivity of the ionic and electronic conductive phases in composite ceramic membranes are directly related to device performance. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) including chemical mapping combined with X-ray nanotomography (XNT) have been used to characterize the composition and 3-D microstructure of a MIEC composite model system consisting of a Ce0.8Gd0.2O2 (GDC) oxygen ion conductive phase and a CoFe2O4 (CFO) electronic conductive phase. The microstructural data is discussed, including the composition and distribution of an emergent phase which takes the form of isolated and distinct regions. Performance implications are considered with regards to the design of new material systems which evolve under non-equilibrium operating conditions. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr06684c

Catalytic performance of Mn 3O 4 and Co 3O 4 nanocrystals prepared by sonochemical method in epoxidation of styrene and cyclooctene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Askarinejad, Azadeh; Bagherzadeh, Mojtaba; Morsali, Ali

2010-09-01

A simple sonochemical method was developed to synthesis uniform sphere-like Co 3O 4 and Mn 3O 4 nanocrystals. Epoxidation of styrene and cyclooctene by anhydrous tert-butyl hydroperoxide over the prepared Co 3O 4 and Mn 3O 4 nanocatalysts was investigated. The results of conversion activity were compared with bulk Co 3O 4 and Mn 3O 4. Under optimized reaction conditions, the nanocatalysts showed a superior catalytic performance as compared to the bulk catalysts. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and BET surface area, were used to characterize and investigate the nanocatalysts.

Spinel lithium manganese oxide nanoparticles: unique molten salt synthesis strategy and excellent electrochemical performances.

PubMed

Wang, Xiong; Zhu, Juanjuan; Liu, Yingjie

2009-11-01

As a promising candidate cathode material, spinel lithium manganese oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized through a novel molten salt synthesis route at relatively low temperature, using manganese dioxide nanowires as precursor. A variety of techniques were applied to characterize the spinel nanomaterial, including X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The average particle size of the resulting spinel nanoparticles was about 80 nm with narrow distribution. As cathode material for rechargeable lithium ion battery, the electrochemical properties were investigated. All the results show that the electrochemical performances of the homogeneous spinel nanoparticles were improved, which might be ascribed to large specific surface area, fairly narrow size distribution, and the unique synthesis strategy.

Pump-probe Kelvin-probe force microscopy: Principle of operation and resolution limits

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murawski, J.; Graupner, T.; Milde, P., E-mail: peter.milde@tu-dresden.de

Knowledge on surface potential dynamics is crucial for understanding the performance of modern-type nanoscale devices. We describe an electrical pump-probe approach in Kelvin-probe force microscopy that enables a quantitative measurement of dynamic surface potentials at nanosecond-time and nanometer-length scales. Also, we investigate the performance of pump-probe Kelvin-probe force microscopy with respect to the relevant experimental parameters. We exemplify a measurement on an organic field effect transistor that verifies the undisturbed functionality of our pump-probe approach in terms of simultaneous and quantitative mapping of topographic and electronic information at a high lateral and temporal resolution.

Cytocompatibility and uptake of halloysite clay nanotubes.

PubMed

Vergaro, Viviana; Abdullayev, Elshad; Lvov, Yuri M; Zeitoun, Andre; Cingolani, Roberto; Rinaldi, Ross; Leporatti, Stefano

2010-03-08

Halloysite is aluminosilicate clay with hollow tubular structure of 50 nm external diameter and 15 nm diameter lumen. Halloysite biocompatibility study is important for its potential applications in polymer composites, bone implants, controlled drug delivery, and for protective coating (e.g., anticorrosion or antimolding). Halloysite nanotubes were added to different cell cultures for toxicity tests. Its fluorescence functionalization by aminopropyltriethosilane (APTES) and with fluorescently labeled polyelectrolyte layers allowed following halloysite uptake by the cells with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Quantitative Trypan blue and MTT measurements performed with two neoplastic cell lines model systems as a function of the nanotubes concentration and incubation time indicate that halloysite exhibits a high level of biocompatibility and very low cytotoxicity, rendering it a good candidate for household materials and medicine. A combination of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and scanning force microscopy (SFM) imaging techniques have been employed to elucidate the structure of halloysite nanotubes.

The OptIPuter microscopy demonstrator: enabling science through a transatlantic lightpath

PubMed Central

Ellisman, M.; Hutton, T.; Kirkland, A.; Lin, A.; Lin, C.; Molina, T.; Peltier, S.; Singh, R.; Tang, K.; Trefethen, A.E.; Wallom, D.C.H.; Xiong, X.

2009-01-01

The OptIPuter microscopy demonstrator project has been designed to enable concurrent and remote usage of world-class electron microscopes located in Oxford and San Diego. The project has constructed a network consisting of microscopes and computational and data resources that are all connected by a dedicated network infrastructure using the UK Lightpath and US Starlight systems. Key science drivers include examples from both materials and biological science. The resulting system is now a permanent link between the Oxford and San Diego microscopy centres. This will form the basis of further projects between the sites and expansion of the types of systems that can be remotely controlled, including optical, as well as electron, microscopy. Other improvements will include the updating of the Microsoft cluster software to the high performance computing (HPC) server 2008, which includes the HPC basic profile implementation that will enable the development of interoperable clients. PMID:19487201

The OptIPuter microscopy demonstrator: enabling science through a transatlantic lightpath.

PubMed

Ellisman, M; Hutton, T; Kirkland, A; Lin, A; Lin, C; Molina, T; Peltier, S; Singh, R; Tang, K; Trefethen, A E; Wallom, D C H; Xiong, X

2009-07-13

The OptIPuter microscopy demonstrator project has been designed to enable concurrent and remote usage of world-class electron microscopes located in Oxford and San Diego. The project has constructed a network consisting of microscopes and computational and data resources that are all connected by a dedicated network infrastructure using the UK Lightpath and US Starlight systems. Key science drivers include examples from both materials and biological science. The resulting system is now a permanent link between the Oxford and San Diego microscopy centres. This will form the basis of further projects between the sites and expansion of the types of systems that can be remotely controlled, including optical, as well as electron, microscopy. Other improvements will include the updating of the Microsoft cluster software to the high performance computing (HPC) server 2008, which includes the HPC basic profile implementation that will enable the development of interoperable clients.

Platinum replica electron microscopy: Imaging the cytoskeleton globally and locally.

PubMed

Svitkina, Tatyana M

2017-05-01

Structural studies reveal how smaller components of a system work together as a whole. However, combining high resolution of details with full coverage of the whole is challenging. In cell biology, light microscopy can image many cells in their entirety, but at a lower resolution, whereas electron microscopy affords very high resolution, but usually at the expense of the sample size and coverage. Structural analyses of the cytoskeleton are especially demanding, because cytoskeletal networks are unresolvable by light microscopy due to their density and intricacy, whereas their proper preservation is a challenge for electron microscopy. Platinum replica electron microscopy can uniquely bridge the gap between the "comfort zones" of light and electron microscopy by allowing high resolution imaging of the cytoskeleton throughout the entire cell and in many cells in the population. This review describes the principles and applications of platinum replica electron microscopy for studies of the cytoskeleton. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Platinum Replica Electron Microscopy: Imaging the Cytoskeleton Globally and Locally

PubMed Central

SVITKINA, Tatyana M.

2017-01-01

Structural studies reveal how smaller components of a system work together as a whole. However, combining high resolution of details with full coverage of the whole is challenging. In cell biology, light microscopy can image many cells in their entirety, but at a lower resolution, whereas electron microscopy affords very high resolution, but usually at the expense of the sample size and coverage. Structural analyses of the cytoskeleton are especially demanding, because cytoskeletal networks are unresolvable by light microscopy due to their density and intricacy, whereas their proper preservation is a challenge for electron microscopy. Platinum replica electron microscopy can uniquely bridge the gap between the “comfort zones” of light and electron microscopy by allowing high resolution imaging of the cytoskeleton throughout the entire cell and in many cells in the population. This review describes the principles and applications of platinum replica electron microscopy for studies of the cytoskeleton. PMID:28323208

Investigation of Local Ordering in Amorphous Materials.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Gary Guoyou

The intent of the research described in this dissertation, as indicated by the title, is to provide a better understanding of the structure of amorphous material. The possibility of using electron microscopy to study the amorphous structure is investigated. Chapter 1 gives a brief introduction to the understanding and modeling of the amorphous structure, electron microscopy and the image analysis in general. The difficulty of using 2-D images to infer 3-D structures information is illustrated in Chapter 2, where it is shown that some high resolution images are not qualitatively different from images of white -noises weak-phase objects or those of random atomic arrangements. The means of obtaining statistical information from these images is given in Chapters 3 and 5, where the quantitative differences between experimental images and simulated white-noise or simulated images corresponding to random arrangements are revealed. The use of image processing techniques in electron microscopy and the possible artifacts are presented in Chapter 4. The pattern recognition technique outlined in Chapter 6 demonstrates a feasible mode of scanning transition electron microscope operation. Statistical analysis can be effectively performed on a large number of nano-diffraction patterns from, for example, locally ordered samples. Some recent developments in physics as well as in electron microscopy are briefly reviewed, and their possible applications in the study of amorphous structures are discussed in Chapter 7.

Splitting of a vertical multiwalled carbon nanotube carpet to a graphene nanoribbon carpet and its use in supercapacitors.

PubMed

Zhang, Chenguang; Peng, Zhiwei; Lin, Jian; Zhu, Yu; Ruan, Gedeng; Hwang, Chih-Chau; Lu, Wei; Hauge, Robert H; Tour, James M

2013-06-25

Potassium vapor was used to longitudinally split vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes carpets (VA-CNTs). The resulting structures have a carpet of partially split MWCNTs and graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). The split structures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. When compared to the original VA-CNTs carpet, the split VA-CNTs carpet has enhanced electrochemical performance with better specific capacitance in a supercapacitor. Furthermore, the split VA-CNTs carpet has excellent cyclability as a supercapacitor electrode material. There is a measured maximum power density of 103 kW/kg at an energy density of 5.2 Wh/kg and a maximum energy density of 9.4 Wh/kg. The superior electrochemical performances of the split VA-CNTs can be attributed to the increased surface area for ion accessibility after splitting, and the lasting conductivity of the structure with their vertical conductive paths based on the preserved GNR alignment.

Correlated Light and Electron Microscopy/Electron Tomography of Mitochondria In Situ

PubMed Central

Perkins, Guy A.; Sun, Mei G.; Frey, Terrence G.

2009-01-01

Three-dimensional light microscopy and three-dimensional electron microscopy (electron tomography) separately provide very powerful tools to study cellular structure and physiology, including the structure and physiology of mitochondria. Fluorescence microscopy allows one to study processes in live cells with specific labels and stains that follow the movement of labeled proteins and changes within cellular compartments but does not have sufficient resolution to define the ultrastructure of intracellular organelles such as mitochondria. Electron microscopy and electron tomography provide the highest resolution currently available to study mitochondrial ultrastructure but cannot follow processes in living cells. We describe the combination of these two techniques in which fluorescence confocal microscopy is used to study structural and physiologic changes in mitochondria within apoptotic HeLa cells to define the apoptotic timeframe. Cells can then be selected at various stages of the apoptotic timeframe for examination at higher resolution by electron microscopy and electron tomography. This is a form of “virtual” 4-dimensional electron microscopy that has revealed interesting structural changes in the mitochondria of HeLa cells during apoptosis. The same techniques can be applied, with modification, to study other dynamic processes within cells in other experimental contexts. PMID:19348881

Inducing fluorescence of uranyl acetate as a dual-purpose contrast agent for correlative light-electron microscopy with nanometre precision.

PubMed

Tuijtel, Maarten W; Mulder, Aat A; Posthuma, Clara C; van der Hoeven, Barbara; Koster, Abraham J; Bárcena, Montserrat; Faas, Frank G A; Sharp, Thomas H

2017-09-05

Correlative light-electron microscopy (CLEM) combines the high spatial resolution of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with the capability of fluorescence light microscopy (FLM) to locate rare or transient cellular events within a large field of view. CLEM is therefore a powerful technique to study cellular processes. Aligning images derived from both imaging modalities is a prerequisite to correlate the two microscopy data sets, and poor alignment can limit interpretability of the data. Here, we describe how uranyl acetate, a commonly-used contrast agent for TEM, can be induced to fluoresce brightly at cryogenic temperatures (-195 °C) and imaged by cryoFLM using standard filter sets. This dual-purpose contrast agent can be used as a general tool for CLEM, whereby the equivalent staining allows direct correlation between fluorescence and TEM images. We demonstrate the potential of this approach by performing multi-colour CLEM of cells containing equine arteritis virus proteins tagged with either green- or red-fluorescent protein, and achieve high-precision localization of virus-induced intracellular membrane modifications. Using uranyl acetate as a dual-purpose contrast agent, we achieve an image alignment precision of ~30 nm, twice as accurate as when using fiducial beads, which will be essential for combining TEM with the evolving field of super-resolution light microscopy.

Structural analysis of the PSD-95 cluster by electron tomography and CEMOVIS: a proposal for the application of the genetically encoded metallothionein tag.

PubMed

Hirabayashi, Ai; Fukunaga, Yuko; Miyazawa, Atsuo

2014-06-01

Postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) accumulates at excitatory postsynapses and plays important roles in the clustering and anchoring of numerous proteins at the PSD. However, a detailed ultrastructural analysis of clusters exclusively consisting of PSD-95 has never been performed. Here, we employed a genetically encoded tag, three tandem repeats of metallothionein (3MT), to study the structure of PSD-95 clusters in cells by electron tomography and cryo-electron microscopy of vitreous sections. We also performed conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cultured hippocampal neurons expressing a fusion protein of PSD-95 coupled to 3MT (PDS-95-3MT) were incubated with CdCl2 to result in the formation of Cd-bound PSD-95-3MT. Two types of electron-dense deposits composed of Cd-bound PSD-95-3MT were observed in these cells by TEM, as reported previously. Electron tomography revealed the presence of membrane-shaped structures representing PSD-95 clusters at the PSD and an ellipsoidal structure located in the non-synaptic cytoplasm. By TEM, the PSD-95 clusters appeared to be composed of a number of dense cores. In frozen hydrated sections, these dense cores were also found beneath the postsynaptic membrane. Taken together, our findings suggest that dense cores of PSD-95 aggregate to form the larger clusters present in the PSD and the non-synaptic cytoplasm. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Improvement in Field Electron Emission Performance of Natural-Precursor-Grown Carbon Nanofibers by Thermal Annealing in Argon Atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Pradip; Zamri, Mohd; Ghosh, Debasish; Soga, Tetsuo; Jimbo, Takashi; Hashimoto, Shinobu; Ohashi, Shuho; Tanemura, Masaki

2011-01-01

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were grown on a graphite substrate by the spray pyrolysis of a botanical hydrocarbon, turpentine oil, using ferrocene as the catalyst and sulfur as the promoter. The as-grown CNFs were annealed at 450 °C for 30 min in an air, and then at 1800 °C in an argon atmosphere for 2 h. The annealed CNFs have better degree of crystallinity and reduced number of defects compared with the as-grown CNFs confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The as-grown and annealed CNFs were found to be effective electron emitters with turn-on fields of 3.2 and 2.1 V/µm, respectively. The improvement in field emission (FE) performance can be explained in terms of the higher degree of graphitization of the CNFs after thermal annealing. This improved FE performance of the natural precursor grown CNFs was comparable to the FE performance level attainable for the conventional carbon nanomaterials grown using petroleum products. Thus, it was considered that the use of petroleum products could be avoidable for CNF growth and that CNFs grown using ecofriendly materials are very promising for the application in future field emission displays (FEDs).

Graphene-enabled electron microscopy and correlated super-resolution microscopy of wet cells.

PubMed

Wojcik, Michal; Hauser, Margaret; Li, Wan; Moon, Seonah; Xu, Ke

2015-06-11

The application of electron microscopy to hydrated biological samples has been limited by high-vacuum operating conditions. Traditional methods utilize harsh and laborious sample dehydration procedures, often leading to structural artefacts and creating difficulties for correlating results with high-resolution fluorescence microscopy. Here, we utilize graphene, a single-atom-thick carbon meshwork, as the thinnest possible impermeable and conductive membrane to protect animal cells from vacuum, thus enabling high-resolution electron microscopy of wet and untreated whole cells with exceptional ease. Our approach further allows for facile correlative super-resolution and electron microscopy of wet cells directly on the culturing substrate. In particular, individual cytoskeletal actin filaments are resolved in hydrated samples through electron microscopy and well correlated with super-resolution results.

Improved Serial Sectioning Techniques for Correlative Light-Electron Microscopy Mapping of Human Langerhans Islets

PubMed Central

Saitoh, Sei; Ohno, Nobuhiko; Saitoh, Yurika; Terada, Nobuo; Shimo, Satoshi; Aida, Kaoru; Fujii, Hideki; Kobayashi, Tetsuro; Ohno, Shinichi

2018-01-01

Combined analysis of immunostaining for various biological molecules coupled with investigations of ultrastructural features of individual cells is a powerful approach for studies of cellular functions in normal and pathological conditions. However, weak antigenicity of tissues fixed by conventional methods poses a problem for immunoassays. This study introduces a method of correlative light and electron microscopy imaging of the same endocrine cells of compact and diffuse islets from human pancreatic tissue specimens. The method utilizes serial sections obtained from Epon-embedded specimens fixed with glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide. Double-immunofluorescence staining of thick Epon sections for endocrine hormones (insulin and glucagon) and regenerating islet-derived gene 1 α (REG1α) was performed following the removal of Epoxy resin with sodium ethoxide, antigen retrieval by autoclaving, and de-osmification treatment with hydrogen peroxide. The immunofluorescence images of endocrine cells were superimposed with the electron microscopy images of the same cells obtained from serial ultrathin sections. Immunofluorescence images showed well-preserved secretory granules in endocrine cells, whereas electron microscopy observations demonstrated corresponding secretory granules and intracellular organelles in the same cells. In conclusion, the correlative imaging approach developed by us may be useful for examining ultrastructural features in combination with immunolocalisation of endocrine hormones in the same human pancreatic islets. PMID:29622846

Espina: A Tool for the Automated Segmentation and Counting of Synapses in Large Stacks of Electron Microscopy Images

PubMed Central

Morales, Juan; Alonso-Nanclares, Lidia; Rodríguez, José-Rodrigo; DeFelipe, Javier; Rodríguez, Ángel; Merchán-Pérez, Ángel

2011-01-01

The synapses in the cerebral cortex can be classified into two main types, Gray's type I and type II, which correspond to asymmetric (mostly glutamatergic excitatory) and symmetric (inhibitory GABAergic) synapses, respectively. Hence, the quantification and identification of their different types and the proportions in which they are found, is extraordinarily important in terms of brain function. The ideal approach to calculate the number of synapses per unit volume is to analyze 3D samples reconstructed from serial sections. However, obtaining serial sections by transmission electron microscopy is an extremely time consuming and technically demanding task. Using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope microscopy, we recently showed that virtually all synapses can be accurately identified as asymmetric or symmetric synapses when they are visualized, reconstructed, and quantified from large 3D tissue samples obtained in an automated manner. Nevertheless, the analysis, segmentation, and quantification of synapses is still a labor intensive procedure. Thus, novel solutions are currently necessary to deal with the large volume of data that is being generated by automated 3D electron microscopy. Accordingly, we have developed ESPINA, a software tool that performs the automated segmentation and counting of synapses in a reconstructed 3D volume of the cerebral cortex, and that greatly facilitates and accelerates these processes. PMID:21633491

Cathodoluminescence of stacking fault bound excitons for local probing of the exciton diffusion length in single GaN nanowires

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nogues, Gilles, E-mail: gilles.nogues@neel.cnrs.fr; Den Hertog, Martien; Inst. NEEL, CNRS, F-38042 Grenoble

We perform correlated studies of individual GaN nanowires in scanning electron microscopy combined to low temperature cathodoluminescence, microphotoluminescence, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. We show that some nanowires exhibit well localized regions emitting light at the energy of a stacking fault bound exciton (3.42 eV) and are able to observe the presence of a single stacking fault in these regions. Precise measurements of the cathodoluminescence signal in the vicinity of the stacking fault give access to the exciton diffusion length near this location.

Advantages and Disadvantages of using a Focused Ion Beam to Prepare TEM Samples From Irradiated U-10Mo Monolithic Nuclear Fuel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

B. D. Miller; J. Gan; J. Madden

2012-05-01

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and focused ion beam (FIB) milling were performed on an irradiated U-10Mo monolithic fuel to understand its irradiation microstructure. This is the first reported TEM work of irradiated fuel sample prepared using a FIB. Advantages and disadvantages of using the FIB to create TEM samples from this irradiated fuel will be presented along with some results from the work. Sample preparation techniques used to create SEM and FIB samples from the brittle irradiated monolithic sample will also be discussed.

Synthesis and Characteristics of ZnS Nanospheres for Heterojunction Photovoltaic Device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chou, Sheng-Hung; Hsiao, Yu-Jen; Fang, Te-Hua; Chou, Po-Hsun

2015-06-01

The synthesis of ZnS nanospheres produced using the microwave hydrothermal method was studied. The microstructure and surface and optical properties of ZnS nanospheres on glass were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The influence of deposition time on the transmission and photovoltaic performance was determined. The power conversion efficiency of an Al-doped ZnO/ZnS nanosphere/textured p-Si device improved from 0.93 to 1.77% when the thickness of the ZnS nanostructured film was changed from 75 to 150 nm.

A new scanning electron microscopy approach to image aerogels at the nanoscale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solá, F.; Hurwitz, F.; Yang, J.

2011-04-01

A new scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique to image poor electrically conductive aerogels is presented. The process can be performed by non-expert SEM users. We showed that negative charging effects on aerogels can be minimized significantly by inserting dry nitrogen gas close to the region of interest. The process involves the local recombination of accumulated negative charges with positive ions generated from ionization processes. This new technique made possible the acquisition of images of aerogels with pores down to approximately 3 nm in diameter using a positively biased Everhart-Thornley (ET) detector.

Direct correlations of structural and optical properties of three-dimensional GaN/InGaN core/shell micro-light emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadat Mohajerani, Matin; Müller, Marcus; Hartmann, Jana; Zhou, Hao; Wehmann, Hergo-H.; Veit, Peter; Bertram, Frank; Christen, Jürgen; Waag, Andreas

2016-05-01

Three-dimensional (3D) InGaN/GaN quantum-well (QW) core-shell light emitting diodes (LEDs) are a promising candidate for the future solid state lighting. In this contribution, we study direct correlations of structural and optical properties of the core-shell LEDs using highly spatially-resolved cathodoluminescence spectroscopy (CL) in combination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Temperature-dependent resonant photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy has been performed to understand recombination mechanisms and to estimate the internal quantum efficiency (IQE).

Scanning electron microscopy of a blister roof in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa*

PubMed Central

de Almeida Jr., Hiram Larangeira; Monteiro, Luciane; Silva, Ricardo Marques e; Rocha, Nara Moreira; Scheffer, Hans

2013-01-01

In dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa the genetic defect of anchoring fibrils leads to cleavage beneath the basement membrane, with its consequent loss. We performed scanning electron microscopy of an inverted blister roof of a case of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, confirmed by immunomapping and gene sequencing. With a magnification of 2000 times a net attached to the blister roof could be easily identified. This net was composed of intertwined flat fibers. With higher magnifications, different fiber sizes could be observed, some thin fibers measuring around 80 nm and thicker ones measuring between 200 and 300 nm. PMID:24474107

Studying Dynamic Processes of Nano-sized Objects in Liquid using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy.

PubMed

Hermannsdörfer, Justus; de Jonge, Niels

2017-02-05

Samples fully embedded in liquid can be studied at a nanoscale spatial resolution with Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) using a microfluidic chamber assembled in the specimen holder for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and STEM. The microfluidic system consists of two silicon microchips supporting thin Silicon Nitride (SiN) membrane windows. This article describes the basic steps of sample loading and data acquisition. Most important of all is to ensure that the liquid compartment is correctly assembled, thus providing a thin liquid layer and a vacuum seal. This protocol also includes a number of tests necessary to perform during sample loading in order to ensure correct assembly. Once the sample is loaded in the electron microscope, the liquid thickness needs to be measured. Incorrect assembly may result in a too-thick liquid, while a too-thin liquid may indicate the absence of liquid, such as when a bubble is formed. Finally, the protocol explains how images are taken and how dynamic processes can be studied. A sample containing AuNPs is imaged both in pure water and in saline.

Studying Dynamic Processes of Nano-sized Objects in Liquid using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Hermannsdörfer, Justus; de Jonge, Niels

2017-01-01

Samples fully embedded in liquid can be studied at a nanoscale spatial resolution with Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) using a microfluidic chamber assembled in the specimen holder for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and STEM. The microfluidic system consists of two silicon microchips supporting thin Silicon Nitride (SiN) membrane windows. This article describes the basic steps of sample loading and data acquisition. Most important of all is to ensure that the liquid compartment is correctly assembled, thus providing a thin liquid layer and a vacuum seal. This protocol also includes a number of tests necessary to perform during sample loading in order to ensure correct assembly. Once the sample is loaded in the electron microscope, the liquid thickness needs to be measured. Incorrect assembly may result in a too-thick liquid, while a too-thin liquid may indicate the absence of liquid, such as when a bubble is formed. Finally, the protocol explains how images are taken and how dynamic processes can be studied. A sample containing AuNPs is imaged both in pure water and in saline. PMID:28190028

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of RGO/Ag nanocomposites produced via a facile microwave irradiation for the degradation of Rhodamine B in aqueous solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Divya, K. S.; Chandran, Akash; Reethu, V. N.; Mathew, Suresh

2018-06-01

A series of RGO/Ag nanocomposites with different weight addition ratios of graphene oxide (GO) have been successfully prepared in situ through the simultaneous reduction of GO and AgNO3 via a facile microwave irradiation. X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra, Scanning electron microscopy, Photoluminescence spectra, Raman spectra, Atomic Force Microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Transmission electron microscopy are employed to determine the properties of the samples. It is found that RGO/Ag nanocomposites with a proper weight addition ratios of GO exhibit higher photocatalytic activity toward liquid phase photodegradation of Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. The improved photoactivity of RGO/Ag nanocomposites can be ascribed to the integrative synergestic effect of enhanced adsorption capacity, the prolonged lifetime of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and effective interfacial hybridization between RGO and Ag nanoparticles. This study also shows that graphene sheets act as electronic conductive channels to efficiently separate charge carriers from Ag nanoparticles.

Electron-bombarded 〈110〉-oriented tungsten tips for stable tunneling electron emission

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yamada, T. K.; Abe, T.; Nazriq, N. M. K.

A clean tungsten (W) tip apex with a robust atomic plane is required for producing a stable tunneling electron emission under strong electric fields. Because a tip apex fabricated from a wire by aqueous chemical etching is covered by impurity layers, heating treatment in ultra-high vacuum is experimentally known to be necessary. However, strong heating frequently melts the tip apex and causes unstable electron emissions. We investigated quantitatively the tip apex and found a useful method to prepare a tip with stable tunneling electron emissions by controlling electron-bombardment heating power. Careful characterizations of the tip structures were performed with combinationsmore » of using field emission I–V curves, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (transmitted Debye-Scherrer and Laue) with micro-parabola capillary, field ion microscopy, and field emission microscopy. Tips were chemically etched from (1) polycrystalline W wires (grain size ∼1000 nm) and (2) long-time heated W wires (grain size larger than 1 mm). Heating by 10-40 W (10 s) was found to be good enough to remove oxide layers and produced stable electron emission; however, around 60 W (10 s) heating was threshold power to increase the tip radius, typically +10 ± 5 nm (onset of melting). Further, the grain size of ∼1000 nm was necessary to obtain a conical shape tip apex.« less

Novel mesoporous FeAl bimetal oxides for As(III) removal: Performance and mechanism.

PubMed

Ding, Zecong; Fu, Fenglian; Cheng, Zihang; Lu, Jianwei; Tang, Bing

2017-02-01

In this study, novel mesoporous FeAl bimetal oxides were successfully synthesized, characterized, and employed for As(III) removal. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of Fe/Al molar ratio, dosage, and initial solution pH values on As(III) removal. The results showed that the FeAl bimetal oxide with Fe/Al molar ratio 4:1 (shorten as FeAl-4) can quickly remove As(III) from aqueous solution in a wide pH range. The FeAl-4 before and after reaction with As(III) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurement, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The BET results showed that the original FeAl-4 with a high surface area of 223.9 m 2 /g was a mesoporous material. XPS analysis indicated that the surface of FeAl-4 possessed a high concentration of M-OH (where M represents Fe and Al), which was beneficial to the immobility of As(III). The excellent performance of FeAl-4 makes it a potentially attractive material for As(III) removal from aqueous solution. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Facile synthesis of α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles for high-performance CO gas sensor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cuong, Nguyen Duc, E-mail: nguyenduccuong@hueuni.edu.vn; Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Hue University, 22 Lam Hoang, Vy Da Ward, Hue City; Khieu, Dinh Quang

2015-08-15

Highlights: • We have demonstrated a facile method to prepare Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles. • The gas sensing properties of α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} have been invested. • The results show potential application of α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} NPs for CO sensors in environmental monitoring. - Abstract: Iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared via a simple hydrothermal method for high performance CO gas sensor. The synthesized α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The SEM, TEM results revealedmore » that obtained α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles had a peanut-like geometry with hemispherical ends. The response of the α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} NPs based sensor to carbon monoxide (CO) and various concentrations of other gases were measured at different temperatures. It found that the sensor based on the peanut-like α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} NPs exhibited high response, fast response–recovery, and good selectivity to CO at 300 °C. The experimental results clearly demonstrated the potential application of α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} NPs as a good sensing material in the fabrication of CO sensor.« less

Scanning ultrafast electron microscopy.

PubMed

Yang, Ding-Shyue; Mohammed, Omar F; Zewail, Ahmed H

2010-08-24

Progress has been made in the development of four-dimensional ultrafast electron microscopy, which enables space-time imaging of structural dynamics in the condensed phase. In ultrafast electron microscopy, the electrons are accelerated, typically to 200 keV, and the microscope operates in the transmission mode. Here, we report the development of scanning ultrafast electron microscopy using a field-emission-source configuration. Scanning of pulses is made in the single-electron mode, for which the pulse contains at most one or a few electrons, thus achieving imaging without the space-charge effect between electrons, and still in ten(s) of seconds. For imaging, the secondary electrons from surface structures are detected, as demonstrated here for material surfaces and biological specimens. By recording backscattered electrons, diffraction patterns from single crystals were also obtained. Scanning pulsed-electron microscopy with the acquired spatiotemporal resolutions, and its efficient heat-dissipation feature, is now poised to provide in situ 4D imaging and with environmental capability.

High-Resolution of Electron Microscopy of Montmorillonite and Montmorillonite/Epoxy Nanocomposites

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-01-01

AFRL-ML-WP-TP-2006-464 HIGH-RESOLUTION OF ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF MONTMORILLONITE AND MONTMORILLONITE /EPOXY NANOCOMPOSITES Lawrence F...HIGH-RESOLUTION OF ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF MONTMORILLONITE AND MONTMORILLONITE /EPOXY NANOCOMPOSITES 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 62102F 5d...transmission electron microscopy the structure and morphology of montmorillonite (MMT), a material of current interest for use in polymer nanocomposites, was

Micro-Spherical Sulfur/Graphene Oxide Composite via Spray Drying for High Performance Lithium Sulfur Batteries.

PubMed

Tian, Yuan; Sun, Zhenghao; Zhang, Yongguang; Wang, Xin; Bakenov, Zhumabay; Yin, Fuxing

2018-01-18

An efficient, industry-accepted spray drying method was used to synthesize micro-spherical sulfur/graphene oxide (S/GO) composites as cathode materials within lithium sulfur batteries. The as-designed wrapping of the sulfur-nanoparticles, with wrinkled GO composites, was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The unique morphological design of this material enabled superior discharge capacity and cycling performance, demonstrating a high initial discharge capacity of 1400 mAh g -1 at 0.1 C. The discharge capacity remained at 828 mAh g -1 after 150 cycles. The superior electrochemical performance indicates that the S/GO composite improves electrical conductivity and alleviates the shuttle effect. This study represents the first time such a facile spray drying method has been adopted for lithium sulfur batteries and used in the fabrication of S/GO composites.

Micro-Spherical Sulfur/Graphene Oxide Composite via Spray Drying for High Performance Lithium Sulfur Batteries

PubMed Central

Tian, Yuan; Sun, Zhenghao; Zhang, Yongguang; Yin, Fuxing

2018-01-01

An efficient, industry-accepted spray drying method was used to synthesize micro-spherical sulfur/graphene oxide (S/GO) composites as cathode materials within lithium sulfur batteries. The as-designed wrapping of the sulfur-nanoparticles, with wrinkled GO composites, was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The unique morphological design of this material enabled superior discharge capacity and cycling performance, demonstrating a high initial discharge capacity of 1400 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C. The discharge capacity remained at 828 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles. The superior electrochemical performance indicates that the S/GO composite improves electrical conductivity and alleviates the shuttle effect. This study represents the first time such a facile spray drying method has been adopted for lithium sulfur batteries and used in the fabrication of S/GO composites. PMID:29346303

Revealing the synergetic effects in Ni nanoparticle-carbon nanotube hybrids by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy and their application in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane.

PubMed

Zhao, Guanqi; Zhong, Jun; Wang, Jian; Sham, Tsun-Kong; Sun, Xuhui; Lee, Shuit-Tong

2015-06-07

The hybrids of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the supported Ni nanoparticles (NPs) have been studied by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and tested by the hydrolysis reaction of ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3). Data clearly showed the existence of a strong interaction between Ni NPs and thin CNTs (C-O-Ni bonds), which favored the tunable (buffer) electronic structure of Ni NPs facilitating the catalytic process. The hydrolysis process of AB confirmed the hypothesis that the hybrids with a strong interfacial interaction would show superior catalytic performance, while the hybrids with a weak interfacial interaction show poor performance. Our results provide a wealth of detailed information regarding the electronic structure of the NP-CNT hybrids and provide guidance towards the rational design of high-performance catalysts for energy applications.

A novel immuno-gold labeling protocol for nanobody-based detection of HER2 in breast cancer cells using immuno-electron microscopy.

PubMed

Kijanka, M; van Donselaar, E G; Müller, W H; Dorresteijn, B; Popov-Čeleketić, D; El Khattabi, M; Verrips, C T; van Bergen En Henegouwen, P M P; Post, J A

2017-07-01

Immuno-electron microscopy is commonly performed with the use of antibodies. In the last decade the antibody fragment indicated as nanobody (VHH or single domain antibody) has found its way to different applications previously done with conventional antibodies. Nanobodies can be selected to bind with high affinity and specificity to different antigens. They are small (molecular weight ca. 15kDa) and are usually easy to produce in microorganisms. Here we have evaluated the feasibility of a nanobody binding to HER2 for application in immuno-electron microscopy. To obtain highest labeling efficiency combined with optimal specificity, different labeling conditions were analysed, which included nanobody concentration, fixation and blocking conditions. The obtained optimal protocol was applied for post-embedment labeling of Tokuyasu cryosections and for pre-embedment labeling of HER2 for fluorescence microscopy and both transmission and scanning electron microscopy. We show that formaldehyde fixation after incubation with the anti-HER2 nanobody, improves labeling intensity. Among all tested blocking agents the best results were obtained with a mixture of cold water fish gelatine and acetylated bovine serum albumin, which prevented a-specific interactions causing background labeling while preserving specific interactions at the same time. In conclusion, we have developed a nanobody-based protocol for immuno-gold labeling of HER2 for Tokuyasu cryosections in TEM as well as for pre-embedment gold labeling of cells for both TEM and SEM. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

EMHP: an accurate automated hole masking algorithm for single-particle cryo-EM image processing.

PubMed

Berndsen, Zachary; Bowman, Charles; Jang, Haerin; Ward, Andrew B

2017-12-01

The Electron Microscopy Hole Punch (EMHP) is a streamlined suite of tools for quick assessment, sorting and hole masking of electron micrographs. With recent advances in single-particle electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) data processing allowing for the rapid determination of protein structures using a smaller computational footprint, we saw the need for a fast and simple tool for data pre-processing that could run independent of existing high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructures. EMHP provides a data preprocessing platform in a small package that requires minimal python dependencies to function. https://www.bitbucket.org/chazbot/emhp Apache 2.0 License. bowman@scripps.edu. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press.

Nanowires: Enhanced Optoelectronic Performance of a Passivated Nanowire-Based Device: Key Information from Real-Space Imaging Using 4D Electron Microscopy (Small 17/2016).

PubMed

Khan, Jafar I; Adhikari, Aniruddha; Sun, Jingya; Priante, Davide; Bose, Riya; Shaheen, Basamat S; Ng, Tien Khee; Zhao, Chao; Bakr, Osman M; Ooi, Boon S; Mohammed, Omar F

2016-05-01

Selective mapping of surface charge carrier dynamics of InGaN nanowires before and after surface passivation with octadecylthiol (ODT) is reported by O. F. Mohammed and co-workers on page 2313, using scanning ultrafast electron microscopy. In a typical experiment, the 343 nm output of the laser beam is used to excite the microscope tip to generate pulsed electrons for probing, and the 515 nm output is used as a clocking excitation pulse to initiate dynamics. Time-resolved images demonstrate clearly that carrier recombination is significantly slowed after ODT treatment, which supports the efficient removal of surface trap states. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Microscopic evolution of dielectric nanoparticles at different calcination temperatures synthesized via sol-gel auto-combustion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adil, Muhammad, E-mail: muhammadadil86@hotmail.com; Zaid, Hasnah Mohd, E-mail: hasnamz@petronas.com.my; Chuan, Lee Kean, E-mail: lee.kc@petronas.com.my

2015-07-22

Dielectric nano powder synthesis is carried by a simple and fast sol-gel auto-combustion method. The transformation of crystalline phases of as-synthesized nano powders is investigated through the detailed transmission electron microscopy (TEM), revealed the crystallographic alterations and morphological information even at lattice scale. From specific area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern, has specified the d-spacing and corresponding planes supported by the observed lattice fringes. The morphological characterization of nanoparticles is performed through field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), exhibiting the increment in particle size due to agglomeration with the increase in annealing temperature. Furthermore, EDX pattern has been used to verify themore » formation of nanoparticles by revealing the presence of required elements.« less

Correlative fluorescence microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy of quantum-dot-labeled proteins in whole cells in liquid.

PubMed

Dukes, Madeline J; Peckys, Diana B; de Jonge, Niels

2010-07-27

Correlative fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a state-of-the-art microscopy methodology to study cellular function, combining the functionality of light microscopy with the high resolution of electron microscopy. However, this technique involves complex sample preparation procedures due to its need for either thin sections or frozen samples for TEM imaging. Here, we introduce a novel correlative approach capable of imaging whole eukaryotic cells in liquid with fluorescence microscopy and with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM); there is no additional sample preparation necessary for the electron microscopy. Quantum dots (QDs) were bound to epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors of COS7 fibroblast cells. Fixed whole cells in saline water were imaged with fluorescence microscopy and subsequently with STEM. The STEM images were correlated with fluorescence images of the same cellular regions. QDs of dimensions 7x12 nm were visible in a 5 microm thick layer of saline water, consistent with calculations. A spatial resolution of 3 nm was achieved on the QDs.

Correlative Fluorescence Microscopy and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy of Quantum Dot Labeled Proteins in Whole Cells in Liquid

PubMed Central

Dukes, Madeline J.; Peckys, Diana B.; de Jonge, Niels

2010-01-01

Correlative fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a state-of-the-art microscopy methodology to study cellular function, combining the functionality of light microscopy with the high resolution of electron microscopy. However, this technique involves complex sample preparation procedures due to its need for either thin sections or frozen samples for TEM imaging. Here, we introduce a novel correlative approach capable of imaging whole eukaryotic cells in liquid with fluorescence microscopy and with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM); there is no additional sample preparation necessary for the electron microscopy. Quantum dots (QDs) were bound to epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors of COS7 fibroblast cells. Fixed whole cells in saline water were imaged with fluorescence microscopy and subsequently with STEM. The STEM images were correlated with fluorescence images of the same cellular regions. QDs of dimensions 7 × 12 nm were visible in a 5 μm thick layer of saline water, consistent with calculations. A spatial resolution of 3 nm was achieved on the QDs. PMID:20550177

Inter-wall bridging induced peeling of multi-walled carbon nanotubes during tensile failure in aluminum matrix composites.

PubMed

Chen, Biao; Li, Shufeng; Imai, Hisashi; Umeda, Junko; Takahashi, Makoto; Kondoh, Katsuyoshi

2015-02-01

In situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of a tensile test was performed to investigate the fracturing behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in powder metallurgy Al matrix composites. A multiple peeling phenomenon during MWCNT fracturing was clearly observed. Its formation mechanism and resultant effect on the composite strength were examined. Through transition electron microscopy characterizations, it was observed that defective structures like inter-wall bridges cross-linked adjacent walls of MWCNTs. This structure was helpful to improve the inter-wall bonding conditions, leading to the effective load transfer between walls and resultant peeling behaviors of MWCNTs. These results might provide new understandings of the fracturing mechanisms of carbon nanotube reinforcements for designing high-performance nanocomposites. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Low cost, high performance processing of single particle cryo-electron microscopy data in the cloud

PubMed Central

Cianfrocco, Michael A; Leschziner, Andres E

2015-01-01

The advent of a new generation of electron microscopes and direct electron detectors has realized the potential of single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) as a technique to generate high-resolution structures. Calculating these structures requires high performance computing clusters, a resource that may be limiting to many likely cryo-EM users. To address this limitation and facilitate the spread of cryo-EM, we developed a publicly available ‘off-the-shelf’ computing environment on Amazon's elastic cloud computing infrastructure. This environment provides users with single particle cryo-EM software packages and the ability to create computing clusters with 16–480+ CPUs. We tested our computing environment using a publicly available 80S yeast ribosome dataset and estimate that laboratories could determine high-resolution cryo-EM structures for $50 to $1500 per structure within a timeframe comparable to local clusters. Our analysis shows that Amazon's cloud computing environment may offer a viable computing environment for cryo-EM. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06664.001 PMID:25955969

Enhanced efficiency and air-stability of NiOX-based perovskite solar cells via PCBM electron transport layer modification with Triton X-100.

PubMed

Lee, Kisu; Ryu, Jaehoon; Yu, Haejun; Yun, Juyoung; Lee, Jungsup; Jang, Jyongsik

2017-11-02

We modified phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) for use as a stable, efficient electron transport layer (ETL) in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). PCBM containing a surfactant Triton X-100 acts as the ETL and NiO X nanocrystals act as a hole transport layer (HTL). Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images showed that surfactant-modified PCBM (s-PCBM) forms a high-quality, uniform, and dense ETL on the rough perovskite layer. This layer effectively blocks holes and reduces interfacial recombination. Steady-state photoluminescence and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses confirmed that Triton X-100 improved the electron extraction performance of PCBM. When the s-PCBM ETL was used, the average power conversion efficiency increased from 10.76% to 15.68%. This improvement was primarily caused by the increases in the open-circuit voltage and fill factor. s-PCBM-based PSCs also showed good air-stability, retaining 83.8% of their initial performance after 800 h under ambient conditions.

Microstructural Study of Micron-Sized Craters Simulating Stardust Impacts in Aluminum 1100 Targets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leroux, Hugues; Borg, Janet; Troadec, David; Djouadi, Zahia; Horz, Friedrich

2006-01-01

Various microscopic techniques were used to characterize experimental micro- craters in aluminium foils to prepare for the comprehensive analysis of the cometary and interstellar particle impacts in aluminium foils to be returned by the Stardust mission. First, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) were used to study the morphology of the impact craters and the bulk composition of the residues left by soda-lime glass impactors. A more detailed structural and compositional study of impactor remnants was then performed using TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), EDS, and electron diffraction methods. The TEM samples were prepared by Focused Ion Beam (FIB) methods. This technique proved to be especially valuable in studying impact crater residues and impact crater morphology. Finally, we also showed that InfraRed microscopy (IR) can be a quick and reliable tool for such investigations. The combination of all of these tools enables a complete microscopic characterization of the craters.

The Probe Profile and Lateral Resolution of Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy of Thick Specimens

PubMed Central

Demers, Hendrix; Ramachandra, Ranjan; Drouin, Dominique; de Jonge, Niels

2012-01-01

Lateral profiles of the electron probe of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) were simulated at different vertical positions in a micrometers-thick carbon sample. The simulations were carried out using the Monte Carlo method in the CASINO software. A model was developed to fit the probe profiles. The model consisted of the sum of a Gaussian function describing the central peak of the profile, and two exponential decay functions describing the tail of the profile. Calculations were performed to investigate the fraction of unscattered electrons as function of the vertical position of the probe in the sample. Line scans were also simulated over gold nanoparticles at the bottom of a carbon film to calculate the achievable resolution as function of the sample thickness and the number of electrons. The resolution was shown to be noise limited for film thicknesses less than 1 μm. Probe broadening limited the resolution for thicker films. The validity of the simulation method was verified by comparing simulated data with experimental data. The simulation method can be used as quantitative method to predict STEM performance or to interpret STEM images of thick specimens. PMID:22564444

Mesoporous MnO2/carbon aerogel composites as promising electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors.

PubMed

Li, Gao-Ren; Feng, Zhan-Ping; Ou, Yan-Nan; Wu, Dingcai; Fu, Ruowen; Tong, Ye-Xiang

2010-02-16

MnO(2) as one of the most promising candidates for electrochemical supercapacitors has attracted much attention because of its superior electrochemical performance, low cost, and environmentally benign nature. In this Letter, we explored a novel route to prepare mesoporous MnO(2)/carbon aerogel composites by electrochemical deposition assisted by gas bubbles. The products were characterized by energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The MnO(2) deposits are found to have high purity and have a mesoporous structure that will optimize the electronic and ionic conductivity to minimize the total resistance of the system and thereby maximize the performance characteristics of this material for use in supercapacitor electrodes. The results of nitrogen adsorption-desorption experiments and electrochemical measurements showed that these obtained mesoporous MnO(2)/carbon aerogel composites had a large specific surface area (120 m(2)/g), uniform pore-size distribution (around 5 nm), high specific capacitance (515.5 F/g), and good stability over 1000 cycles, which give these composites potential application as high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials.

Fracture resistance of dental nickel-titanium rotary instruments with novel surface treatment: Thin film metallic glass coating.

PubMed

Chi, Chih-Wen; Deng, Yu-Lun; Lee, Jyh-Wei; Lin, Chun-Pin

2017-05-01

Dental nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments are widely used in endodontic therapy because they are efficient with a higher success rate. However, an unpredictable fracture of instruments may happen due to the surface characteristics of imperfection (or irregularity). This study assessed whether a novel surface treatment could increase fatigue fracture resistance of dental NiTi rotary instruments. A 200- or 500-nm thick Ti-zirconium-boron (Ti-Zr-B) thin film metallic glass was deposited on ProTaper Universal F2 files using a physical vapor deposition process. The characteristics of coating were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffractometry. In cyclic fatigue tests, the files were performed in a simulated root canal (radius=5 mm, angulation=60°) under a rotating speed of 300rpm. The fatigue fractured cross sections of the files were analyzed with their fractographic performances through scanning electron microscopy images. The amorphous structure of the Ti-Zr-B coating was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. The surface of treated files presented smooth morphologies without grinding irregularity. For the 200- and 500-nm surface treatment groups, the coated files exhibited higher resistance of cyclic fatigue than untreated files. In fractographic analysis, treated files showed significantly larger crack-initiation zone; however, no significant differences in the areas of fatigue propagation and catastrophic fracture were found compared to untreated files. The novel surface treatment of Ti-Zr-B thin film metallic glass on dental NiTi rotary files can effectively improve the fatigue fracture resistance by offering a smooth coated surface with amorphous microstructure. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Electron Microscopy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beer, Michael

1980-01-01

Reviews technical aspects of structure determination in biological electron microscopy (EM). Discusses low dose EM, low temperature microscopy, electron energy loss spectra, determination of mass or molecular weight, and EM of labeled systems. Cites 34 references. (CS)

Serial block face-scanning electron microscopy: a tool for studying embryonic development at the cell-matrix interface.

PubMed

Starborg, Tobias; Kadler, Karl E

2015-03-01

Studies of gene regulation, signaling pathways, and stem cell biology are contributing greatly to our understanding of early embryonic vertebrate development. However, much less is known about the events during the latter half of embryonic development, when tissues comprising mostly extracellular matrix (ECM) are formed. The matrix extends far beyond the boundaries of individual cells and is refractory to study by conventional biochemical and molecular techniques; thus major gaps exist in our knowledge of the formation and three-dimensional (3D) organization of the dense tissues that form the bulk of adult vertebrates. Serial block face-scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) has the ability to image volumes of tissue containing numerous cells at a resolution sufficient to study the organization of the ECM. Furthermore, whereas light microscopy was once relatively straightforward and electron microscopy was performed in specialist laboratories, the tables are turned; SBF-SEM is relatively straightforward and is becoming routine in high-end resolution studies of embryonic structures in vivo. In this review, we discuss the emergence of SBF-SEM as a tool for studying embryonic vertebrate development. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Imaging of endodontic biofilms by combined microscopy (FISH/cLSM - SEM).

PubMed

Schaudinn, C; Carr, G; Gorur, A; Jaramillo, D; Costerton, J W; Webster, P

2009-08-01

Scanning electron microscopy is a useful imaging approach for the visualization of bacterial biofilms in their natural environments including their medical and dental habitats, because it allows for the exploration of large surfaces with excellent resolution of topographic features. Most biofilms in nature, however, are embedded in a thick layer of extracellular matrix that prevents a clear identification of individual bacteria by scanning electron microscopy. The use of confocal laser scanning microscopy on the other hand in combination with fluorescence in situ hybridization enables the visualization of matrix embedded bacteria in multi-layered biofilms. In our study, fluorescence in situ hybridization/confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were applied to visualize bacterial biofilm in endodontic root canals. The resulting fluorescence in situ hybridization /confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and pictures were subsequently combined into one single image to provide high-resolution information on the location of hidden bacteria. The combined use of scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence in situ hybridization / confocal laser scanning microscopy has the potential to overcome the limits of each single technique.

Systematic investigation on Cadmium-incorporation in Li₂FeSiO₄/C cathode material for lithium-ion batteries.

PubMed

Zhang, Lu-Lu; Duan, Song; Yang, Xue-Lin; Liang, Gan; Huang, Yun-Hui; Cao, Xing-Zhong; Yang, Jing; Ni, Shi-Bing; Li, Ming

2014-05-27

Cadmium-incorporated Li2FeSiO4/C composites have been successfully synthesized by a solid-state reaction assisted with refluxing. The effect and mechanism of Cd-modification on the electrochemical performance of Li2FeSiO4/C were investigated in detail by X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectra, transmission electron microscopy, positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and Doppler broadening spectrum, and electrochemical measurements. The results show that Cd not only exists in an amorphous state of CdO on the surface of LFS particles, but also enters into the crystal lattice of LFS. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and Doppler broadening spectrum analyses verify that Cd-incorporation increases the defect concentration and the electronic conductivity of LFS, thus improve the Li(+)-ion diffusion process. Furthermore, our electrochemical measurements verify that an appropriate amount of Cd-incorporation can achieve a satisfied electrochemical performance for LFS/C cathode material.

Well-dispersed LiFePO4 nanoparticles anchored on a three-dimensional graphene aerogel as high-performance positive electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Xiaohui; Zhou, Yingke; Tu, Xiaofeng; Zhang, Zhongtang; Du, Guodong

2017-02-01

A three-dimensional graphene aerogel supporting LiFePO4 nanoparticles (LFP/GA) has been synthesized by a hydrothermal process. The morphology and microstructure of LFP/GA were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. The electrochemical properties were evaluated by constant-current charge/discharge tests, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Well-distributed LFP nanoparticles are anchored on both sides of graphene and then assemble into a highly porous three-dimensional aerogel architecture. Conductive graphene networks provide abundant paths to facilitate the transfer of electrons, while the aerogel structures offer plenty of interconnected open pores for the storage of electrolyte to enable the fast supply of Li ions. The LFP and graphene aerogel composites present superior specific capacity, rate capability and cycling performance in comparison to the pristine LFP or LFP supported on graphene sheets and are thus promising for lithium-ion battery applications.

Properties of Rolled AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Sheet Fabricated by Continuous Variable Cross-Section Direct Extrusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yang; Li, Feng; Li, Xue Wen; Shi, Wen Yong

2018-03-01

Rolling is currently a widely used method for manufacturing and processing high-performance magnesium alloy sheets and has received widespread attention in recent years. Here, we combined continuous variable cross-section direct extrusion (CVCDE) and rolling processes. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the resulting sheets rolled at different temperatures from CVCDE extrudate were investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. The results showed that a fine-grained microstructure was present with an average grain size of 3.62 μm in sheets rolled from CVCDE extrudate at 623 K. Dynamic recrystallization and a large strain were induced by the multi-pass rolling, which resulted in grain refinement. In the 573-673 K range, the yield strength, tensile strength and elongation initially increased and then declined as the CVCDE temperature increased. The above results provide an important scientific basis of processing, manufacturing and the active control on microstructure and property for high-performance magnesium alloy sheet.

Systematic investigation on Cadmium-incorporation in Li2FeSiO4/C cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

PubMed Central

Zhang, Lu-Lu; Duan, Song; Yang, Xue-Lin; Liang, Gan; Huang, Yun-Hui; Cao, Xing-Zhong; Yang, Jing; Ni, Shi-Bing; Li, Ming

2014-01-01

Cadmium-incorporated Li2FeSiO4/C composites have been successfully synthesized by a solid-state reaction assisted with refluxing. The effect and mechanism of Cd-modification on the electrochemical performance of Li2FeSiO4/C were investigated in detail by X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectra, transmission electron microscopy, positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and Doppler broadening spectrum, and electrochemical measurements. The results show that Cd not only exists in an amorphous state of CdO on the surface of LFS particles, but also enters into the crystal lattice of LFS. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and Doppler broadening spectrum analyses verify that Cd-incorporation increases the defect concentration and the electronic conductivity of LFS, thus improve the Li+-ion diffusion process. Furthermore, our electrochemical measurements verify that an appropriate amount of Cd-incorporation can achieve a satisfied electrochemical performance for LFS/C cathode material. PMID:24860942

Synthesis of MoS2/rGO nanosheets hybrid materials for enhanced visible light assisted photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, Shreyasi; Dutta, Shibsankar; De, Sukanta

2018-04-01

A facile hydrothermal method has been adopted to synthesize pure MoS2 nanosheets and MoS2/rGO nanosheets hybrid. The samples were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The photocatalytic performance and reusability of MoS2 nanosheets and MoS2/rGO hybrids was evaluated by discoloring of RhB under visible light irradiation. Results indicated that MoS2/rGO photocatalysts with large surface area of 69.5 m2 g-1 could completely degrade 50 mL of 8 mg L-1 RhB aqueous solution in 90 min with excellent recycling and structural stability as compared with pure MoS2 nanosheets (53%). Such enhanced performance could be explained due to the high surface area, enhanced light absorption and the increased dye adsorptivity and reduced electron-hole pair recombination with the presence of rGO.

Scanning ultrafast electron microscopy

PubMed Central

Yang, Ding-Shyue; Mohammed, Omar F.; Zewail, Ahmed H.

2010-01-01

Progress has been made in the development of four-dimensional ultrafast electron microscopy, which enables space-time imaging of structural dynamics in the condensed phase. In ultrafast electron microscopy, the electrons are accelerated, typically to 200 keV, and the microscope operates in the transmission mode. Here, we report the development of scanning ultrafast electron microscopy using a field-emission-source configuration. Scanning of pulses is made in the single-electron mode, for which the pulse contains at most one or a few electrons, thus achieving imaging without the space-charge effect between electrons, and still in ten(s) of seconds. For imaging, the secondary electrons from surface structures are detected, as demonstrated here for material surfaces and biological specimens. By recording backscattered electrons, diffraction patterns from single crystals were also obtained. Scanning pulsed-electron microscopy with the acquired spatiotemporal resolutions, and its efficient heat-dissipation feature, is now poised to provide in situ 4D imaging and with environmental capability. PMID:20696933

Performance Impact Associated with Ni-Based SOFCs Fueled with Higher Hydrocarbon-Doped Coal Syngas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hackett, Gregory A.; Gerdes, Kirk; Chen, Yun; Song, Xueyan; Zondlo, John

2015-03-01

Energy generation strategies demonstrating high efficiency and fuel flexibility are desirable in the contemporary energy market. When integrated with a gasification process, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) can produce electricity at efficiencies exceeding 50 pct by consuming fuels such as coal, biomass, municipal solid waste, or other opportunity wastes. The synthesis gas derived from such fuel may contain trace species (including arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, phosphorus, sulfur, and tars) and low concentration organic species that adversely affect the SOFC performance. This work demonstrates the impact of exposure of the hydrocarbons ethylene, benzene, and naphthalene at various concentrations. The cell performance degradation rate is determined for tests exceeding 500 hours at 1073 K (800 °C). Cell performance is evaluated during operation with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and exposed samples are post-operationally analyzed by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The short-term performance is modeled to predict performances to the desired 40,000-hours operational lifetime for SOFCs. Possible hydrocarbon interactions with the nickel anode are postulated, and acceptable hydrocarbon exposure limits are discussed.

Electrochemical Dissolution of Iridium and Iridium Oxide Particles in Acidic Media: Transmission Electron Microscopy, Electrochemical Flow Cell Coupled to Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Study.

PubMed

Jovanovič, Primož; Hodnik, Nejc; Ruiz-Zepeda, Francisco; Arčon, Iztok; Jozinović, Barbara; Zorko, Milena; Bele, Marjan; Šala, Martin; Šelih, Vid Simon; Hočevar, Samo; Gaberšček, Miran

2017-09-13

Iridium-based particles, regarded as the most promising proton exchange membrane electrolyzer electrocatalysts, were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and by coupling of an electrochemical flow cell (EFC) with online inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Additionally, studies using a thin-film rotating disc electrode, identical location transmission and scanning electron microscopy, as well as X-ray absorption spectroscopy have been performed. Extremely sensitive online time-and potential-resolved electrochemical dissolution profiles revealed that Ir particles dissolve well below oxygen evolution reaction (OER) potentials, presumably induced by Ir surface oxidation and reduction processes, also referred to as transient dissolution. Overall, thermally prepared rutile-type IrO 2 particles are substantially more stable and less active in comparison to as-prepared metallic and electrochemically pretreated (E-Ir) analogues. Interestingly, under OER-relevant conditions, E-Ir particles exhibit superior stability and activity owing to the altered corrosion mechanism, where the formation of unstable Ir(>IV) species is hindered. Due to the enhanced and lasting OER performance, electrochemically pre-oxidized E-Ir particles may be considered as the electrocatalyst of choice for an improved low-temperature electrochemical hydrogen production device, namely a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer.

Preparation of porous palladium nanowire arrays and their catalytic performance for hydrogen peroxide electroreduction in acid medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xin; Ye, Ke; Gao, Yinyi; Zhang, Hongyu; Cheng, Kui; Xiao, Xue; Wang, Guiling; Cao, Dianxue

2016-01-01

Nanoporous palladium supported on the carbon coated titanium carbide (C@TiC) nanowire arrays (Pd NP/C@TiC) are successfully prepared by a facile chemical vapor deposition of three-dimensional (3D) C@TiC substrate, followed by electrochemical codeposition of Pd-Ni and removal of Ni via dealloying. The structure and morphology of the obtained Pd NP/C@TiC electrodes are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), chronoamperometry (CA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are used to examine the catalytic performances of the electrodes for H2O2 electroreduction in H2SO4 solution. The Pd NP/C@TiC electrode exhibits a largely effective specific surface area owing to its open nanoporous structure allowing the full utilization of Pd surface active sites. At the potential of 0.2 V in 2.0 mol L-1 H2O2 and 2 mol L-1 H2SO4 solutions, the reduction current density reaches 3.47 A mg-1, which is significantly higher than the catalytic activity of H2O2 electroreduction achieved previously with precious metals as catalysts.

Serial block face scanning electron microscopy--the future of cell ultrastructure imaging.

PubMed

Hughes, Louise; Hawes, Chris; Monteith, Sandy; Vaughan, Sue

2014-03-01

One of the major drawbacks in transmission electron microscopy has been the production of three-dimensional views of cells and tissues. Currently, there is no one suitable 3D microscopy technique that answers all questions and serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fills the gap between 3D imaging using high-end fluorescence microscopy and the high resolution offered by electron tomography. In this review, we discuss the potential of the serial block face SEM technique for studying the three-dimensional organisation of animal, plant and microbial cells.

Experimental evaluation of environmental scanning electron microscopes at high chamber pressure.

PubMed

Fitzek, H; Schroettner, H; Wagner, J; Hofer, F; Rattenberger, J

2015-11-01

In environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) high pressure applications have become increasingly important. Wet or biological samples can be investigated without time-consuming sample preparation and potential artefacts from this preparation can be neglected. Unfortunately, the signal-to-noise ratio strongly decreases with increasing chamber pressure. To evaluate the high pressure performance of ESEM and to compare different electron microscopes, information about spatial resolution and detector type is not enough. On the one hand, the scattering of the primary electron beam increases, which vanishes the contrast in images; and on the other hand, the secondary electrons (SE) signal amplification decreases. The stagnation gas thickness (effective distance the beam has to travel through the imaging gas) as well as the SE detection system depend on the microscope and for a complete and serious evaluation of an ESEM or low vacuum SEM it is necessary to specify these two parameters. A method is presented to determine the fraction of scattered and unscattered electrons and to calculate the stagnation gas thickness (θ). To evaluate the high pressure performance of the SE detection system, a method is presented that allows for an analysis of a single image and the calculation of the signal-to-noise ratio of this image. All investigations are performed on an FEI ESEM Quanta 600 (field emission gun) and an FEI ESEM Quanta 200 (thermionic gun). These methods and measurements should represent opportunities for evaluating the high pressure performance of an ESEM. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2015 Royal Microscopical Society.

Applications of microscopy to genetic therapy of cystic fibrosis and other human diseases.

PubMed

Moninger, Thomas O; Nessler, Randy A; Moore, Kenneth C

2006-01-01

Gene therapy has become an extremely important and active field of biomedical research. Microscopy is an integral component of this effort. This chapter presents an overview of imaging techniques used in our facility in support of cystic fibrosis gene therapy research. Instrumentation used in these studies includes light and confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Techniques outlined include negative staining, cryo-electron microscopy, three-dimentional reconstruction, enzyme cytochemistry, immunocytochemistry, and fluorescence imaging.

Application of environmental scanning electron microscopy to determine biological surface structure.

PubMed

Kirk, S E; Skepper, J N; Donald, A M

2009-02-01

The use of environmental scanning electron microscopy in biology is growing as more becomes understood about the advantages and limitations of the technique. These are discussed and we include new evidence about the effect of environmental scanning electron microscopy imaging on the viability of mammalian cells. We show that although specimen preparation for high-vacuum scanning electron microscopy introduces some artefacts, there are also challenges in the use of environmental scanning electron microscopy, particularly at higher resolutions. This suggests the two technologies are best used in combination. We have used human monocyte-derived macrophages as a test sample, imaging their complicated and delicate membrane ruffles and protrusions. We have also explored the possibility of using environmental scanning electron microscopy for dynamic experiments, finding that mammalian cells cannot be imaged and kept alive in the environmental scanning electron microscopy. The dehydration step in which the cell surface is exposed causes irreversible damage, probably via loss of membrane integrity during liquid removal in the specimen chamber. Therefore, mammalian cells should be imaged after fixation where possible to protect against damage as a result of chamber conditions.

Chemical analyses of fossil bone.

PubMed

Zheng, Wenxia; Schweitzer, Mary Higby

2012-01-01

The preservation of microstructures consistent with soft tissues, cells, and other biological components in demineralized fragments of dinosaur bone tens of millions of years old was unexpected, and counter to current hypotheses of tissue, cellular, and molecular degradation. Although the morphological similarity of these tissues to extant counterparts was unmistakable, after at least 80 million years exposed to geochemical influences, morphological similarity is insufficient to support an endogenous source. To test this hypothesis, and to characterize these materials at a molecular level, we applied multiple independent chemical, molecular, and microscopic analyses to identify the presence of original components produced by the extinct organisms. Microscopic techniques included field emission scanning electron microscopy, analytical transmission electron microscopy, transmitted light microscopy (LM), and fluorescence microscopy (FM). The chemical and molecular techniques include enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, western blot (immunoblot), and attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy. In situ analyses performed directly on tissues included immunohistochemistry and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. The details of sample preparation and methodology are described in detail herein.

Investigating the use of in situ liquid cell scanning transmission electron microscopy to explore DNA-mediated gold nanoparticle growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguy, Amanda

Engineering nanoparticles with desired shape-dependent properties is the key to many applications in nanotechnology. Although many synthetic procedures exist to produce anisotropic gold nanoparticles, the dynamics of growth are typically unknown or hypothetical. In the case of seed-mediated growth in the presence of DNA into anisotropic nanoparticles, it is not known exactly how DNA directs growth into specific morphologies. A series of preliminary experiments were carried out to contribute to the investigation of the possible mechanism of DNA-mediated growth of gold nanoprisms into gold nanostars using liquid cell scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Imaging in the liquid phase was achieved through the use of a liquid cell platform and liquid cell holder that allow the sample to be contained within a “chip sandwich” between two electron transparent windows. Ex situ growth experiments were performed using Au-T30 NPrisms (30-base thymine oligonucleotide-coated gold nanoprisms) that are expected to grow into gold nanostars. Growth to form these nanostars were imaged using TEM (transmission electron microscopy) and liquid cell STEM (scanning transmission electron microscopy). An attempt to perform in situ growth experiments with the same Au-T30 nanoprisms revealed challenges in obtaining desired morphology results due to the environmental differences within the liquid cell compared to the ex situ environment. Different parameters in the experimental method were explored including fluid line set up, simultaneous and alternating reagent addition, and the effect of different liquid cell volumes to ensure adequate flow of reagents into the liquid cell. Lastly, the binding affinities were compared for T30 and A30 DNA incubated with gold nanoparticles using zeta potential measurements, absorption spectroscopy, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). It was previously reported thymine bases have a lower binding affinity to gold surfaces than adenine bases. However, the results reported here contradict the previously reported data. Future prospectives on this work are outlined.

Investigating the use of in situ liquid cell scanning transmission electron microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nguy, Amanda

2016-02-19

Engineering nanoparticles with desired shape-dependent properties is the key to many applications in nanotechnology. Although many synthetic procedures exist to produce anisotropic gold nanoparticles, the dynamics of growth are typically unknown or hypothetical. In the case of seed-mediated growth in the presence of DNA into anisotropic nanoparticles, it is not known exactly how DNA directs growth into specific morphologies. A series of preliminary experiments were carried out to contribute to the investigation of the possible mechanism of DNA-mediated growth of gold nanoprisms into gold nanostars using liquid cell scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Imaging in the liquid phase was achievedmore » through the use of a liquid cell platform and liquid cell holder that allow the sample to be contained within a “chip sandwich” between two electron transparent windows. Ex situ growth experiments were performed using Au-T30 NPrisms (30-base thymine oligonucleotide-coated gold nanoprisms) that are expected to grow into gold nanostars. Growth to form these nanostars were imaged using TEM (transmission electron microscopy) and liquid cell STEM (scanning transmission electron microscopy). An attempt to perform in situ growth experiments with the same Au-T30 nanoprisms revealed challenges in obtaining desired morphology results due to the environmental differences within the liquid cell compared to the ex situ environment. Different parameters in the experimental method were explored including fluid line set up, simultaneous and alternating reagent addition, and the effect of different liquid cell volumes to ensure adequate flow of reagents into the liquid cell. Lastly, the binding affinities were compared for T30 and A30 DNA incubated with gold nanoparticles using zeta potential measurements, absorption spectroscopy, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). It was previously reported thymine bases have a lower binding affinity to gold surfaces than adenine bases. However, the results reported here contradict the previously reported data. Future prospectives on this work are outlined.« less

Surface molecular imprinting onto fluorescein-coated magnetic nanoparticlesvia reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization: A facile three-in-one system for recognition and separation of endocrine disrupting chemicals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ying; Dong, Cunku; Chu, Jia; Qi, Jingyao; Li, Xin

2011-01-01

In this study, we present a general protocol for the making of surface-imprinted magnetic fluorescence beads viareversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The resulting composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The as-synthesized beads exhibited homogeneous polymer films (thickness of about 5.7 nm), spherical shape, high fluorescence intensity and magnetic property (Magnetization (Ms) = 3.67 emu g-1). The hybrids bind the original template 17β-estradiol with an appreciable selectivity over structurally related compounds. In addition, the resulting hybrids performed without obvious deterioration after five repeated cycles. This study therefore demonstrates the potential of molecularly imprinted polymers for the recognition and separation of endocrine disrupting chemicals.In this study, we present a general protocol for the making of surface-imprinted magnetic fluorescence beads viareversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The resulting composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The as-synthesized beads exhibited homogeneous polymer films (thickness of about 5.7 nm), spherical shape, high fluorescence intensity and magnetic property (Magnetization (Ms) = 3.67 emu g-1). The hybrids bind the original template 17β-estradiol with an appreciable selectivity over structurally related compounds. In addition, the resulting hybrids performed without obvious deterioration after five repeated cycles. This study therefore demonstrates the potential of molecularly imprinted polymers for the recognition and separation of endocrine disrupting chemicals. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Supplementary figure S1. The hysteresis loop of Fe3O4 (a), Fe3O4@SiO2 (b), and Fe3O4@SiO2-Dye-SiO2 (c). See DOI: 10.1039/c0nr00614a

Self-Cleaning Anticondensing Glass via Supersonic Spraying of Silver Nanowires, Silica, and Polystyrene Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Lee, Jong-Gun; An, Seongpil; Kim, Tae-Gun; Kim, Min-Woo; Jo, Hong-Seok; Swihart, Mark T; Yarin, Alexander L; Yoon, Sam S

2017-10-11

We have sequentially deposited layers of silver nanowires (AgNWs), silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) nanoparticles, and polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles on uncoated glass by a rapid low-cost supersonic spraying method to create antifrosting, anticondensation, and self-cleaning glass. The conductive silver nanowire network embedded in the coating allows electrical heating of the glass surface. Supersonic spraying is a single-step coating technique that does not require vacuum. The fabricated multifunctional glass was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The thermal insulation and antifrosting performance were demonstrated using infrared thermal imaging. The reliability of the electrical heating function was tested through extensive cycling. This transparent multifunctional coating holds great promise for use in various smart window designs.

[A STUDY OF THE ISOLATED BACTERIOPHAGE ΦAB-SP7 ADSORPTION ON THE CELL SURFACE OF THE AZOSPIRILLUM BRASILENSE SP7].

PubMed

Guliy, O I; Karavaeva, O A; Velikov, V A; Sokolov, O I; Pavily, S A; Larionova, O S; Burov, A M; Ignatov, O V

2016-01-01

The bacteriophage ΦAb-Sp7 was isolated from the cells of the Azospirillum brasilense Sp7. The morphology, size of the gram-negative colonies, and range of lytic activity against other strains and species of the genus Azospirillum was tested. The isolated phage DNA was examined using electrophoretic and restriction analysis, and the size of the genome were established. The electron microscopy. resuIts show that the phage (capsid) has a strand-like form. The electron microscopy study of the bacteriophage ΦAb-Sp7 adsorption on the A. brasilense Sp7 bacterial surface was performed.

Doping effect of polyaniline/MWCNT composites on capacitance and cyclic stability of supercapacitors.

PubMed

Karthikeyan, G; Sahoo, S; Nayak, G C; Das, C K

2012-03-01

Polyaniline doped by Zn2+ ions was synthesized as nanocomposites with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) by in-situ oxidative polymerization and investigated as electrode material for supercapacitors. The uniform coating of polyaniline on MWCNT was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The effect of Zn2+ ions on nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The electrochemical performances were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), constant current charging/discharging cyclic test (CC) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) using a three-electrode system. The doped polyaniline composites show higher specific capacitance and better cyclic stability.

Synthesis of functional carbon nanospheres by a composite-molten-salt method and amperometric sensing of hydrogen peroxide.

PubMed

Wang, Xue; Hu, Chenguo; Xiong, Yufeng; Zhang, Cuiling

2013-02-01

Functional carbon nanospheres have been synthesized from analytically pure glucose by a composite-molten-salt (CMS) method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman and Fourier transformation infra-red spectroscopy indicate the carbon nanospheres are solid, bond hybridisation (sp2/sp3) and with many functional groups on their surfaces. Amperometric sensor based on the synthesized carbon nanospheres have been fabricated without pretreatment or modification. The detection of hydrogen peroxide exhibits high sensitivity and good selectivity. The electrochemical measurement of these nanospheres demonstrates much superior performance to those of the carbon nanospheres synthesized by hydrothermal method.

High-resolution mapping of molecules in an ionic liquid via scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Miyata, Tomohiro; Mizoguchi, Teruyasu

2018-03-01

Understanding structures and spatial distributions of molecules in liquid phases is crucial for the control of liquid properties and to develop efficient liquid-phase processes. Here, real-space mapping of molecular distributions in a liquid was performed. Specifically, the ionic liquid 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (C2mimTFSI) was imaged using atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. Simulations revealed network-like bright regions in the images that were attributed to the TFSI- anion, with minimal contributions from the C2mim+ cation. Simple visualization of the TFSI- distribution in the liquid sample was achieved by binarizing the experimental image.

Synthesis of nanostructured vanadium powder by high-energy ball milling: X-ray diffraction and high-resolution electron microscopy characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishnan, Vinoadh Kumar; Sinnaeruvadi, Kumaran

2016-10-01

Vanadium metal powders, ball milled with different surfactants viz., stearic acid, KCl and NaCl, have been studied by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The surfactants alter the microstructural and morphological characteristics of the powders. Ball milling with stearic acid results in solid-state amorphization, while powders milled with KCl yield vanadium-tungsten carbide nanocomposite mixtures. NaCl proved to be an excellent surfactant for obtaining nanostructured fusion-grade vanadium powders. In order to understand the reaction mechanism behind any interstitial addition in the ball-milled powders, CHNOS analysis was performed.

Corrosion behavior of surface films on boron-implanted high purity iron and stainless steels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, H. J.; Carter, W. B.; Hochman, R. F.; Meletis, E. I.

1985-01-01

Boron (dose, 2 x 10 to the 17th ions/sq cm) was implanted into high purity iron, AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel, and AISI 440C martensitic stainless steel, at 40 keV. The film structure of implanted samples was examined and characterized by contrast and diffraction analyses utilizing transmission electron microscopy. The effect of B(+) ion implantation on the corrosion behavior was studied using the potentiodynamic polarization technique. Tests were performed in deaerated 1 N H2SO4 and 0.1 M NaCl solutions. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the morphology of the corroded surfaces after testing.

Fully Hydrated Yeast Cells Imaged with Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Peckys, Diana B.; Mazur, Peter; Gould, Kathleen L.; de Jonge, Niels

2011-01-01

We demonstrate electron microscopy of fully hydrated eukaryotic cells with nanometer resolution. Living Schizosaccaromyces pombe cells were loaded in a microfluidic chamber and imaged in liquid with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The native intracellular (ultra)structures of wild-type cells and three different mutants were studied without prior labeling, fixation, or staining. The STEM images revealed various intracellular components that were identified on the basis of their shape, size, location, and mass density. The maximal achieved spatial resolution in this initial study was 32 ± 8 nm, an order of magnitude better than achievable with light microscopy on pristine cells. Light-microscopy images of the same samples were correlated with the corresponding electron-microscopy images. Achieving synergy between the capabilities of light and electron microscopy, we anticipate that liquid STEM will be broadly applied to explore the ultrastructure of live cells. PMID:21575587

Fully hydrated yeast cells imaged with electron microscopy.

PubMed

Peckys, Diana B; Mazur, Peter; Gould, Kathleen L; de Jonge, Niels

2011-05-18

We demonstrate electron microscopy of fully hydrated eukaryotic cells with nanometer resolution. Living Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells were loaded in a microfluidic chamber and imaged in liquid with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The native intracellular (ultra)structures of wild-type cells and three different mutants were studied without prior labeling, fixation, or staining. The STEM images revealed various intracellular components that were identified on the basis of their shape, size, location, and mass density. The maximal achieved spatial resolution in this initial study was 32 ± 8 nm, an order of magnitude better than achievable with light microscopy on pristine cells. Light-microscopy images of the same samples were correlated with the corresponding electron-microscopy images. Achieving synergy between the capabilities of light and electron microscopy, we anticipate that liquid STEM will be broadly applied to explore the ultrastructure of live cells. Copyright © 2011 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Minimal resin embedding of multicellular specimens for targeted FIB-SEM imaging.

PubMed

Schieber, Nicole L; Machado, Pedro; Markert, Sebastian M; Stigloher, Christian; Schwab, Yannick; Steyer, Anna M

2017-01-01

Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) is a powerful tool to perform ultrastructural analysis of targeted tissues or cells. The large field of view of the light microscope (LM) enables quick and efficient surveys of the whole specimen. It is also compatible with live imaging, giving access to functional assays. CLEM protocols take advantage of the features to efficiently retrace the position of targeted sites when switching from one modality to the other. They more often rely on anatomical cues that are visible both by light and electron microscopy. We present here a simple workflow where multicellular specimens are embedded in minimal amounts of resin, exposing their surface topology that can be imaged by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). LM and SEM both benefit from a large field of view that can cover whole model organisms. As a result, targeting specific anatomic locations by focused ion beam-SEM (FIB-SEM) tomography becomes straightforward. We illustrate this application on three different model organisms, used in our laboratory: the zebrafish embryo Danio rerio, the marine worm Platynereis dumerilii, and the dauer larva of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Here we focus on the experimental steps to reduce the amount of resin covering the samples and to image the specimens inside an FIB-SEM. We expect this approach to have widespread applications for volume electron microscopy on multiple model organisms. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nanoheteroepitaxy of gallium arsenide on strain-compliant silicon-germanium nanowires

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chin, Hock-Chun; Gong, Xiao; Yeo, Yee-Chia

Heterogeneous integration of high-quality GaAs on Si-based substrates using a selective migration-enhanced epitaxy (MEE) of GaAs on strain-compliant SiGe nanowires was demonstrated for the first time. The physics of compliance in nanoscale heterostructures was captured and studied using finite-element simulation. It is shown that nanostructures can provide additional substrate compliance for strain relief and therefore contribute to the formation of defect-free GaAs on SiGe. Extensive characterization using scanning electron microscopy and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy was performed to illustrate the successful growth of GaAs on SiGe nanowire. Raman and Auger electron spectroscopy measurements further confirmed the quality of the GaAsmore » grown and the high growth selectivity of the MEE process.« less

Glycogen in the Nervous System. I; Methods for Light and Electron Microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Estable, Rosita F. De; Estable-Puig, J. F.; Miquel, J.

1964-01-01

'l'he relative value of different methods for combined light and electron microscopical studies of glycogen in the nervous tissue was investigated. Picroalcoholic fixatives preserve glycogen in a considerable amount but give an inadequate morphological image of glycogen distribution and are unsuitable for ultrastructural studies. Fixation by perfusion, with Dalton's chromeosmic fluid seems adequate for ultrastructural cytochemistry of glycogen. Furthermore it permits routine paraffin embedding of brain slices adjacent to those used for electron microscopy. Dimedone blocking is a necessary step for a selective staining of glycogen with PAS after osmic fixation. Enzymatic removal of glycogen in osmic fixed nervous tissue can be done In paraffin-embedded tissue. It can also be performed in glycolmethacrylate-embedded tissue without removal of the embedding medium. Paraphenylenediamine stains glycogen following periodic acid oxidation.

Investigation of high temperature fracture of T-111 and ASTAR-811C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gold, R. E.

1971-01-01

The high temperature deformation and fracture behavior of T-111 and ASTAR-811C were studied over the temperature range 982 to 2205 C (1800 to 4000 F). As-cast and wrought-recrystallized material as well as GTA welds in sheet and plate were evaluated using conventional tensile and creep tests. Post test examinations were performed using optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A high temperature region of reduced ductility, in terms of tensile elongation, was identified for both alloys. The reduction in tensile elongation became more severe with increase in grain size, being near catastrophic for the as-cast specimens. Optical and electron metallography indicated that even for failures at very low total strain, considerable deformation of a very localized nature had occurred prior to fracture.

Tribological properties of epoxy composite coatings reinforced with functionalized C-BN and H-BN nanofillers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jingjing; Zhao, Wenjie; Wu, Yinghao; Wang, Deliang; Feng, Ruotao

2018-03-01

A series of epoxy resin (EP) composite coatings reinforced with functionalized cubic boron nitride (FC-BN) and functionalized hexagonal boron nitride (FH-BN) were fabricated successfully on 316L stainless steel by hand lay-up technique. The structure properties were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphologies were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, UMT-3 tribometer and surface profiler were used to investigate tribological behaviors of as-prepared composite coatings under dry friction and seawater conditions respectively. The results demonstrated that the presence of FC-BN or FH-BN fillers could greatly decrease the friction coefficient (COF) and wear rate of epoxy, in addition, composite coatings possess better tribological properties under seawater condition which was attributed to the lubricating effect of seawater. Moreover, FC-BN endows the composite coatings the highest wear resistance, and FH-BN /EP composite coatings exhibited the best friction reduction performance which is attributed to the self-lubricating performance of lamella structure for FH-BN sheet.

Primary Glomerulonephritis with Unique C4d Deposition and Concurrent Non-infectious Intermediate Uveitis: a Case Report and Literature Review

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

C4 glomerulopathy is a recently introduced entity that presents with bright C4d staining and minimal or absent immunoglobulin and C3 staining. We report a case of a 62-year-old man with C4 glomerulonephritis (GN) and uveitis. He presented to the nephrology department with proteinuria and hematuria. The patient also had intermediate uveitis along with proteinuria and hematuria. A kidney biopsy that was performed in light of continuing proteinuria and hematuria showed a focal proliferative, focal sclerotic glomerulopathy pattern on light microscopy, absent staining for immunoglobulin or C3 by immunofluorescence microscopy, with bright staining for C4d on immunohistochemistry, and electron-dense deposits on electron microscopy. Consequently, C4 GN was suggested as the pathologic diagnosis. Although laser microdissection and mass spectrometry for glomerular deposit and pathologic evaluation of the retinal tissue were not performed, this is the first report of C4 GN in Korea and the first case of coexisting C4 GN and uveitis in the English literature. PMID:29713256

Particle shape effect on erosion of optical glass substrates due to microparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waxman, Rachel; Gray, Perry; Guven, Ibrahim

2018-03-01

Impact experiments using sand particles and soda lime glass spheres were performed on four distinct glass substrates. Sand particles were characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy. High-speed video footage from impact tests was used to calculate incoming and rebound velocities of the individual impact events, as well as the particle volume and two-dimensional sphericity. Furthermore, video analysis was used in conjunction with optical and scanning electron microscopy to relate the incoming velocity and particle shape to subsequent fractures, including both radial and lateral cracks. Indentation theory [Marshall et al., J. Am. Ceram. Soc. 65, 561-566 (1982)] was applied and correlated with lateral crack lengths. Multi-variable power law regression was performed, incorporating the particle shape into the model and was shown to have better fit to damage data than the previous indentation model.

New frontiers in water purification: highly stable amphopolycarboxyglycinate-stabilized Ag-AgCl nanocomposite and its newly discovered potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krutyakov, Yurii A.; Zherebin, Pavel M.; Kudrinskiy, Alexey A.; Zubavichus, Yan V.; Presniakov, Mikhail Yu; Yapryntsev, Alexey D.; Karabtseva, Anastasia V.; Mikhaylov, Dmitry M.; Lisichkin, Georgii V.

2016-09-01

A simple synthetic procedure for high-stable dispersions of porous composite Ag/AgCl nanoparticles stabilized with amphoteric surfactant sodium tallow amphopolycarboxyglycinate has been proposed for the first time. The prepared samples were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, small area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and electron probe micro-analysis. In addition, measurements (carried out at the Kurchatov synchrotron radiation source stations) of the Ag K-edge extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra and XRD of the prepared nanoparticles have been performed. The obtained results suggest that small-sized Ag clusters are homogeneously distributed in the mass of the AgCl nanoparticle (~80 nm) formed during the synthesis. The Ag/AgCl dispersion demonstrates photocatalytic activity (with respect to methyl orange) and high bactericidal activity against E. coli. This activity is superior to the activity of both Ag and AgCl nanoparticles stabilized by the same surfactant. Thus, porous composite Ag/AgCl nanoparticles can be used as a multifunctional agent that is able to remove both pollutants and bacterium from water.

Microcontact Printing via a Polymer-Induced Liquid-Precursor (PILP) Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-04-01

applications that require high performance mechanical, electrical and/or optical properties resulting from controlled nano- and microstructural design...salts. The cover-slips were examined by optical microscopy, and then gold coated for scanning electron microscopy on a SEM JEOL JSM 6400 instrument [5...applications in the realm of biomimicry . Controlled growth of crystals with specific orientation can be achieved via the functional groups on the substrate

Microstructure of Reaction Zone Formed During Diffusion Bonding of TiAl with Ni/Al Multilayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simões, Sónia; Viana, Filomena; Koçak, Mustafa; Ramos, A. Sofia; Vieira, M. Teresa; Vieira, Manuel F.

2012-05-01

In this article, the characterization of the interfacial structure of diffusion bonding a TiAl alloy is presented. The joining surfaces were modified by Ni/Al reactive multilayer deposition as an alternative approach to conventional diffusion bonding. TiAl substrates were coated with alternated Ni and Al nanolayers. The nanolayers were deposited by dc magnetron sputtering with 14 nm of period (bilayer thickness). Joining experiments were performed at 900 °C for 30 and 60 min with a pressure of 5 MPa. Cross sections of the joints were prepared for characterization of their interfaces by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), high resolution TEM (HRTEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Several intermetallic compounds form at the interface, assuring the bonding of the TiAl. The interface can be divided into three distinct zones: zone 1 exhibits elongated nanograins, very small equiaxed grains are observed in zone 2, while zone 3 has larger equiaxed grains. EBSD analysis reveals that zone 1 corresponds to the intermetallic Al2NiTi and AlNiTi, and zones 2 and 3 to NiAl.

An ultrafast electron microscope gun driven by two-photon photoemission from a nanotip cathode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bormann, Reiner; Strauch, Stefanie; Schäfer, Sascha, E-mail: schaefer@ph4.physik.uni-goettingen.de

We experimentally and numerically investigate the performance of an advanced ultrafast electron source, based on two-photon photoemission from a tungsten needle cathode incorporated in an electron microscope gun geometry. Emission properties are characterized as a function of the electrostatic gun settings, and operating conditions leading to laser-triggered electron beams of very low emittance (below 20 nm mrad) are identified. The results highlight the excellent suitability of optically driven nano-cathodes for the further development of ultrafast transmission electron microscopy.

Demonstration of transmission high energy electron microscopy

DOE PAGES

Merrill, F. E.; Goett, J.; Gibbs, J. W.; ...

2018-04-06

High energy electrons have been used to investigate an extension of transmission electron microscopy. This technique, transmission high energy electron microscopy (THEEM), provides two additional capabilities to electron microscopy. First, high energy electrons are more penetrating than low energy electrons, and thus, they are able to image through thicker samples. Second, the accelerating mode of a radio-frequency linear accelerator provides fast exposures, down to 1 ps, which are ideal for flash radiography, making THEEM well suited to study the evolution of fast material processes under dynamic conditions. Lastly, initial investigations with static objects and during material processing have been performedmore » to investigate the capabilities of this technique.« less

Development of a physical and electronic model for RuO 2 nanorod rectenna devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dao, Justin

Ruthenium oxide (RuO2) nanorods are an emergent technology in nanostructure devices. As the physical size of electronics approaches a critical lower limit, alternative solutions to further device miniaturization are currently under investigation. Thin-film nanorod growth is an interesting technology, being investigated for use in wireless communications, sensor systems, and alternative energy applications. In this investigation, self-assembled RuO2 nanorods are grown on a variety of substrates via a high density plasma, reactive sputtering process. Nanorods have been found to grow on substrates that form native oxide layers when exposed to air, namely silicon, aluminum, and titanium. Samples were analyzed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques. Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy (C-AFM) measurements were performed on single nanorods to characterize structure and electrical conductivity. The C-AFM probe tip is placed on a single nanorod and I-V characteristics are measured, potentially exhibiting rectifying capabilities. An analysis of these results using fundamental semiconductor physics principles is presented. Experimental data for silicon substrates was most closely approximated by the Simmons model for direct electron tunneling, whereas that of aluminum substrates was well approximated by Fowler-Nordheim tunneling. The native oxide of titanium is regarded as a semiconductor rather than an insulator and its ability to function as a rectifier is not strong. An electronic model for these nanorods is described herein.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jung, Woo-Young; Seol, Jae-Bok, E-mail: jb-seol@postech.ac.kr; Kwak, Chan-Min

The compositional distribution of In atoms in InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells is considered as one of the candidates for carrier localization center, which enhances the efficiency of the light-emitting diodes. However, two challenging issues exist in this research area. First, an inhomogeneous In distribution is initially formed by spinodal decomposition during device fabrication as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. Second, electron-beam irradiation during microscopy causes the compositional inhomogeneity of In to appear as a damage contrast. Here, a systematic approach was proposed in this study: Electron-beam with current density ranging from 0 to 20.9 A/cm{sup 2} was initially exposed to themore » surface regions during microscopy. Then, the electron-beam irradiated regions at the tip surface were further removed, and finally, atom probe tomography was performed to run the samples without beam-induced damage and to evaluate the existence of local inhomegenity of In atoms. We proved that after eliminating the electron-beam induced damage regions, no evidence of In clustering was observed in the blue-emitting InGaN/GaN devices. In addition, it is concluded that the electron-beam induced localization of In atoms is a surface-related phenomenon, and hence spinodal decomposition, which is typically responsible for such In clustering, is negligible for biaxially strained blue-emitting InGaN/GaN devices.« less

Introduction: A Symposium in Honor of Professor Sir John Meurig Thomas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gai, P. L.; Saka, H.; Tomokiyo, Y.; Boyes, E. D.

2002-02-01

This issue is dedicated to Professor Sir John Meurig Thomas for his renowned contributions to electron microscopy in the chemical sciences. It is a collection of peer-reviewed leading articles in electron microscopy, based on the presentations at the Microscopy and Microanalysis (M&M) 2000 symposium, which was held to honor Professor Thomas's exceptional scientific leadership and wide-ranging fundamental contributions in the chemical applications of electron microscopy.The issue contains key papers by leading international researchers on the recent developments and applications of electron microscopy in the solid state and liquid state sciences. They include synthesis and characterization of silicon nitride nanorods, nanostructures of amorphous silica, electron microscopy studies of nanoscale structure and chemistry of Pt-Ru electrocatalysts of interest in direct methanol fuel cells, development of in situ wet-environmental transmission electron microscopy for the first nanoscale studies of dynamic liquid-catalyst reactions, strain analysis of silicon by finite element method and energy filtering convergent beam electron diffraction, applications of chemistry with electron microscopy, bismuth nanowires for applications in nanoelectronics technology, synthesis and characterization of quantum dots for superlattices and in situ electron microscopy at very high temperatures to study the motion of W5Si3 on [alpha][beta]-SiN3 substrates.We thank all the participants, including the invited speakers, contributors, and session chairs, who made the symposium successful. We also thank the authors and reviewers of the papers who worked assiduously towards the publication of this issue.We are very grateful to the Microscopy Society of America (MSA) for providing the opportunity to honor Professor Sir John Meurig Thomas. Organizational support from the MSA is also gratefully acknowledged.We thank Charles E. Lyman, editor in chief of Microscopy and Microanalysis for coordinating the publication of this issue and the entire journal staff for their efforts.

Mega-electron-volt ultrafast electron diffraction at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Weathersby, S. P.; Brown, G.; Chase, T. F.

Ultrafast electron probes are powerful tools, complementary to x-ray free-electron lasers, used to study structural dynamics in material, chemical, and biological sciences. High brightness, relativistic electron beams with femtosecond pulse duration can resolve details of the dynamic processes on atomic time and length scales. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory recently launched the Ultrafast Electron Diffraction (UED) and microscopy Initiative aiming at developing the next generation ultrafast electron scattering instruments. As the first stage of the Initiative, a mega-electron-volt (MeV) UED system has been constructed and commissioned to serve ultrafast science experiments and instrumentation development. The system operates at 120-Hz repetition ratemore » with outstanding performance. In this paper, we report on the SLAC MeV UED system and its performance, including the reciprocal space resolution, temporal resolution, and machine stability.« less

Mega-electron-volt ultrafast electron diffraction at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.

PubMed

Weathersby, S P; Brown, G; Centurion, M; Chase, T F; Coffee, R; Corbett, J; Eichner, J P; Frisch, J C; Fry, A R; Gühr, M; Hartmann, N; Hast, C; Hettel, R; Jobe, R K; Jongewaard, E N; Lewandowski, J R; Li, R K; Lindenberg, A M; Makasyuk, I; May, J E; McCormick, D; Nguyen, M N; Reid, A H; Shen, X; Sokolowski-Tinten, K; Vecchione, T; Vetter, S L; Wu, J; Yang, J; Dürr, H A; Wang, X J

2015-07-01

Ultrafast electron probes are powerful tools, complementary to x-ray free-electron lasers, used to study structural dynamics in material, chemical, and biological sciences. High brightness, relativistic electron beams with femtosecond pulse duration can resolve details of the dynamic processes on atomic time and length scales. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory recently launched the Ultrafast Electron Diffraction (UED) and microscopy Initiative aiming at developing the next generation ultrafast electron scattering instruments. As the first stage of the Initiative, a mega-electron-volt (MeV) UED system has been constructed and commissioned to serve ultrafast science experiments and instrumentation development. The system operates at 120-Hz repetition rate with outstanding performance. In this paper, we report on the SLAC MeV UED system and its performance, including the reciprocal space resolution, temporal resolution, and machine stability.

Interference experiment with asymmetric double slit by using 1.2-MV field emission transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Harada, Ken; Akashi, Tetsuya; Niitsu, Kodai; Shimada, Keiko; Ono, Yoshimasa A; Shindo, Daisuke; Shinada, Hiroyuki; Mori, Shigeo

2018-01-17

Advanced electron microscopy technologies have made it possible to perform precise double-slit interference experiments. We used a 1.2-MV field emission electron microscope providing coherent electron waves and a direct detection camera system enabling single-electron detections at a sub-second exposure time. We developed a method to perform the interference experiment by using an asymmetric double-slit fabricated by a focused ion beam instrument and by operating the microscope under a "pre-Fraunhofer" condition, different from the Fraunhofer condition of conventional double-slit experiments. Here, pre-Fraunhofer condition means that each single-slit observation was performed under the Fraunhofer condition, while the double-slit observations were performed under the Fresnel condition. The interference experiments with each single slit and with the asymmetric double slit were carried out under two different electron dose conditions: high-dose for calculation of electron probability distribution and low-dose for each single electron distribution. Finally, we exemplified the distribution of single electrons by color-coding according to the above three types of experiments as a composite image.

Synthesis of BiOCl nanosheets with oxygen vacancies for the improved photocatalytic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Yujie; Li, Dongya; Sun, Jingyu; Chen, Mengdie; Li, Yirui; Zou, Zhongwei; Zhang, Hua; Xu, Haiming; Xia, Dongsheng

2018-05-01

The square-sharped BiOCl nanosheets with oxygen vacancies were successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal route using xylitol as surfactant. The as-prepared BiOCl samples were characterized by Powder X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Electron spin resonance (ESR). The as-prepared samples were phase-pure with the width and the thickness were about 50-400 nm and 20-50 nm respectively. Besides, the photodegradation performances showed the BiOCl nanosheets with 0.1 g concentration of xylitol (BOC-1) had the best photocatalytic activity under visible light due to its special polycrystalline structure, grain boundary and an optimum concentration of oxygen vacancies. The h+ and radO2- were the two main active species during the photocatalytic process and the possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed.

Whole mount nuclear fluorescent imaging: convenient documentation of embryo morphology

PubMed Central

Sandell, Lisa L.; Kurosaka, Hiroshi; Trainor, Paul A.

2012-01-01

Here we describe a relatively inexpensive and easy method to produce high quality images that reveal fine topological details of vertebrate embryonic structures. The method relies on nuclear staining of whole mount embryos in combination with confocal microscopy or conventional widefield fluorescent microscopy. In cases where confocal microscopy is used in combination with whole mount nuclear staining, the resulting embryo images can rival the clarity and resolution of images of similar specimens produced by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The fluorescent nuclear staining may be performed with a variety of cell permeable nuclear dyes, enabling the technique to be performed with multiple standard microscope/illumination or confocal/laser systems. The method may be used to document morphology of embryos of a variety of organisms, as well as individual organs and tissues. Nuclear stain imaging imposes minimal impact on embryonic specimens, enabling imaged specimens to be utilized for additional assays. PMID:22930523

Whole mount nuclear fluorescent imaging: convenient documentation of embryo morphology.

PubMed

Sandell, Lisa L; Kurosaka, Hiroshi; Trainor, Paul A

2012-11-01

Here, we describe a relatively inexpensive and easy method to produce high quality images that reveal fine topological details of vertebrate embryonic structures. The method relies on nuclear staining of whole mount embryos in combination with confocal microscopy or conventional wide field fluorescent microscopy. In cases where confocal microscopy is used in combination with whole mount nuclear staining, the resulting embryo images can rival the clarity and resolution of images produced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The fluorescent nuclear staining may be performed with a variety of cell permeable nuclear dyes, enabling the technique to be performed with multiple standard microscope/illumination or confocal/laser systems. The method may be used to document morphology of embryos of a variety of organisms, as well as individual organs and tissues. Nuclear stain imaging imposes minimal impact on embryonic specimens, enabling imaged specimens to be utilized for additional assays. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A correlative optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy approach to locating nanoparticles in brain tumors.

PubMed

Kempen, Paul J; Kircher, Moritz F; de la Zerda, Adam; Zavaleta, Cristina L; Jokerst, Jesse V; Mellinghoff, Ingo K; Gambhir, Sanjiv S; Sinclair, Robert

2015-01-01

The growing use of nanoparticles in biomedical applications, including cancer diagnosis and treatment, demands the capability to exactly locate them within complex biological systems. In this work a correlative optical and scanning electron microscopy technique was developed to locate and observe multi-modal gold core nanoparticle accumulation in brain tumor models. Entire brain sections from mice containing orthotopic brain tumors injected intravenously with nanoparticles were imaged using both optical microscopy to identify the brain tumor, and scanning electron microscopy to identify the individual nanoparticles. Gold-based nanoparticles were readily identified in the scanning electron microscope using backscattered electron imaging as bright spots against a darker background. This information was then correlated to determine the exact location of the nanoparticles within the brain tissue. The nanoparticles were located only in areas that contained tumor cells, and not in the surrounding healthy brain tissue. This correlative technique provides a powerful method to relate the macro- and micro-scale features visible in light microscopy with the nanoscale features resolvable in scanning electron microscopy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Buck, E.C.; Dietz, N.L.; Bates, J.K.

Uranium contaminated soils from the Fernald Operation Site, Ohio, have been examined by a combination of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with backscattered electron detection (SEM/BSE), and analytical electron microscopy (AEM). A method is described for preparing of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) thin sections by ultramicrotomy. By using these thin sections, SEM and TEM images can be compared directly. Uranium was found in iron oxides, silicates (soddyite), phosphates (autunites), and fluorite. Little uranium was associated with clays. The distribution of uranium phases was found to be inhomogeneous at the microscopic level.

Electron Microscopy of Ebola Virus-Infected Cells.

PubMed

Noda, Takeshi

2017-01-01

Ebola virus (EBOV) replicates in host cells, where both viral and cellular components show morphological changes during the process of viral replication from entry to budding. These steps in the replication cycle can be studied using electron microscopy (EM), including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which is one of the most useful methods for visualizing EBOV particles and EBOV-infected cells at the ultrastructural level. This chapter describes conventional methods for EM sample preparation of cultured cells infected with EBOV.

Platinum blue as an alternative to uranyl acetate for staining in transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Inaga, Sumire; Katsumoto, Tetsuo; Tanaka, Keiichi; Kameie, Toshio; Nakane, Hironobu; Naguro, Tomonori

2007-04-01

This paper introduces an aqueous solution of platinum blue (Pt-blue) as an alternative to uranyl acetate (UA) for staining in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Pt-blue was prepared from a reaction of cis-dichlorodiamine-platinum (II) (cis-platin) with thymidine. When Pt-blue was dried on a microgrid and observed by TEM it showed a uniform appearance with tiny particles less than 1 nm in diameter. The effect of Pt-blue as an electron stain was then examined not only for positive staining of conventional ultrathin resin sections and counterstaining of post-embedding immuno-electron microscopy but also for negative staining. In ultrathin sections of the rat liver and renal glomerulus, Pt-blue provided good contrast images, especially in double staining combined with a lead stain (Pb). Almost all cell organelles were clearly observed with high contrast in these sections. Glycogen granules in the hepatic parenchymal cells were particularly electron dense in Pt-blue stained sections compared with those treated with UA. In longitudinal and transverse sections of budding influenza A viruses, a specific arrangement of rod-like structures, which correspond to the ribonucleoprotein complexes, was clearly shown in each virion stained with Pt-blue and Pb. When post-embedding immunoelectron microscopy was performed in ultrathin sections of HeLa cells embedded in Lowicryl K4M, the localization of Ki-67 protein was sufficiently detected even after Pt-blue and Pb staining. The present study also revealed that Pt-blue could be used for the negative staining of E. coli, allowing the visualization of a flagellum. These findings indicate that Pt-blue is a useful, safe, and easily obtainable electron stain that is an alternative to UA for TEM preparations.

A direct electron detector for time-resolved MeV electron microscopy

DOE PAGES

Vecchione, T.; Denes, P.; Jobe, R. K.; ...

2017-03-15

The introduction of direct electron detectors enabled the structural biology revolution of cryogenic electron microscopy. Direct electron detectors are now expected to have a similarly dramatic impact on time-resolved MeV electron microscopy, particularly by enabling both spatial and temporal jitter correction. Here in this paper, we report on the commissioning of a direct electron detector for time-resolved MeV electron microscopy. The direct electron detector demonstrated MeV single electron sensitivity and is capable of recording megapixel images at 180 Hz. The detector has a 15-bit dynamic range, better than 30-μm spatial resolution and less than 20 analogue-to-digital converter count RMS pixelmore » noise. The unique capabilities of the direct electron detector and the data analysis required to take advantage of these capabilities are presented. The technical challenges associated with generating and processing large amounts of data are also discussed.« less

A direct electron detector for time-resolved MeV electron microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vecchione, T.; Denes, P.; Jobe, R. K.

The introduction of direct electron detectors enabled the structural biology revolution of cryogenic electron microscopy. Direct electron detectors are now expected to have a similarly dramatic impact on time-resolved MeV electron microscopy, particularly by enabling both spatial and temporal jitter correction. Here we report on the commissioning of a direct electron detector for time-resolved MeV electron microscopy. The direct electron detector demonstrated MeV single electron sensitivity and is capable of recording megapixel images at 180 Hz. The detector has a 15-bit dynamic range, better than 30-μmμm spatial resolution and less than 20 analogue-to-digital converter count RMS pixel noise. The uniquemore » capabilities of the direct electron detector and the data analysis required to take advantage of these capabilities are presented. The technical challenges associated with generating and processing large amounts of data are also discussed.« less

A direct electron detector for time-resolved MeV electron microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vecchione, T.; Denes, P.; Jobe, R. K.

The introduction of direct electron detectors enabled the structural biology revolution of cryogenic electron microscopy. Direct electron detectors are now expected to have a similarly dramatic impact on time-resolved MeV electron microscopy, particularly by enabling both spatial and temporal jitter correction. Here in this paper, we report on the commissioning of a direct electron detector for time-resolved MeV electron microscopy. The direct electron detector demonstrated MeV single electron sensitivity and is capable of recording megapixel images at 180 Hz. The detector has a 15-bit dynamic range, better than 30-μm spatial resolution and less than 20 analogue-to-digital converter count RMS pixelmore » noise. The unique capabilities of the direct electron detector and the data analysis required to take advantage of these capabilities are presented. The technical challenges associated with generating and processing large amounts of data are also discussed.« less

Comparative electrochemical analysis of crystalline and amorphous anodized iron oxide nanotube layers as negative electrode for LIB.

PubMed

Pervez, Syed Atif; Kim, Doohun; Farooq, Umer; Yaqub, Adnan; Choi, Jung-Hee; Lee, You-Jin; Doh, Chil-Hoon

2014-07-23

This work is a comparative study of the electrochemical performance of crystalline and amorphous anodic iron oxide nanotube layers. These nanotube layers were grown directly on top of an iron current collector with a vertical orientation via a simple one-step synthesis. The crystalline structures were obtained by heat treating the as-prepared (amorphous) iron oxide nanotube layers in ambient air environment. A detailed morphological and compositional characterization of the resultant materials was performed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD patterns were further analyzed using Rietveld refinements to gain in-depth information on their quantitative phase and crystal structures after heat treatment. The results demonstrated that the crystalline iron oxide nanotube layers exhibit better electrochemical properties than the amorphous iron oxide nanotube layers when evaluated in terms of the areal capacity, rate capability, and cycling performance. Such an improved electrochemical response was attributed to the morphology and three-dimensional framework of the crystalline nanotube layers offering short, multidirectional transport lengths, which favor rapid Li(+) ions diffusivity and electron transport.

Growth of highly mesoporous CuCo2O4@C core-shell arrays as advanced electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Hailong; Lu, Yang; Zhu, Kejia; Peng, Tao; Liu, Xianming; Liu, Yunxin; Luo, Yongsong

2018-05-01

A series of CuCo2O4 nanostructures with different morphologies were prepared by a hydrothermal method in combination with thermal treatment. The morphology, structure and composition were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. As the electrode materials for supercapacitors, CuCo2O4 nanoneedles delivered the highest specific capacitance compared with other CuCo2O4 nanostructures. Electrochemical performance measurements demonstrate that the carbon layer can improve the electrochemical stability of CuCo2O4 nanoneedles. The CuCo2O4@C electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 1432.4 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1, with capacitance retention of 98.2% after 3000 circles. These characteristics of CuCo2O4@C composite are mainly due to the unique one dimensional needle-liked architecture and the conducting carbon, which provide a faster ion/electron transfer rate. These excellent performances of the CuCo2O4@C electrode confirmed the material as a positive electrode for hybrid supercapacitor application.

Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) as an approach for nanoparticle detection inside cells.

PubMed

Havrdova, M; Polakova, K; Skopalik, J; Vujtek, M; Mokdad, A; Homolkova, M; Tucek, J; Nebesarova, J; Zboril, R

2014-12-01

When developing new nanoparticles for bio-applications, it is important to fully characterize the nanoparticle's behavior in biological systems. The most common techniques employed for mapping nanoparticles inside cells include transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). These techniques entail passing an electron beam through a thin specimen. STEM or TEM imaging is often used for the detection of nanoparticles inside cellular organelles. However, lengthy sample preparation is required (i.e., fixation, dehydration, drying, resin embedding, and cutting). In the present work, a new matrix (FTO glass) for biological samples was used and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) to generate images comparable to those obtained by TEM. Using FE-SEM, nanoparticle images were acquired inside endo/lysosomes without disruption of the cellular shape. Furthermore, the initial steps of nanoparticle incorporation into the cells were captured. In addition, the conductive FTO glass endowed the sample with high stability under the required accelerating voltage. Owing to these features of the sample, further analyses could be performed (material contrast and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)), which confirmed the presence of nanoparticles inside the cells. The results showed that FE-SEM can enable detailed characterization of nanoparticles in endosomes without the need for contrast staining or metal coating of the sample. Images showing the intracellular distribution of nanoparticles together with cellular morphology can give important information on the biocompatibility and demonstrate the potential of nanoparticle utilization in medicine. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ni/Pd-Decorated Carbon NFs as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Methanol Oxidation in Alkaline Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed, Ibrahim M. A.; Khalil, Khalil Abdelrazek; Mousa, Hamouda M.; Barakat, Nasser A. M.

2017-01-01

In this study, Ni/Pd-decorated carbon nanofibers (NFs) were fabricated as an electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation. These NFs were synthesized based on carbonization of poly(vinyl alcohol), which has high carbon content compared to many polymers used to prepare carbon NFs. Typically, calcination of an electrospun mat composed of nickel acetate, palladium acetate, and poly(vinyl alcohol) can produce Ni/Pd-doped carbon NFs. The introduced NFs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, line TEM energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray powder diffraction. These physicochemical characterizations are acceptable tools to investigate the crystallinity and chemistry of the fabricated Ni/Pd-carbon NFs. Accordingly, the prepared NFs were tested to enhance the economic and catalytic behavior of methanol electrooxidation. Experimentally, the obtained onset potential was small compared to many reported materials; 0.32 V (versus Ag/AgCl as a reference electrode). At the same time, the current density changed from 5.08 mA/cm2 in free methanol at 0.6 V to 12.68 mA/cm2 in 0.1 mol/L methanol, which can be attributed to the MeOH oxidation. Compared to nanoparticles, the NFs have a distinct effect on the electrocatalytic performance of material due to the effect of the one-dimensional structure, which facilitates the electron transfer. Overall, the presented work opens a new way for non-precious one-dimensional nanostructured catalysts for direct methanol fuel cell technology.

Investigation and Control of "Sphere-Like" Buckminsterfullerene C60 and "Disk-Like" Copper(II) Phthalocyanine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McAfee, Terry Richard

Due to the growing global need for cheap, flexible, and portable electronics, numerous research groups from mechanical and electrical engineering, material science, chemistry, and physics have increasingly turned to organic electronics research over the last ˜5--10 years. Largely, the focus of researchers in this growing field have sought to obtain the next record holding device, allowing a heuristic approach of trial and error to become dominant focus of research rather than a fundamental understanding. Rather than working with the latest high performance organic semiconducting materials and film processing techniques, I have chosen to investigate and control the fundamental self-assembly interactions of organic photovoltaic thin films using simplified systems. Specifically, I focus on organic photovoltaic research using two of the oldest and well studies semiconducting materials, namely "sphere-like" electron donor material Buckminsterfullerene C60 and "disklike" electron acceptor material Copper(II) Phthalocyanine. I manufactured samples using the well-known technique of physical vapor deposition using a high vacuum chamber that I designed and built to accommodate my need of precise material deposition control, with codeposition capability. Films were characterized using microscopy and spectroscopy techniques locally at NCSU, including Atomic Force Microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, as well as at National Laboratory based synchrotron x-ray techniques, including Carbon and Nitrogen k-edge Total Electron Yield and Transmission Near Edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, Carbon k-edge Resonant Soft x-ray Microscopy, Resonant Soft x-ray reflectivity, and Grazing Incidence Wide-Angle X-ray scattering.

Al nanogrid electrode for ultraviolet detectors.

PubMed

Ding, G; Deng, J; Zhou, L; Gan, Q; Hwang, J C M; Dierolf, V; Bartoli, F J; Mazuir, C; Schoenfeld, W V

2011-09-15

Optical properties of Al nanogrids of different pitches and gaps were investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulation predicted that surface plasmons at the air/Al interface would enhance ultraviolet transmission through the subwavelength gaps of the nanogrid, making it an effective electrode on GaN-based photodetectors to compensate for the lack of transparent electrode and high p-type doping. The predicted transmission enhancement was verified by confocal scanning optical microscopy performed at 365 nm. The quality of the nanogrids fabricated by electron-beam lithography was verified by near-field scanning optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Based on the results, the pitch and gap of the nanogrids can be optimized for the best trade-off between electrical conductivity and optical transmission at different wavelengths. Based on different cutoff wavelengths, the nanogrids can also double as a filter to render photodetectors solar-blind.

Electron Microscopy to Correlate Cell Structure and Biochemical Activity

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-03-10

prevent and/or cure cerebral malaria. d) Morphological effects of artemisinin in Plasmodium falciparum In collaboration with Dr. Milhous of WRAR...uitrastructural changes induced in jPlasmodium falciparum, by artemisinin were studied in vitro. Two hours after administration, changes were...Electron microscope autoradiography was performed after [5H]-dihydroartemisinin and [uC]- artemisinin were administered to infected erythrocytes in

Nanouric acid or nanocalcium phosphate as central nidus to induce calcium oxalate stone formation: a high-resolution transmission electron microscopy study on urinary nanocrystallites

PubMed Central

Gao, Jie; Xue, Jun-Fa; Xu, Meng; Gui, Bao-Song; Wang, Feng-Xin; Ouyang, Jian-Ming

2014-01-01

Purpose This study aimed to accurately analyze the relationship between calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone formation and the components of urinary nanocrystallites. Method High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction, fast Fourier transformation of HRTEM, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were performed to analyze the components of these nanocrystallites. Results The main components of CaOx stones are calcium oxalate monohydrate and a small amount of dehydrate, while those of urinary nanocrystallites are calcium oxalate monohydrate, uric acid, and calcium phosphate. The mechanism of formation of CaOx stones was discussed based on the components of urinary nanocrystallites. Conclusion The formation of CaOx stones is closely related both to the properties of urinary nanocrystallites and to the urinary components. The combination of HRTEM, fast Fourier transformation, selected area electron diffraction, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy could be accurately performed to analyze the components of single urinary nanocrystallites. This result provides evidence for nanouric acid and/or nanocalcium phosphate crystallites as the central nidus to induce CaOx stone formation. PMID:25258530

Ethanol chemiresistor with enhanced discriminative ability from acetone based on Sr-doped SnO2 nanofibers.

PubMed

Jiang, Ziqiao; Jiang, Tingting; Wang, Jinfeng; Wang, Zhaojie; Xu, Xiuru; Wang, Zongxin; Zhao, Rui; Li, Zhenyu; Wang, Ce

2015-01-01

We demonstrated a new metal oxides based chemiresistor (MOC), which exhibits fast response/recovery behavior, large sensitivity, and good selectivity to ethanol, enabled by Sr-doped SnO2 nanofibers via simple electrospinning and followed by calcination. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) were carefully used to characterize their morphology, structure, and composition. The ethanol sensing performances based on Sr-doped SnO2 nanofibers were investigated. Comparing with the pristine SnO2 nanofibers, enhanced ethanol sensing performances (more rapid response/recovery behavior and larger response values) have been achieved owing to the basic SnO2 surface caused by Sr-doping, whereas the acetone sensing performances have been weakened. Thus, good discriminative ability to ethanol from acetone has been realized. Additionally, Sr-doped SnO2 nanofibers also exhibit good selectivity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reduced graphene oxide aerogel with high-rate supercapacitive performance in aqueous electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Si, Weijiang; Wu, Xiaozhong; Zhou, Jin; Guo, Feifei; Zhuo, Shuping; Cui, Hongyou; Xing, Wei

2013-05-01

Reduced graphene oxide aerogel (RGOA) is synthesized successfully through a simultaneous self-assembly and reduction process using hypophosphorous acid and I2 as reductant. Nitrogen sorption analysis shows that the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of RGOA could reach as high as 830 m2 g-1, which is the largest value ever reported for graphene-based aerogels obtained through the simultaneous self-assembly and reduction strategy. The as-prepared RGOA is characterized by a variety of means such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electrochemical tests show that RGOA exhibits a high-rate supercapacitive performance in aqueous electrolytes. The specific capacitance of RGOA is calculated to be 211.8 and 278.6 F g-1 in KOH and H2SO4 electrolytes, respectively. The perfect supercapacitive performance of RGOA is ascribed to its three-dimensional structure and the existence of oxygen-containing groups.

One-step solvothermal deposition of ZnO nanorod arrays on a wood surface for robust superamphiphobic performance and superior ultraviolet resistance

PubMed Central

Yao, Qiufang; Wang, Chao; Fan, Bitao; Wang, Hanwei; Sun, Qingfeng; Jin, Chunde; Zhang, Hong

2016-01-01

In the present paper, uniformly large-scale wurtzite-structured ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNAs) were deposited onto a wood surface through a one-step solvothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). ZNAs with a diameter of approximately 85 nm and a length of approximately 1.5 μm were chemically bonded onto the wood surface through hydrogen bonds. The superamphiphobic performance and ultraviolet resistance were measured and evaluated by water or oil contact angles (WCA or OCA) and roll-off angles, sand abrasion tests and an artificially accelerated ageing test. The results show that the ZNA-treated wood demonstrates a robust superamphiphobic performance under mechanical impact, corrosive liquids, intermittent and transpositional temperatures, and water spray. Additionally, the as-prepared wood sample shows superior ultraviolet resistance. PMID:27775091

Reduced graphene oxide aerogel with high-rate supercapacitive performance in aqueous electrolytes.

PubMed

Si, Weijiang; Wu, Xiaozhong; Zhou, Jin; Guo, Feifei; Zhuo, Shuping; Cui, Hongyou; Xing, Wei

2013-05-21

Reduced graphene oxide aerogel (RGOA) is synthesized successfully through a simultaneous self-assembly and reduction process using hypophosphorous acid and I2 as reductant. Nitrogen sorption analysis shows that the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of RGOA could reach as high as 830 m2 g-1, which is the largest value ever reported for graphene-based aerogels obtained through the simultaneous self-assembly and reduction strategy. The as-prepared RGOA is characterized by a variety of means such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electrochemical tests show that RGOA exhibits a high-rate supercapacitive performance in aqueous electrolytes. The specific capacitance of RGOA is calculated to be 211.8 and 278.6 F g-1 in KOH and H2SO4 electrolytes, respectively. The perfect supercapacitive performance of RGOA is ascribed to its three-dimensional structure and the existence of oxygen-containing groups.

One-step solvothermal deposition of ZnO nanorod arrays on a wood surface for robust superamphiphobic performance and superior ultraviolet resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Qiufang; Wang, Chao; Fan, Bitao; Wang, Hanwei; Sun, Qingfeng; Jin, Chunde; Zhang, Hong

2016-10-01

In the present paper, uniformly large-scale wurtzite-structured ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNAs) were deposited onto a wood surface through a one-step solvothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). ZNAs with a diameter of approximately 85 nm and a length of approximately 1.5 μm were chemically bonded onto the wood surface through hydrogen bonds. The superamphiphobic performance and ultraviolet resistance were measured and evaluated by water or oil contact angles (WCA or OCA) and roll-off angles, sand abrasion tests and an artificially accelerated ageing test. The results show that the ZNA-treated wood demonstrates a robust superamphiphobic performance under mechanical impact, corrosive liquids, intermittent and transpositional temperatures, and water spray. Additionally, the as-prepared wood sample shows superior ultraviolet resistance.

Free form fabricated features on CoCr implants with and without hydroxyapatite coating in vivo: a comparative study of bone contact and bone growth induction.

PubMed

Grandfield, Kathryn; Palmquist, Anders; Gonçalves, Stéphane; Taylor, Andy; Taylor, Mark; Emanuelsson, Lena; Thomsen, Peter; Engqvist, Håkan

2011-04-01

The current study evaluates the in vivo response to free form fabricated cobalt chromium (CoCr) implants with and without hydroxyapatite (HA) plasma sprayed coatings. The free form fabrication method allowed for integration of complicated pyramidal surface structures on the cylindrical implant. Implants were press fit into the tibial metaphysis of nine New Zealand white rabbits. Animals were sacrificed and implants were removed and embedded. Histological analysis, histomorphometry and electron microscopy studies were performed. Focused ion beam was used to prepare thin sections for high-resolution transmission electron microscopy examination. The fabricated features allowed for effective bone in-growth and firm fixation after 6 weeks. Transmission electron microscopy investigations revealed intimate bone-implant integration at the nanometre scale for the HA coated samples. In addition, histomorphometry revealed a significantly higher bone contact on HA coated implants compared to native CoCr implants. It is concluded that free form fabrication in combination with HA coating improves the early fixation in bone under experimental conditions.

Diagnosis of clinical bovine mastitis by fine needle aspiration followed by staining and scanning electron microscopy in a Prototheca zopfii outbreak.

PubMed

da Costa, Elizabeth Oliveira; Ribeiro, Márcio Garcia; Ribeiro, Andréa Rentz; Rocha, Noeme Sousa; de Nardi Júnior, Geraldo

2004-07-01

Biopsy by fine needle aspiration together with microbiological examination and scanning electron microscopy were evaluated in diagnosis of clinical bovine mastitis in a Prototheca zopfii outbreak. Fine needle aspiration was performed in 21 mammary quarters from ten Holstein cows presenting clinical mastitis caused by P. zopfii. The algae were previously identified in the microbiological examination of milk collected from these cows. Material aspirated from these 21 mammary glands was submitted to cytological staining (Gram, Giemsa and/or Shor staining). Fine needle aspiration enabled cytological identification of the algae in these 21 mammary glands, from which P. zopfii was isolated in the milk. Simultaneously, five mammary fragments collected by fine needle aspiration from these 21 mammary glands presenting clinical mastitis were also submitted to microbiological examination. P. zopfii was also isolated from these five fragments. Scanning electron microscopy technique also identified three of these five P zopfii strains isolated from mammary fragments collected by cytological aspiration. These results suggest that fine needle aspiration may be an alternative method for the diagnosis of clinical mastitis.

Unraveling micro- and nanoscale degradation processes during operation of high-temperature polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hengge, K.; Heinzl, C.; Perchthaler, M.; Varley, D.; Lochner, T.; Scheu, C.

2017-10-01

The work in hand presents an electron microscopy based in-depth study of micro- and nanoscale degradation processes that take place during the operation of high-temperature polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs). Carbon supported Pt particles were used as cathodic catalyst material and the bimetallic, carbon supported Pt/Ru system was applied as anode. As membrane, cross-linked polybenzimidazole was used. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of cross-sections of as-prepared and long-term operated membrane-electrode-assemblies revealed insight into micrometer scale degradation processes: operation-caused catalyst redistribution and thinning of the membrane and electrodes. Transmission electron microscopy investigations were performed to unravel the nanometer scale phenomena: a band of Pt and Pt/Ru nanoparticles was detected in the membrane adjacent to the cathode catalyst layer. Quantification of the elemental composition of several individual nanoparticles and the overall band area revealed that they stem from both anode and cathode catalyst layers. The results presented do not demonstrate any catastrophic failure but rather intermediate states during fuel cell operation and indications to proceed with targeted HT-PEMFC optimization.

Self-assembly approach toward magnetic silica-type nanoparticles of different shapes from reverse block copolymer mesophases.

PubMed

Garcia, Carlos B W; Zhang, Yuanming; Mahajan, Surbhi; DiSalvo, Francis; Wiesner, Ulrich

2003-11-05

In the present study poly(isoprene-block-ethylene oxide), PI-b-PEO, block copolymers are used to structure iron oxide and silica precursors into reverse mesophases, which upon dissolution of the organic matrix lead to well-defined nanoparticles of spheres, cylinders, and plates based on the original structure of the mesophase prepared. The hybrid mesophases with sphere, cylinder, and lamellar morphologies containing the inorganic components in the minority phases are characterized through a combination of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). After heat treatments the respective nanoparticles on mica surfaces are characterized by scanning force microscopy (SFM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer measurements are performed to demonstrate that the heat treatment leads to the formation of a magnetic gamma-Fe2O3 crystalline phase within the amorphous aluminosilicate. The results pave the way to functional, i.e., magnetic nanoparticles where the size, shape, and iron oxide concentration can be controlled opening a range of possible applications.

Optical sectioning in wide-field microscopy obtained by dynamic structured light illumination and detection based on a smart pixel detector array.

PubMed

Mitić, Jelena; Anhut, Tiemo; Meier, Matthias; Ducros, Mathieu; Serov, Alexander; Lasser, Theo

2003-05-01

Optical sectioning in wide-field microscopy is achieved by illumination of the object with a continuously moving single-spatial-frequency pattern and detecting the image with a smart pixel detector array. This detector performs an on-chip electronic signal processing that extracts the optically sectioned image. The optically sectioned image is directly observed in real time without any additional postprocessing.

Correlative Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy and Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Kim, Doory; Deerinck, Thomas J.; Sigal, Yaron M.; Babcock, Hazen P.; Ellisman, Mark H.; Zhuang, Xiaowei

2015-01-01

Correlative fluorescence light microscopy and electron microscopy allows the imaging of spatial distributions of specific biomolecules in the context of cellular ultrastructure. Recent development of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy allows the location of molecules to be determined with nanometer-scale spatial resolution. However, correlative super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy (EM) still remains challenging because the optimal specimen preparation and imaging conditions for super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and EM are often not compatible. Here, we have developed several experiment protocols for correlative stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) and EM methods, both for un-embedded samples by applying EM-specific sample preparations after STORM imaging and for embedded and sectioned samples by optimizing the fluorescence under EM fixation, staining and embedding conditions. We demonstrated these methods using a variety of cellular targets. PMID:25874453

Concept and design of a beam blanker with integrated photoconductive switch for ultrafast electron microscopy.

PubMed

Weppelman, I G C; Moerland, R J; Hoogenboom, J P; Kruit, P

2018-01-01

We present a new method to create ultrashort electron pulses by integrating a photoconductive switch with an electrostatic deflector. This paper discusses the feasibility of such a system by analytical and numerical calculations. We argue that ultrafast electron pulses can be achieved for micrometer scale dimensions of the blanker, which are feasible with MEMS-based fabrication technology. According to basic models, the design presented in this paper is capable of generating 100 fs electron pulses with spatial resolutions of less than 10 nm. Our concept for an ultrafast beam blanker (UFB) may provide an attractive alternative to perform ultrafast electron microscopy, as it does not require modification of the microscope nor realignment between DC and pulsed mode of operation. Moreover, only low laser pulse energies are required. Due to its small dimensions the UFB can be inserted in the beam line of a commercial microscope via standard entry ports for blankers or variable apertures. The use of a photoconductive switch ensures minimal jitter between laser and electron pulses. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coarsening behaviour of M23C6 carbides in creep-resistant steel exposed to high temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godec, M.; Skobir Balantič, D. A.

2016-07-01

High operating temperatures can have very deleterious effects on the long-term performance of high-Cr, creep-resistant steels used, for example, in the structural components of power plants. For the popular creep-resistant steel X20CrMoV12.1 we analysed the processes of carbide growth using a variety of analytical techniques: transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and diffraction (TED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The evolution of the microstructure after different aging times was the basis for a much better understanding of the boundary-migration processes and the growth of the carbides. We present an explanation as to why some locations are preferential for this growth, and using EBSD we were able to define the proper orientational relationship between the carbides and the matrix.

A history of scanning electron microscopy developments: towards "wet-STEM" imaging.

PubMed

Bogner, A; Jouneau, P-H; Thollet, G; Basset, D; Gauthier, C

2007-01-01

A recently developed imaging mode called "wet-STEM" and new developments in environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) allows the observation of nano-objects suspended in a liquid phase, with a few manometers resolution and a good signal to noise ratio. The idea behind this technique is simply to perform STEM-in-SEM, that is SEM in transmission mode, in an environmental SEM. The purpose of the present contribution is to highlight the main advances that contributed to development of the wet-STEM technique. Although simple in principle, the wet-STEM imaging mode would have been limited before high brightness electron sources became available, and needed some progresses and improvements in ESEM. This new technique extends the scope of SEM as a high-resolution microscope, relatively cheap and widely available imaging tool, for a wider variety of samples.

Anti-friction performance of FeS nanoparticle synthesized by biological method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Lu Hai; Wei, Xi Cheng; Ma, Zi Jian; Mei, Bin

2017-06-01

FeS nanoparticle is prepared by a biological method. The size, morphology and structure of the FeS nanoparticle are characterized by the means of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The anti-friction behavior of the FeS nanoparticle as a lubricating oil additive is evaluated in the engine oil by using a face-to-face contact mode. The worn surface is characterized by using the scanning electron microscopy and secondary ion mass spectroscopy in order to find the reasons resulting in the reduction of friction coefficient due to the addition of the FeS nanoparticle. The anti-friction mechanism of the FeS nanoparticle is elucidated based on the experimental results.

Few-layered MnO2/SWCNT hybrid in-plane supercapacitor with high energy density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutta, Shibsankar; Pal, Shreyasi; De, Sukanta

2018-05-01

In this present work we have synthesized few layered MnO2 nanosheets by mixed solvent exfoliation process for the application as electrode material of in-plane supercapacitor. The Structure and surface morphology of the as prepared samples are characterized by Raman, Transmission electron microscopy and Scanning electron microscopy. The patterns of the hybrids were directly fabricated by (50: 50 wt %) mixture of MnO2 and SWCNT dispersions with the help of a customized mask, and directly transferred onto a flexible PET substrate. Remarkably, the prepared in-plane supercapacitors deliver high energy density of 2.62mWh/cm2. Furthermore, our supercapacitors shows exceptional flexibility and stable performance under bending conditions

Nanoscale amorphization of GeTe nanowire with conductive atomic force microscope.

PubMed

Kim, JunHo

2014-10-01

We fabricated GeTe nanowires by using Au catalysis mediated vapor-liquid-solid method. The fabricated nanowires were confirmed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. For a nanowire with - 150 nm diameter, we performed amorphization experiment with conductive atomic force microscope. We examined the structural change of the nanowire with several bias voltages from 0 V to 10 V. Above bias voltage of 6-7 V, some points of the nanowire showed transition to amorphous phase. The consumed energy for the amorphization was estimated to be 4-5 nJ, which was close to the other result of nanowire tested with a four probe device.

New Approach to Image Aerogels by Scanning Electron Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solá, Francisco; Hurwitz, Frances; Yang, Jijing

2011-03-01

A new scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique to image poor electrically conductive aerogels is presented. The process can be performed by non-expert SEM users. We showed that negative charging effects on aerogels can be minimized significantly by inserting dry nitrogen gas close to the region of interest. The process involves the local recombination of accumulated negative charges with positive ions generated from ionization processes. This new technique made possible the acquisition of images of aerogels with pores down to approximately 3nm in diameter using a positively biased Everhart-Thornley (E-T) detector. Well-founded concepts based on known models will also be presented with the aim to explain the results qualitatively.

Scanning electron microscopy fractography analysis of fractured hollow implants.

PubMed

Sbordone, Ludovico; Traini, Tonino; Caputi, Sergio; Scarano, Antonio; Bortolaia, Claudia; Piattelli, Adriano

2010-01-01

Fracture of the implant is one of the possible complications affecting dental implants; it is a rare event but of great clinical relevance. The aim of the present study was to perform a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fractography evaluation of 7 International Team for oral Implantology (ITI) hollow implants removed because of fracture. The most common clinical risk factors, such as malocclusion, bruxism, and cantilevers on the prosthesis, were absent. Seven fractured ITI hollow implants were retrieved from 5 patients and were analyzed with the use of SEM. SEM analysis showed typical signs of a cleavage-type fracture. Fractures could be due to an association of multiple factors such as fatigue, inner defects, material electrochemical problems, and tensocorrosion.

Simultaneous orientation and thickness mapping in transmission electron microscopy

DOE PAGES

Tyutyunnikov, Dmitry; Özdöl, V. Burak; Koch, Christoph T.

2014-12-04

In this paper we introduce an approach for simultaneous thickness and orientation mapping of crystalline samples by means of transmission electron microscopy. We show that local thickness and orientation values can be extracted from experimental dark-field (DF) image data acquired at different specimen tilts. The method has been implemented to automatically acquire the necessary data and then map thickness and crystal orientation for a given region of interest. We have applied this technique to a specimen prepared from a commercial semiconductor device, containing multiple 22 nm technology transistor structures. The performance and limitations of our method are discussed and comparedmore » to those of other techniques available.« less

Microwave Absorption Properties of Co@C Nanofiber Composite for Normal and Oblique Incidence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Junming; Wang, Peng; Chen, Yuanwei; Wang, Guowu; Wang, Dian; Qiao, Liang; Wang, Tao; Li, Fashen

2018-05-01

Co@C nanofibers have been prepared by an electrospinning technique. Uniform morphology of the nanofibers and good dispersion of the magnetic cobalt nanoparticles in the carbon fiber frame were confirmed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The electromagnetic parameters of a composite absorber composed of Co@C nanofibers/paraffin were measured from 2 GHz to 15 GHz. The electromagnetic wave absorption properties were simulated and investigated in the case of normal and oblique incidence. In the normal case, the absorber achieved absorption performance of - 40 dB at 7.1 GHz. When the angle of incidence was increased to 60°, the absorption effect with reflection loss (RL) exceeding - 10 dB could still be obtained. These results demonstrate that the reported Co@C nanofiber absorber exhibits excellent absorption performance over a wide range of angle of incidence.

A High Sensitivity Isopropanol Vapor Sensor Based on Cr₂O₃-SnO₂ Heterojunction Nanocomposites via Chemical Precipitation Route.

PubMed

Jawaher, K Rackesh; Indirajith, R; Krishnan, S; Robert, R; Pasha, S K Khadheer; Deshmukh, Kalim; Sastikumar, D; Das, S Jerome

2018-08-01

Cr2O3-SnO2 heterojunction nanocomposites were prepared via chemical precipitation method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra and Field Emission Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The XRD spectrum confirms the presence of both tetragonal rutile SnO2 and rhombohedral corundum Cr2O3 structure. Further investigation into the gas sensing performances of the prepared Cr2O3-SnO2 nanocomposites exhibited an enhanced sensitivity towards VOPs such as isopropanol, acetone, ethanol and formaldehyde. Especially, isopropanol vapor sensor shows excellent sensitivity at an operating temperature of 100 °C. The highest sensitivity for Cr2O3-SnO2 heterojunction nanocomposites indicate that these materials can be a good candidate for the production of high-performance isopropanol sensors.

P-type sub-tungsten-oxide based urchin-like nanostructure for superior room temperature alcohol sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Yao; Yin, Mingli; Yan, Junqing; Liu, Shengzhong (Frank)

2018-05-01

Nanowires assembled sub-WO3 urchin-like nanostructures have been fabricated via a solvothermal method. The detailed structure and morphology features were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results reveal that the individual nanowires are grown along the [0 0 1] direction, and assembled together to form an urchin-like nanostructure. Sensing performance of the sub-WO3 was investigated toward alcohol vapor. At room temperature, the sensor devices based on the WO3-x exhibit significantly higher sensitivity comparing to that of the stoichiometric WO3. The superior sensing performance of this WO3-x sensor is ascribed to the large specific surface area and abundant oxygen vacancies. The obvious enhancement of the gas sensing property can be very useful for the future design and development of room temperature gas sensors for other volatile organic compounds.

Facile preparation and electrochemical characterization of kassite-based materials for supercapacitor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Weijie; Zhao, Gaoling; Song, Bin; Xie, Junliang; Lu, Wangwei; Han, Gaorong

2017-12-01

In this study, kassite was synthesized by employing a simple, green hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were carried out to study its crystal phases, morphologies and electrochemical performance. With the extension of reaction time, the crystallinity of the samples became higher and the specific capacitance increased correspondingly. The result shows that kassite has a promising application in electrode material for capacitors. To improve the electrical conductivity of kassite and the accessibility of the surface area, graphene nanosheet (GNS) was introduced to form composites with kassite. The capacitive performance improved with increasing weight percentage of GNS and reached an optimum with the specific capacitance of 129.8 F/g at weight percentage of 10%, then decreased with further increasing GNS, showing a synergistic effect of kassite and the GNS.

High-performance anode based on porous Co3O4 nanodiscs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pan, Anqiang; Wang, Yaping; Xu, Wu

2014-06-01

In this article, two-dimensional, Co3O4 hexagonal nanodiscs are prepared using a hydrothermal method without surfactants. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been employed to characterize the structural properties. As revealed by the SEM and TEM experiments, the thickness of our as-fabricated Co3O4 hexagonal nanodiscs is about 20 nm, and the pore diameters range from several nanometers to 30 nm. As an anode for lithium-ion batteries, porous Co3O4 nanodiscs exhibit an average discharge voltage of ~1 V (Vs. Li/Li+) and a high specific charge capacity of 1161 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles. They alsomore » demonstrate excellent rate performance and high Coloumbic efficiency at various rates. These results indicate that porous Co3O4 nanodiscs are good candidates as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.« less

The Ettention software package.

PubMed

Dahmen, Tim; Marsalek, Lukas; Marniok, Nico; Turoňová, Beata; Bogachev, Sviatoslav; Trampert, Patrick; Nickels, Stefan; Slusallek, Philipp

2016-02-01

We present a novel software package for the problem "reconstruction from projections" in electron microscopy. The Ettention framework consists of a set of modular building-blocks for tomographic reconstruction algorithms. The well-known block iterative reconstruction method based on Kaczmarz algorithm is implemented using these building-blocks, including adaptations specific to electron tomography. Ettention simultaneously features (1) a modular, object-oriented software design, (2) optimized access to high-performance computing (HPC) platforms such as graphic processing units (GPU) or many-core architectures like Xeon Phi, and (3) accessibility to microscopy end-users via integration in the IMOD package and eTomo user interface. We also provide developers with a clean and well-structured application programming interface (API) that allows for extending the software easily and thus makes it an ideal platform for algorithmic research while hiding most of the technical details of high-performance computing. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Growth of copper-benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate on boron nitride nanotubes and application of the composite in methane sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiang, Cuili; Chen, Ting; Zhang, Haitao; Zou, Yongjin; Chu, Hailiang; Zhang, Huanzhi; Xu, Fen; Sun, Lixian; Tang, Chengying

2017-12-01

A new composite material based on copper-benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (Cu-BTC) deposited on boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) in a hydrothermal process were investigated for methane (CH4) sensing. The composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The Cu-BTC deposited on the BNNTs had an average grain size of 80 nm. The sensing performance of the as-grown product was studied for different concentrations of CH4 (20-200 ppm) at 150 °C. The results revealed that the Cu-BTC/BNNT composite exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity toward CH4. The good sensing performance of the composite was attributed to the high surface area and high affinity of Cu-BTC for CH4, which would allow the composite to act like a preconcentrator for CH4 gas sensing.

A facile synthesis of zinc oxide/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite lithium ion battery anodes by sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köse, Hilal; Karaal, Şeyma; Aydın, Ali Osman; Akbulut, Hatem

2015-11-01

Free standing zinc oxide (ZnO) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposite materials are prepared by a sol gel technique giving a new high capacity anode material for lithium ion batteries. Free-standing ZnO/MWCNT nanocomposite anodes with two different chelating agent additives, triethanolamine (TEA) and glycerin (GLY), yield different electrochemical performances. Field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses reveal the produced anode electrodes exhibit a unique structure of ZnO coating on the MWCNT surfaces. Li-ion cell assembly using a ZnO/MWCNT/GLY free-standing anode and Li metal cathode possesses the best discharge capacity, remaining as high as 460 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles. This core-shell structured anode can offer increased energy storage and performance over conventional anodes in Li-ion batteries.

Gold and iodine diffusion in large area perovskite solar cells under illumination.

PubMed

Cacovich, S; Ciná, L; Matteocci, F; Divitini, G; Midgley, P A; Di Carlo, A; Ducati, C

2017-04-06

Operational stability is the main issue hindering the commercialisation of perovskite solar cells. Here, a long term light soaking test was performed on large area hybrid halide perovskite solar cells to investigate the morphological and chemical changes associated with the degradation of photovoltaic performance occurring within the devices. Using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) in conjunction with EDX analysis on device cross sections, we observe the formation of gold clusters in the perovskite active layer as well as in the TiO 2 mesoporous layer, and a severe degradation of the perovskite due to iodine migration into the hole transporter. All these phenomena are associated with a drastic drop of all the photovoltaic parameters. The use of advanced electron microscopy techniques and data processing provides new insights on the degradation pathways, directly correlating the nanoscale structure and chemistry to the macroscopic properties of hybrid perovskite devices.

Facile synthesis of uniform hierarchical composites CuO-CeO2 for enhanced dye removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Pan; Niu, Helin; Chen, Jingshuai; Song, Jiming; Mao, Changjie; Zhang, Shengyi; Gao, Yuanhao; Chen, Changle

2016-12-01

The hierarchically shaped CuO-CeO2 composites were prepared through a facile solvothermal method without using any template. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption-desorption analysis. In the characterization, we found that CuO-CeO2 composites were showed uniform size and morphology which were consisted of the secondary nanoflakes interconnected with each other. Most interestingly, the composites showed efficient performance to remove methyl blue and Congo red dyes from water with maximum adsorption capacities of 2131.24 and 1072.09 mg g-1, respectively. In addition, because of their larger surface area and the unique hierarchical structures, the adsorption performance of the CuO-CeO2 composites is much better than the materials of CuO and CeO2.

Component analyses of urinary nanocrystallites of uric acid stone formers by combination of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, fast Fourier transformation, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

PubMed

Sun, Xin-Yuan; Xue, Jun-Fa; Xia, Zhi-Yue; Ouyang, Jian-Ming

2015-06-01

This study aimed to analyse the components of nanocrystallites in urines of patients with uric acid (UA) stones. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), fast Fourier transformation (FFT) of HRTEM, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were performed to analyse the components of these nanocrystallites. XRD and FFT showed that the main component of urinary nanocrystallites was UA, which contains a small amount of calcium oxalate monohydrate and phosphates. EDS showed the characteristic absorption peaks of C, O, Ca and P. The formation of UA stones was closely related to a large number of UA nanocrystallites in urine. A combination of HRTEM, FFT, EDS and XRD analyses could be performed accurately to analyse the components of urinary nanocrystallites.

The MOF+ Technique: A Significant Synergic Effect Enables High Performance Chromate Removal.

PubMed

Luo, Ming Biao; Xiong, Yang Yang; Wu, Hui Qiong; Feng, Xue Feng; Li, Jian Qiang; Luo, Feng

2017-12-18

A significant synergic effect between a metal-organic framework (MOF) and Fe 2 SO 4 , the so-called MOF + technique, is exploited for the first time to remove toxic chromate from aqueous solutions. The results show that relative to the pristine MOF samples (no detectable chromate removal), the MOF + method enables super performance, giving a 796 Cr mg g -1 adsorption capacity. The value is almost eight-fold higher than the best value of established MOF adsorbents, and the highest value of all reported porous adsorbents for such use. The adsorption mechanism, unlike the anion-exchange process that dominates chromate removal in all other MOF adsorbents, as unveiled by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), is due to the surface formation of Fe 0.75 Cr 0.25 (OH) 3 nanospheres on the MOF samples. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

XAFS and X-Ray and Electron Microscopy Investigations of Radionuclide Transformations at the Mineral-Microbe Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kemner, Ken; O'Loughlin, Ed; Kelly, Shelly; Ravel, Bruce; Boyanov, Maxim; Sholto-Douglas, Deirdre; Lai, Barry; Cook, Russ; Carpenter, Everett; Harris, Vince; Nealson, Ken

2007-02-01

The microenvironment at and adjacent to surfaces of actively metabolizing cells, whether in a planktonic state or adhered to mineral surfaces, can be significantly different from the bulk environment. Microbial polymers (polysaccharides, DNA, RNA, and proteins), whether attached to or released from the cell, can contribute to the development of steep chemical gradients over very short distances. It is currently difficult to predict the behavior of contaminant radionuclides and metals in such microenvironments, because the chemistry there has been difficult or impossible to define. The behavior of contaminants in such microenvironments can ultimately affect their macroscopic fates. We have successfully performed a series of U LIII edge x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, hard x-ray fluorescence (XRF) microprobe (150 nm resolution), and electron microscopy (EM) measurements on lepidocrocite thin films (˜1 micron thickness) deposited on kapton films that have been inoculated with the dissimilatory metal reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and exposed to 0.05 mM uranyl acetate under anoxic conditions. Similarly, we have performed a series of U LIII edge EXAFS measurements on lepidocrocite powders exposed to 0.05 mM uranyl acetate and exopolymeric components harvested from S. oneidensis MR-1 grown under aerobic conditions. These results demonstrate the utility of combining bulk XAFS with x-ray and electron microscopies.

Correlative SEM SERS for quantitative analysis of dimer nanoparticles.

PubMed

Timmermans, F J; Lenferink, A T M; van Wolferen, H A G M; Otto, C

2016-11-14

A Raman microscope integrated with a scanning electron microscope was used to investigate plasmonic structures by correlative SEM-SERS analysis. The integrated Raman-SEM microscope combines high-resolution electron microscopy information with SERS signal enhancement from selected nanostructures with adsorbed Raman reporter molecules. Correlative analysis is performed for dimers of two gold nanospheres. Dimers were selected on the basis of SEM images from multi aggregate samples. The effect of the orientation of the dimer with respect to the polarization state of the laser light and the effect of the particle gap size on the Raman signal intensity is observed. Additionally, calculations are performed to simulate the electric near field enhancement. These simulations are based on the morphologies observed by electron microscopy. In this way the experiments are compared with the enhancement factor calculated with near field simulations and are subsequently used to quantify the SERS enhancement factor. Large differences between experimentally observed and calculated enhancement factors are regularly detected, a phenomenon caused by nanoscale differences between the real and 'simplified' simulated structures. Quantitative SERS experiments reveal the structure induced enhancement factor, ranging from ∼200 to ∼20 000, averaged over the full nanostructure surface. The results demonstrate correlative Raman-SEM microscopy for the quantitative analysis of plasmonic particles and structures, thus enabling a new analytical method in the field of SERS and plasmonics.

PVP-Assisted Synthesis of Uniform Carbon Coated Li2S/CB for High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

PubMed

Chen, Lin; Liu, Yuzi; Zhang, Fan; Liu, Caihong; Shaw, Leon L

2015-11-25

The lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery is a great alternative to the state-of-the-art lithium ion batteries due to its high energy density. However, low utilization of active materials, the insulating nature of sulfur or lithium sulfide (Li2S), and polysulfide dissolution in organic liquid electrolyte lead to low initial capacity and fast performance degradation. Herein, we propose a facile and viable approach to address these issues. This new approach entails synthesis of Li2S/carbon black (Li2S/CB) cores encapsulated by a nitrogen-doped carbon shell with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) assistance. Combining energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) elemental mappings, XPS and FTIR measurements, it is confirmed that the as-synthesized material has a structure of a Li2S/CB core with a nitrogen-doped carbon shell (denoted as Li2S/CB@NC). The Li2S/CB@NC cathode yields an exceptionally high initial capacity of 1020 mAh/g based on Li2S mass at 0.1 C with stable Coulombic efficiency of 99.7% over 200 cycles. Also, cycling performance shows the capacity decay per cycle as small as 0.17%. Most importantly, to further understand the materials for battery applications, field emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM) and elemental mapping tests without exposure to air for Li2S samples in cycled cells are reported. Along with the first ever FETEM and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) investigations of cycled batteries, Li2S/CB@NC cathode demonstrates the capability of robust core-shell nanostructures for different rates and improved capacity retention, revealing Li2S/CB@NC designed here as an outstanding system for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries.

On the Progress of Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) Imaging in a Scanning Electron Microscope.

PubMed

Sun, Cheng; Müller, Erich; Meffert, Matthias; Gerthsen, Dagmar

2018-04-01

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with low-energy electrons has been recognized as an important addition to the family of electron microscopies as it may avoid knock-on damage and increase the contrast of weakly scattering objects. Scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) are well suited for low-energy electron microscopy with maximum electron energies of 30 keV, but they are mainly used for topography imaging of bulk samples. Implementation of a scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) detector and a charge-coupled-device camera for the acquisition of on-axis transmission electron diffraction (TED) patterns, in combination with recent resolution improvements, make SEMs highly interesting for structure analysis of some electron-transparent specimens which are traditionally investigated by TEM. A new aspect is correlative SEM, STEM, and TED imaging from the same specimen region in a SEM which leads to a wealth of information. Simultaneous image acquisition gives information on surface topography, inner structure including crystal defects and qualitative material contrast. Lattice-fringe resolution is obtained in bright-field STEM imaging. The benefits of correlative SEM/STEM/TED imaging in a SEM are exemplified by structure analyses from representative sample classes such as nanoparticulates and bulk materials.

Electron microscopy study of gold nanoparticles deposited on transition metal oxides.

PubMed

Akita, Tomoki; Kohyama, Masanori; Haruta, Masatake

2013-08-20

Many researchers have investigated the catalytic performance of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) supported on metal oxides for various catalytic reactions of industrial importance. These studies have consistently shown that the catalytic activity and selectivity depend on the size of GNPs, the kind of metal oxide supports, and the gold/metal oxide interface structure. Although researchers have proposed several structural models for the catalytically active sites and have identified the specific electronic structures of GNPs induced by the quantum effect, recent experimental and theoretical studies indicate that the perimeter around GNPs in contact with the metal oxide supports acts as an active site in many reactions. Thus, it is of immense importance to investigate the detailed structures of the perimeters and the contact interfaces of gold/metal oxide systems by using electron microscopy at an atomic scale. This Account describes our investigation, at the atomic scale using electron microscopy, of GNPs deposited on metal oxides. In particular, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) are valuable tools to observe local atomic structures, as has been successfully demonstrated for various nanoparticles, surfaces, and material interfaces. TEM can be applied to real powder catalysts as received without making special specimens, in contrast to what is typically necessary to observe bulk materials. For precise structure analyses at an atomic scale, model catalysts prepared by using well-defined single-crystalline substrates are also adopted for TEM observations. Moreover, aberration-corrected TEM, which has high spatial resolution under 0.1 nm, is a promising tool to observe the interface structure between GNPs and metal oxide supports including oxygen atoms at the interfaces. The oxygen atoms in particular play an important role in the behavior of gold/metal oxide interfaces, because they may participate in catalytic reaction steps. Detailed information about the interfacial structures between GNPs and metal oxides provides valuable structure models for theoretical calculations which can elucidate the local electronic structure effective for activating a reactant molecule. Based on our observations with HRTEM and HAADF-STEM, we report the detailed structure of gold/metal oxide interfaces.

Three-dimensional interconnected porous graphitic carbon derived from rice straw for high performance supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Hong; Hu, Jingpeng; Wu, Shichao; Wang, Xiaolan; Zhang, Hui; Xu, Hui; Lian, Kun

2018-04-01

Three-dimensional interconnected porous graphitic carbon materials are synthesized via a combination of graphitization and activation process with rice straw as the carbon source. The physicochemical properties of the three-dimensional interconnected porous graphitic carbon materials are characterized by Nitrogen adsorption/desorption, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy and Transmission electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that the as-prepared carbon is a high surface area carbon material (a specific surface area of 3333 m2 g-1 with abundant mesoporous and microporous structures). And it exhibits superb performance in symmetric double layer capacitors with a high specific capacitance of 400 F g-1 at a current density of 0.1 A g-1, good rate performance with 312 F g-1 under a current density of 5 A g-1 and favorable cycle stability with 6.4% loss after 10000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g-1 in the aqueous electrolyte of 6M KOH. Thus, rice straw is a promising carbon source for fabricating inexpensive, sustainable and high performance supercapacitors' electrode materials.

Unconventional Synthesis of γ-Fe2O3: Excellent Low-Concentration Ethanol Sensing Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naskar, Atanu; Narjinary, Mousumi; Kundu, Susmita

2017-01-01

This study reports on a simple unconventional procedure for synthesis of γ-Fe2O3 nanopowder and its fabrication as a resistive ethanol sensor. γ-Fe2O3 powder having an average particle size of ˜15 nm was prepared by thermal decomposition of iron(III) acetylacetonate. Platinum incorporation (0.5-1.5 wt.%) was also carried out for enhancing sensing performance. The powders were characterized using an x-ray diffractometer, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, field area scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy along with energy dispersion x-ray analyses. Sensor fabricated from pure γ-Fe2O3 exhibited excellent ethanol sensing performance at concentrations down to 1 ppm, having a great demand in medical diagnosis and food-processing industries. The response observed for pure γ-Fe2O3 (˜75% for 1 ppm ethanol) was enhanced ˜10% after 1 wt.% Pt impregnation. Sensors were quite stable and selective towards ethanol vapour detection. A possible mechanism for high sensing performance has been discussed.

Enhanced sunlight-driven photocatalytic performance of Bi-doped CdMoO4 benefited from efficient separation of photogenerated charge pairs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jiao; Liu, Huanhuan; Zhong, Junbo; Yang, Qi; Chen, Jiufu; Li, Jianzhang; Ma, Dongmei; duan, Ran

2018-06-01

In this paper, to further boost the photocatalytic performance of CdMoO4, Bi3+ was successfully doped into CdMoO4 by a facile microwave hydrothermal method. The Bi-doped CdMoO4 photocatalysts prepared were characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron spin-resonance (ESR) and surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPS). The results exhibit that doping Bi3+ into CdMoO4 remarkably boosts the separation rate of photoinduced charge pairs and the specific surface area, decrease the crystal size, narrows the band gap of the CdMoO4 and induces the binding energy shift of Cd, all these advantageous factors result in the promoted photocatalytic performance of CdMoO4. Using rhodamine B (RhB) as model toxic pollutant, the photocatalytic activities of the photocatalysts were evaluated under a 500 W Xe lamp irradiation. When the molar ratio of Bi/Cd is 0.2%, Bi-CdMoO4 prepared displays the best photocatalytic performance, the photocatalytic performance of the 0.2% sample is more than twice of that of the reference CdMoO4.

Effect of polymer type on characterization and filtration performances of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)-COOH-based polymeric mixed matrix membranes.

PubMed

Sengur-Tasdemir, Reyhan; Mokkapati, Venkata R S S; Koseoglu-Imer, Derya Y; Koyuncu, Ismail

2018-05-01

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can be used for the fabrication of mixed matrix polymeric membranes that can enhance filtration perfomances of the membranes by modifying membrane surface properties. In this study, detailed characterization and filtration performances of MWCNTs functionalized with COOH group, blended into polymeric flat-sheet membranes were investigated using different polymer types. Morphological characterization was carried out using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurements. For filtration performance tests, protein, dextran, E. coli suspension, Xanthan Gum and real activated sludge solutions were used. Experimental data and analyses revealed that Polyethersulfone (PES) + MWCNT-COOH mixed matrix membranes have superior performance abilities compared to other tested membranes.

Investigating Antibacterial Effects of Garlic (Allium sativum) Concentrate and Garlic-Derived Organosulfur Compounds on Campylobacter jejuni by Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, and Electron Microscopy ▿ †

PubMed Central

Lu, Xiaonan; Rasco, Barbara A.; Jabal, Jamie M. F.; Aston, D. Eric; Lin, Mengshi; Konkel, Michael E.

2011-01-01

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the cell injury and inactivation of Campylobacter jejuni from exposure to antioxidants from garlic. C. jejuni was treated with various concentrations of garlic concentrate and garlic-derived organosulfur compounds in growth media and saline at 4, 22, and 35°C. The antimicrobial activities of the diallyl sulfides increased with the number of sulfur atoms (diallyl sulfide < diallyl disulfide < diallyl trisulfide). FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed that organosulfur compounds are responsible for the substantial antimicrobial activity of garlic, much greater than those of garlic phenolic compounds, as indicated by changes in the spectral features of proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides in the bacterial cell membranes. Confocal Raman microscopy (532-nm-gold-particle substrate) and Raman mapping of a single bacterium confirmed the intracellular uptake of sulfur and phenolic components. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to verify cell damage. Principal-component analysis (PCA), discriminant function analysis (DFA), and soft independent modeling of class analogs (SIMCA) were performed, and results were cross validated to differentiate bacteria based upon the degree of cell injury. Partial least-squares regression (PLSR) was employed to quantify and predict actual numbers of healthy and injured bacterial cells remaining following treatment. PLSR-based loading plots were investigated to further verify the changes in the cell membrane of C. jejuni treated with organosulfur compounds. We demonstrated that bacterial injury and inactivation could be accurately investigated by complementary infrared and Raman spectroscopies using a chemical-based, “whole-organism fingerprint” with the aid of chemometrics and electron microscopy. PMID:21642409

Electron transparent graphene windows for environmental scanning electron microscopy in liquids and dense gases.

PubMed

Stoll, Joshua D; Kolmakov, Andrei

2012-12-21

Due to its ultrahigh electron transmissivity in a wide electron energy range, molecular impermeability, high electrical conductivity and excellent mechanical stiffness, suspended graphene membranes appear to be a nearly ideal window material for in situ (in vivo) environmental electron microscopy of nano- and mesoscopic objects (including bio-medical samples) immersed in liquids and/or in dense gaseous media. In this paper, taking advantage of a small modification of the graphene transfer protocol onto metallic and SiN supporting orifices, reusable environmental cells with exchangeable graphene windows have been designed. Using colloidal gold nanoparticles (50 nm) dispersed in water as model objects for scanning electron microscopy in liquids as proof of concept, different conditions for imaging through the graphene membrane were tested. Limiting factors for electron microscopy in liquids, such as electron beam induced water radiolysis and damage of the graphene membrane at high electron doses, are discussed.

Ultrafast Science Opportunities with Electron Microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Durr, Hermann

X-rays and electrons are two of the most fundamental probes of matter. When the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the world’s first x-ray free electron laser, began operation in 2009, it transformed ultrafast science with the ability to generate laser-like x-ray pulses from the manipulation of relativistic electron beams. This document describes a similar future transformation. In Transmission Electron Microscopy, ultrafast relativistic (MeV energy) electron pulses can achieve unsurpassed spatial and temporal resolution. Ultrafast temporal resolution will be the next frontier in electron microscopy and can ideally complement ultrafast x-ray science done with free electron lasers. This document describes themore » Grand Challenge science opportunities in chemistry, material science, physics and biology that arise from an MeV ultrafast electron diffraction & microscopy facility, especially when coupled with linac-based intense THz and X-ray pump capabilities.« less

Microstructure of milk

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The fat and protein in milk may be examined by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy, and any bacteria present may be viewed by light microscopy. The fat exists as globules, the bulk of the protein is in the form of casein micelles, a...

Differently ordered TiO2 nanoarrays regulated by solvent polarity, and their photocatalytic performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Wenyuan; Dong, Faqin; Zhang, Jing; Liu, Mingxue; He, Huichao; Wu, Yadong; Yang, Dingming; Deng, Hongquan

2018-06-01

Special TiO2 arrays with exposed facets were prepared in different solvents by low- temperature solvothermal synthesis. The morphology, phase and photocatalytic performance influenced by the various solvent polarities were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra and electrochemical testing. The results show that differences of solvent polarity are the main force driving differences in array growth; therefore, anatase TiO2 arrays with different crystal facets can be synthesized by tuning solvent polarity. TiO2 arrays prepared in cyclohexane are the best at oxidizing methyl orange through photocatalysis, followed by arrays prepared in toluene and ethanol. Arrays prepared in toluene are the best at reducing Cr(VI) photocatalytically, followed by those prepared in cyclohexane and ethanol. These differences in photocatalytic power are due to the ratio among the different crystal facets that are exposed, which affects the migration behavior of the photogenerated electrons and holes. In addition, the probable growth mechanisms of self-assembled ordered TiO2 arrays in different solvents are described.

Molecular architecture of the yeast Mediator complex

PubMed Central

Robinson, Philip J; Trnka, Michael J; Pellarin, Riccardo; Greenberg, Charles H; Bushnell, David A; Davis, Ralph; Burlingame, Alma L; Sali, Andrej; Kornberg, Roger D

2015-01-01

The 21-subunit Mediator complex transduces regulatory information from enhancers to promoters, and performs an essential role in the initiation of transcription in all eukaryotes. Structural information on two-thirds of the complex has been limited to coarse subunit mapping onto 2-D images from electron micrographs. We have performed chemical cross-linking and mass spectrometry, and combined the results with information from X-ray crystallography, homology modeling, and cryo-electron microscopy by an integrative modeling approach to determine a 3-D model of the entire Mediator complex. The approach is validated by the use of X-ray crystal structures as internal controls and by consistency with previous results from electron microscopy and yeast two-hybrid screens. The model shows the locations and orientations of all Mediator subunits, as well as subunit interfaces and some secondary structural elements. Segments of 20–40 amino acid residues are placed with an average precision of 20 Å. The model reveals roles of individual subunits in the organization of the complex. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.08719.001 PMID:26402457

Virtual scanning tunneling microscopy: A local spectroscopic probe of two-dimensional electron systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciambi, A.; Pelliccione, M.; Bank, S. R.; Gossard, A. C.; Goldhaber-Gordon, D.

2010-09-01

We propose a probe technique capable of performing local low-temperature spectroscopy on a two-dimensional electron system (2DES) in a semiconductor heterostructure. Motivated by predicted spatially-structured electron phases, the probe uses a charged metal tip to induce electrons to tunnel locally, directly below the tip, from a "probe" 2DES to a "subject" 2DES of interest. We test this concept with large-area (nonscanning) tunneling measurements, and predict a high spatial resolution and spectroscopic capability, with minimal influence on the physics in the subject 2DES.

Research and application on imaging technology of line structure light based on confocal microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Wenfeng; Xiao, Zexin; Wang, Xiaofen

2009-11-01

In 2005, the theory of line structure light confocal microscopy was put forward firstly in China by Xingyu Gao and Zexin Xiao in the Institute of Opt-mechatronics of Guilin University of Electronic Technology. Though the lateral resolution of line confocal microscopy can only reach or approach the level of the traditional dot confocal microscopy. But compared with traditional dot confocal microscopy, it has two advantages: first, by substituting line scanning for dot scanning, plane imaging only performs one-dimensional scanning, with imaging velocity greatly improved and scanning mechanism simplified, second, transfer quantity of light is greatly improved by substituting detection hairline for detection pinhole, and low illumination CCD is used directly to collect images instead of photoelectric intensifier. In order to apply the line confocal microscopy to practical system, based on the further research on the theory of the line confocal microscopy, imaging technology of line structure light is put forward on condition of implementation of confocal microscopy. Its validity and reliability are also verified by experiments.

Towards native-state imaging in biological context in the electron microscope

PubMed Central

Weston, Anne E.; Armer, Hannah E. J.

2009-01-01

Modern cell biology is reliant on light and fluorescence microscopy for analysis of cells, tissues and protein localisation. However, these powerful techniques are ultimately limited in resolution by the wavelength of light. Electron microscopes offer much greater resolution due to the shorter effective wavelength of electrons, allowing direct imaging of sub-cellular architecture. The harsh environment of the electron microscope chamber and the properties of the electron beam have led to complex chemical and mechanical preparation techniques, which distance biological samples from their native state and complicate data interpretation. Here we describe recent advances in sample preparation and instrumentation, which push the boundaries of high-resolution imaging. Cryopreparation, cryoelectron microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy strive to image samples in near native state. Advances in correlative microscopy and markers enable high-resolution localisation of proteins. Innovation in microscope design has pushed the boundaries of resolution to atomic scale, whilst automatic acquisition of high-resolution electron microscopy data through large volumes is finally able to place ultrastructure in biological context. PMID:19916039

An overview of state-of-the-art image restoration in electron microscopy.

PubMed

Roels, J; Aelterman, J; Luong, H Q; Lippens, S; Pižurica, A; Saeys, Y; Philips, W

2018-06-08

In Life Science research, electron microscopy (EM) is an essential tool for morphological analysis at the subcellular level as it allows for visualization at nanometer resolution. However, electron micrographs contain image degradations such as noise and blur caused by electromagnetic interference, electron counting errors, magnetic lens imperfections, electron diffraction, etc. These imperfections in raw image quality are inevitable and hamper subsequent image analysis and visualization. In an effort to mitigate these artefacts, many electron microscopy image restoration algorithms have been proposed in the last years. Most of these methods rely on generic assumptions on the image or degradations and are therefore outperformed by advanced methods that are based on more accurate models. Ideally, a method will accurately model the specific degradations that fit the physical acquisition settings. In this overview paper, we discuss different electron microscopy image degradation solutions and demonstrate that dedicated artefact regularisation results in higher quality restoration and is applicable through recently developed probabilistic methods. © 2018 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2018 Royal Microscopical Society.

Visualization of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Fibrin Meshwork in Human Fibrinopurulent Inflammatory Lesions: III. Correlative Light and Electron Microscopic Study

PubMed Central

Onouchi, Takanori; Shiogama, Kazuya; Mizutani, Yasuyoshi; Takaki, Takashi; Tsutsumi, Yutaka

2016-01-01

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) released from dead neutrophils at the site of inflammation represent webs of neutrophilic DNA stretches dotted with granule-derived antimicrobial proteins, including lactoferrin, and play important roles in innate immunity against microbial infection. We have shown the coexistence of NETs and fibrin meshwork in varied fibrinopurulent inflammatory lesions at both light and electron microscopic levels. In the present study, correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) employing confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy was performed to bridge light and electron microscopic images of NETs and fibrin fibrils in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, autopsied lung sections of legionnaire’s pneumonia. Lactoferrin immunoreactivity and 4'-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) reactivity were used as markers of NETs, and fibrin was probed by fibrinogen gamma chain. Of note is that NETs light microscopically represented as lactoferrin and DAPI-colocalized dots, 2.5 μm in diameter. CLEM gave super-resolution images of NETs and fibrin fibrils: “Dotted” NETs were ultrastructurally composed of fine filaments and masses of 58 nm-sized globular materials. A fibrin fibril consisted of clusters of smooth-surfaced filaments. NETs filaments (26 nm in diameter) were significantly thinner than fibrin filaments (295 nm in diameter). Of note is that CLEM was applicable to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of autopsy material. PMID:27917008

Hybrid fluorescence and electron cryo-microscopy for simultaneous electron and photon imaging.

PubMed

Iijima, Hirofumi; Fukuda, Yoshiyuki; Arai, Yoshihiro; Terakawa, Susumu; Yamamoto, Naoki; Nagayama, Kuniaki

2014-01-01

Integration of fluorescence light and transmission electron microscopy into the same device would represent an important advance in correlative microscopy, which traditionally involves two separate microscopes for imaging. To achieve such integration, the primary technical challenge that must be solved regards how to arrange two objective lenses used for light and electron microscopy in such a manner that they can properly focus on a single specimen. To address this issue, both lateral displacement of the specimen between two lenses and specimen rotation have been proposed. Such movement of the specimen allows sequential collection of two kinds of microscopic images of a single target, but prevents simultaneous imaging. This shortcoming has been made up by using a simple optical device, a reflection mirror. Here, we present an approach toward the versatile integration of fluorescence and electron microscopy for simultaneous imaging. The potential of simultaneous hybrid microscopy was demonstrated by fluorescence and electron sequential imaging of a fluorescent protein expressed in cells and cathodoluminescence imaging of fluorescent beads. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Correlative Super-Resolution Microscopy: New Dimensions and New Opportunities.

PubMed

Hauser, Meghan; Wojcik, Michal; Kim, Doory; Mahmoudi, Morteza; Li, Wan; Xu, Ke

2017-06-14

Correlative microscopy, the integration of two or more microscopy techniques performed on the same sample, produces results that emphasize the strengths of each technique while offsetting their individual weaknesses. Light microscopy has historically been a central method in correlative microscopy due to its widespread availability, compatibility with hydrated and live biological samples, and excellent molecular specificity through fluorescence labeling. However, conventional light microscopy can only achieve a resolution of ∼300 nm, undercutting its advantages in correlations with higher-resolution methods. The rise of super-resolution microscopy (SRM) over the past decade has drastically improved the resolution of light microscopy to ∼10 nm, thus creating exciting new opportunities and challenges for correlative microscopy. Here we review how these challenges are addressed to effectively correlate SRM with other microscopy techniques, including light microscopy, electron microscopy, cryomicroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and various forms of spectroscopy. Though we emphasize biological studies, we also discuss the application of correlative SRM to materials characterization and single-molecule reactions. Finally, we point out current limitations and discuss possible future improvements and advances. We thus demonstrate how a correlative approach adds new dimensions of information and provides new opportunities in the fast-growing field of SRM.

Synthesis and study of photovoltaic performance on various photoelectrode materials for DSSCs: Optimization of compact layer on nanometer thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surya, Subramanian; Thangamuthu, Rangasamy; Senthil Kumar, Sakkarapalayam Murugesan; Murugadoss, Govindhasamy

2017-02-01

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have gained widespread attention in recent years because of their low production costs, ease of fabrication process and tuneable optical properties, such as colour and transparency. In this work, we explored a strategy wherein nanoparticles of pure TiO2, TiO2sbnd SnO2 nanocomposite, Sn (10%) doped TiO2 and SnO2 synthesized by the simple chemical precipitation method were employed as photoelectrodes to enhance the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of solar cells. The nanoparticles were characterized by different characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM with EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution electron microscopy (HR-TEM), UV-Visible absorbance (UV-vis), photoluminescence (PL), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Moreover, we also demonstrated the effect of thin compact layer in DSSCs by architecture with various precursor materials of different concentrations. We found that the optimized compact layer material TDIP (titanium diisopropoxide) with a concentration of 0.3 M % is produced the highest efficiency of 2.25% for Sn (10%) doped TiO2 electron transport material (ETM) and 4.38% was achieved for pure TiO2 ETM using SnCl2 compact layer with 0.1 M concentrations.

Chemistry Viewed through the Eyes of High-Resolution Microscopy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beer, Michael; And Others

1981-01-01

This special report, prepared by several chemists working in the field of electron microscopy, provides information regarding the most recent developments in transmission and scanning electron microscopy that have chemical significance. (CS)

Correlative scanning-transmission electron microscopy reveals that a chimeric flavivirus is released as individual particles in secretory vesicles.

PubMed

Burlaud-Gaillard, Julien; Sellin, Caroline; Georgeault, Sonia; Uzbekov, Rustem; Lebos, Claude; Guillaume, Jean-Marc; Roingeard, Philippe

2014-01-01

The intracellular morphogenesis of flaviviruses has been well described, but flavivirus release from the host cell remains poorly documented. We took advantage of the optimized production of an attenuated chimeric yellow fever/dengue virus for vaccine purposes to study this phenomenon by microscopic approaches. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the release of numerous viral particles at the cell surface through a short-lived process. For transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of the intracellular ultrastructure of the small number of cells releasing viral particles at a given time, we developed a new correlative microscopy method: CSEMTEM (for correlative scanning electron microscopy - transmission electron microscopy). CSEMTEM analysis suggested that chimeric flavivirus particles were released as individual particles, in small exocytosis vesicles, via a regulated secretory pathway. Our morphological findings provide new insight into interactions between flaviviruses and cells and demonstrate that CSEMTEM is a useful new method, complementary to SEM observations of biological events by intracellular TEM investigations.

Correlative Scanning-Transmission Electron Microscopy Reveals that a Chimeric Flavivirus Is Released as Individual Particles in Secretory Vesicles

PubMed Central

Burlaud-Gaillard, Julien; Sellin, Caroline; Georgeault, Sonia; Uzbekov, Rustem; Lebos, Claude; Guillaume, Jean-Marc; Roingeard, Philippe

2014-01-01

The intracellular morphogenesis of flaviviruses has been well described, but flavivirus release from the host cell remains poorly documented. We took advantage of the optimized production of an attenuated chimeric yellow fever/dengue virus for vaccine purposes to study this phenomenon by microscopic approaches. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the release of numerous viral particles at the cell surface through a short-lived process. For transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of the intracellular ultrastructure of the small number of cells releasing viral particles at a given time, we developed a new correlative microscopy method: CSEMTEM (for correlative scanning electron microscopy - transmission electron microscopy). CSEMTEM analysis suggested that chimeric flavivirus particles were released as individual particles, in small exocytosis vesicles, via a regulated secretory pathway. Our morphological findings provide new insight into interactions between flaviviruses and cells and demonstrate that CSEMTEM is a useful new method, complementary to SEM observations of biological events by intracellular TEM investigations. PMID:24681578

Simultaneous Correlative Scanning Electron and High-NA Fluorescence Microscopy

PubMed Central

Liv, Nalan; Zonnevylle, A. Christiaan; Narvaez, Angela C.; Effting, Andries P. J.; Voorneveld, Philip W.; Lucas, Miriam S.; Hardwick, James C.; Wepf, Roger A.; Kruit, Pieter; Hoogenboom, Jacob P.

2013-01-01

Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) is a unique method for investigating biological structure-function relations. With CLEM protein distributions visualized in fluorescence can be mapped onto the cellular ultrastructure measured with electron microscopy. Widespread application of correlative microscopy is hampered by elaborate experimental procedures related foremost to retrieving regions of interest in both modalities and/or compromises in integrated approaches. We present a novel approach to correlative microscopy, in which a high numerical aperture epi-fluorescence microscope and a scanning electron microscope illuminate the same area of a sample at the same time. This removes the need for retrieval of regions of interest leading to a drastic reduction of inspection times and the possibility for quantitative investigations of large areas and datasets with correlative microscopy. We demonstrate Simultaneous CLEM (SCLEM) analyzing cell-cell connections and membrane protrusions in whole uncoated colon adenocarcinoma cell line cells stained for actin and cortactin with AlexaFluor488. SCLEM imaging of coverglass-mounted tissue sections with both electron-dense and fluorescence staining is also shown. PMID:23409024

Atomic electric fields revealed by a quantum mechanical approach to electron picodiffraction.

PubMed

Müller, Knut; Krause, Florian F; Béché, Armand; Schowalter, Marco; Galioit, Vincent; Löffler, Stefan; Verbeeck, Johan; Zweck, Josef; Schattschneider, Peter; Rosenauer, Andreas

2014-12-15

By focusing electrons on probes with a diameter of 50 pm, aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is currently crossing the border to probing subatomic details. A major challenge is the measurement of atomic electric fields using differential phase contrast (DPC) microscopy, traditionally exploiting the concept of a field-induced shift of diffraction patterns. Here we present a simplified quantum theoretical interpretation of DPC. This enables us to calculate the momentum transferred to the STEM probe from diffracted intensities recorded on a pixel array instead of conventional segmented bright-field detectors. The methodical development yielding atomic electric field, charge and electron density is performed using simulations for binary GaN as an ideal model system. We then present a detailed experimental study of SrTiO3 yielding atomic electric fields, validated by comprehensive simulations. With this interpretation and upgraded instrumentation, STEM is capable of quantifying atomic electric fields and high-contrast imaging of light atoms.

Atomic electric fields revealed by a quantum mechanical approach to electron picodiffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller, Knut; Krause, Florian F.; Béché, Armand; Schowalter, Marco; Galioit, Vincent; Löffler, Stefan; Verbeeck, Johan; Zweck, Josef; Schattschneider, Peter; Rosenauer, Andreas

2014-12-01

By focusing electrons on probes with a diameter of 50 pm, aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is currently crossing the border to probing subatomic details. A major challenge is the measurement of atomic electric fields using differential phase contrast (DPC) microscopy, traditionally exploiting the concept of a field-induced shift of diffraction patterns. Here we present a simplified quantum theoretical interpretation of DPC. This enables us to calculate the momentum transferred to the STEM probe from diffracted intensities recorded on a pixel array instead of conventional segmented bright-field detectors. The methodical development yielding atomic electric field, charge and electron density is performed using simulations for binary GaN as an ideal model system. We then present a detailed experimental study of SrTiO3 yielding atomic electric fields, validated by comprehensive simulations. With this interpretation and upgraded instrumentation, STEM is capable of quantifying atomic electric fields and high-contrast imaging of light atoms.

Atomic electric fields revealed by a quantum mechanical approach to electron picodiffraction

PubMed Central

Müller, Knut; Krause, Florian F.; Béché, Armand; Schowalter, Marco; Galioit, Vincent; Löffler, Stefan; Verbeeck, Johan; Zweck, Josef; Schattschneider, Peter; Rosenauer, Andreas

2014-01-01

By focusing electrons on probes with a diameter of 50 pm, aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is currently crossing the border to probing subatomic details. A major challenge is the measurement of atomic electric fields using differential phase contrast (DPC) microscopy, traditionally exploiting the concept of a field-induced shift of diffraction patterns. Here we present a simplified quantum theoretical interpretation of DPC. This enables us to calculate the momentum transferred to the STEM probe from diffracted intensities recorded on a pixel array instead of conventional segmented bright-field detectors. The methodical development yielding atomic electric field, charge and electron density is performed using simulations for binary GaN as an ideal model system. We then present a detailed experimental study of SrTiO3 yielding atomic electric fields, validated by comprehensive simulations. With this interpretation and upgraded instrumentation, STEM is capable of quantifying atomic electric fields and high-contrast imaging of light atoms. PMID:25501385

Writing silica structures in liquid with scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

van de Put, Marcel W P; Carcouët, Camille C M C; Bomans, Paul H H; Friedrich, Heiner; de Jonge, Niels; Sommerdijk, Nico A J M

2015-02-04

Silica nanoparticles are imaged in solution with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) using a liquid cell with silicon nitride (SiN) membrane windows. The STEM images reveal that silica structures are deposited in well-defined patches on the upper SiN membranes upon electron beam irradiation. The thickness of the deposits is linear with the applied electron dose. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) demonstrate that the deposited patches are a result of the merging of the original 20 nm-diameter nanoparticles, and that the related surface roughness depends on the electron dose rate used. Using this approach, sub-micrometer scale structures are written on the SiN in liquid by controlling the electron exposure as function of the lateral position. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

X-ray microscopy as an approach to increasing accuracy and efficiency of serial block-face imaging for correlated light and electron microscopy of biological specimens.

PubMed

Bushong, Eric A; Johnson, Donald D; Kim, Keun-Young; Terada, Masako; Hatori, Megumi; Peltier, Steven T; Panda, Satchidananda; Merkle, Arno; Ellisman, Mark H

2015-02-01

The recently developed three-dimensional electron microscopic (EM) method of serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBEM) has rapidly established itself as a powerful imaging approach. Volume EM imaging with this scanning electron microscopy (SEM) method requires intense staining of biological specimens with heavy metals to allow sufficient back-scatter electron signal and also to render specimens sufficiently conductive to control charging artifacts. These more extreme heavy metal staining protocols render specimens light opaque and make it much more difficult to track and identify regions of interest (ROIs) for the SBEM imaging process than for a typical thin section transmission electron microscopy correlative light and electron microscopy study. We present a strategy employing X-ray microscopy (XRM) both for tracking ROIs and for increasing the efficiency of the workflow used for typical projects undertaken with SBEM. XRM was found to reveal an impressive level of detail in tissue heavily stained for SBEM imaging, allowing for the identification of tissue landmarks that can be subsequently used to guide data collection in the SEM. Furthermore, specific labeling of individual cells using diaminobenzidine is detectable in XRM volumes. We demonstrate that tungsten carbide particles or upconverting nanophosphor particles can be used as fiducial markers to further increase the precision and efficiency of SBEM imaging.

X-ray Microscopy as an Approach to Increasing Accuracy and Efficiency of Serial Block-face Imaging for Correlated Light and Electron Microscopy of Biological Specimens

PubMed Central

Bushong, Eric A.; Johnson, Donald D.; Kim, Keun-Young; Terada, Masako; Hatori, Megumi; Peltier, Steven T.; Panda, Satchidananda; Merkle, Arno; Ellisman, Mark H.

2015-01-01

The recently developed three-dimensional electron microscopic (EM) method of serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBEM) has rapidly established itself as a powerful imaging approach. Volume EM imaging with this scanning electron microscopy (SEM) method requires intense staining of biological specimens with heavy metals to allow sufficient back-scatter electron signal and also to render specimens sufficiently conductive to control charging artifacts. These more extreme heavy metal staining protocols render specimens light opaque and make it much more difficult to track and identify regions of interest (ROIs) for the SBEM imaging process than for a typical thin section transmission electron microscopy correlative light and electron microscopy study. We present a strategy employing X-ray microscopy (XRM) both for tracking ROIs and for increasing the efficiency of the workflow used for typical projects undertaken with SBEM. XRM was found to reveal an impressive level of detail in tissue heavily stained for SBEM imaging, allowing for the identification of tissue landmarks that can be subsequently used to guide data collection in the SEM. Furthermore, specific labeling of individual cells using diaminobenzidine is detectable in XRM volumes. We demonstrate that tungsten carbide particles or upconverting nanophosphor particles can be used as fiducial markers to further increase the precision and efficiency of SBEM imaging. PMID:25392009

Correlative cryo-fluorescence light microscopy and cryo-electron tomography of Streptomyces.

PubMed

Koning, Roman I; Celler, Katherine; Willemse, Joost; Bos, Erik; van Wezel, Gilles P; Koster, Abraham J

2014-01-01

Light microscopy and electron microscopy are complementary techniques that in a correlative approach enable identification and targeting of fluorescently labeled structures in situ for three-dimensional imaging at nanometer resolution. Correlative imaging allows electron microscopic images to be positioned in a broader temporal and spatial context. We employed cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM), combining cryo-fluorescence light microscopy and cryo-electron tomography, on vitrified Streptomyces bacteria to study cell division. Streptomycetes are mycelial bacteria that grow as long hyphae and reproduce via sporulation. On solid media, Streptomyces subsequently form distinct aerial mycelia where cell division leads to the formation of unigenomic spores which separate and disperse to form new colonies. In liquid media, only vegetative hyphae are present divided by noncell separating crosswalls. Their multicellular life style makes them exciting model systems for the study of bacterial development and cell division. Complex intracellular structures have been visualized with transmission electron microscopy. Here, we describe the methods for cryo-CLEM that we applied for studying Streptomyces. These methods include cell growth, fluorescent labeling, cryo-fixation by vitrification, cryo-light microscopy using a Linkam cryo-stage, image overlay and relocation, cryo-electron tomography using a Titan Krios, and tomographic reconstruction. Additionally, methods for segmentation, volume rendering, and visualization of the correlative data are described. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

STEMsalabim: A high-performance computing cluster friendly code for scanning transmission electron microscopy image simulations of thin specimens.

PubMed

Oelerich, Jan Oliver; Duschek, Lennart; Belz, Jürgen; Beyer, Andreas; Baranovskii, Sergei D; Volz, Kerstin

2017-06-01

We present a new multislice code for the computer simulation of scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) images based on the frozen lattice approximation. Unlike existing software packages, the code is optimized to perform well on highly parallelized computing clusters, combining distributed and shared memory architectures. This enables efficient calculation of large lateral scanning areas of the specimen within the frozen lattice approximation and fine-grained sweeps of parameter space. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Versatile High-Vacuum Cryo-transfer System for Cryo-microscopy and Analytics

PubMed Central

Tacke, Sebastian; Krzyzanek, Vladislav; Nüsse, Harald; Wepf, Roger Albert; Klingauf, Jürgen; Reichelt, Rudolf

2016-01-01

Cryogenic microscopy methods have gained increasing popularity, as they offer an unaltered view on the architecture of biological specimens. As a prerequisite, samples must be handled under cryogenic conditions below their recrystallization temperature, and contamination during sample transfer and handling must be prevented. We present a high-vacuum cryo-transfer system that streamlines the entire handling of frozen-hydrated samples from the vitrification process to low temperature imaging for scanning transmission electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A template for cryo-electron microscopy and multimodal cryo-imaging approaches with numerous sample transfer steps is presented. PMID:26910419

Polyaniline nanofiber/large mesoporous carbon composites as electrode materials for supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Huan; Xu, Bin; Jia, Mengqiu; Zhang, Mei; Cao, Bin; Zhao, Xiaonan; Wang, Yu

2015-03-01

A composite of polyaniline nanofiber/large mesoporous carbon (PANI-F/LMC) hybrid was prepared by an in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline monomer with nano-CaCO3 templated LMC as host matrix for supercapacitors. The morphology, composition and electronic structure of the composites (PANI-F/LMC) together with pure PANI nanofibers and the LMC were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FT-IR, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It is found that the PANI nanofibers were incorporated into the large mesochannels of LMC with interpenetrating framework formed. Such unique structure endows the PANI-F/LMC composite with a high capacitance of 473 F g-1 at a current load of 0.1 A g-1 with good rate performance and cycling stability, suggesting its potential application in the electrode material for supercapacitors.

Atomic bonding effects in annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy. I. Computational predictions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Odlyzko, Michael L.; Mkhoyan, K. Andre, E-mail: mkhoyan@umn.edu; Himmetoglu, Burak

2016-07-15

Annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF-STEM) image simulations were performed for zone-axis-oriented light-element single crystals, using a multislice method adapted to include charge redistribution due to chemical bonding. Examination of these image simulations alongside calculations of the propagation of the focused electron probe reveal that the evolution of the probe intensity with thickness exhibits significant sensitivity to interatomic charge transfer, accounting for observed thickness-dependent bonding sensitivity of contrast in all ADF-STEM imaging conditions. Because changes in image contrast relative to conventional neutral atom simulations scale directly with the net interatomic charge transfer, the strongest effects are seen inmore » crystals with highly polar bonding, while no effects are seen for nonpolar bonding. Although the bonding dependence of ADF-STEM image contrast varies with detector geometry, imaging parameters, and material temperature, these simulations predict the bonding effects to be experimentally measureable.« less

Improvement of efficiency in graphene/gallium nitride nanowire on Silicon photoelectrode for overall water splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bae, Hyojung; Rho, Hokyun; Min, Jung-Wook; Lee, Yong-Tak; Lee, Sang Hyun; Fujii, Katsushi; Lee, Hyo-Jong; Ha, Jun-Seok

2017-11-01

Gallium nitride (GaN) nanowires are one of the most promising photoelectrode materials due to their high stability in acidic and basic electrolytes, and tunable band edge potentials. In this study, GaN nanowire arrays (GaN NWs) were prepared by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE); their large surface area enhanced the solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency. More significantly, graphene was grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), which enhanced the electron transfer between NWs for water splitting and protected the GaN NW surface. Structural characterizations of the prepared composite were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The photocurrent density of Gr/GaN NWs exhibited a two-fold increase over pristine GaN NWs and sustained water splitting up to 70 min. These improvements may accelerate possible applications for hydrogen generation with high solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency.

Characterization of the α phase nucleation in a two-phase metastable β titanium alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lenain, A.; Clément, N.; Jacques, P. J.; Véron, M.

2005-12-01

Beta titanium alloys are increasingly the best choice for automotive and aerospace applications due to their high performance-to-density ratio. Among these alloys, the TIMETAL Ti-LCB is already used in the automotive industry because it presents excellent mechanical properties and a lower cost compared with other Ti alloys. The current study deals with the characterization of the nucleation and growth of the α phase in several thermomechanical processes, because the distribution and size of the α phase strongly influence the mechanical properties of the resulting microstructures. Several heat treatments were conducted after either cold rolling or annealing. The resulting microstructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, or electron backscatter diffraction. It was observed that the morphology and the volume fraction of the α phase are strongly dependent on the holding temperature, on the heating or cooling rate, and on the β grain size.

Spall Response of Additive Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Andrew; Gregg, Adam; Escobedo, Jp; Hazell, Paul; East, Daniel; Quadir, Zakaria

2017-06-01

Additive manufactured (AM) Ti-6Al-4V was produced via electron beam melting (EBM) and laser melting deposition (LMD) techniques. The dynamic response of AM varieties of common aerospace and infrastructure metals are yet to be fully characterized and compared to their traditionally processed counterparts. Spall damage is one of the primary failure modes in metals subjected to shock loading from high velocity impact. Both EBM and LMD Ti-6Al-4V were shock loaded via flyer-target plate impact using a single-stage light gas gun. Target plates were subjected to pressures just above the spall strength of the material (3-5 GPa) to investigate the early onset of damage nucleation as a function of processing technique and shock orientation with respect to the AM-build direction. Post-mortem characterization of the spall damage and surrounding microstructure was performed using a combination of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction.

Coaxial carbon plasma gun deposition of amorphous carbon films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sater, D. M.; Gulino, D. A.; Rutledge, S. K.

1984-01-01

A unique plasma gun employing coaxial carbon electrodes was used in an attempt to deposit thin films of amorphous diamond-like carbon. A number of different structural, compositional, and electrical characterization techniques were used to characterize these films. These included scanning electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, X ray diffraction and absorption, spectrographic analysis, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and selected area electron diffraction. Optical absorption and electrical resistivity measurements were also performed. The films were determined to be primarily amorphous, with poor adhesion to fused silica substrates. Many inclusions of particulates were found to be present as well. Analysis of these particulates revealed the presence of trace impurities, such as Fe and Cu, which were also found in the graphite electrode material. The electrodes were the source of these impurities. No evidence of diamond-like crystallite structure was found in any of the film samples. Details of the apparatus, experimental procedure, and film characteristics are presented.

Influence of the adsorption geometry of PTCDA on Ag(111) on the tip-molecule forces in non-contact atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Langewisch, Gernot; Falter, Jens; Schirmeisen, André; Fuchs, Harald

2014-01-01

Perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) adsorbed on a metal surface is a prototypical organic-anorganic interface. In the past, scanning tunneling microscopy and scanning tunneling spectroscopy studies of PTCDA adsorbed on Ag(111) have revealed differences in the electronic structure of the molecules depending on their adsorption geometry. In the work presented here, high-resolution 3D force spectroscopy measurements at cryogenic temperatures were performed on a surface area that contained a complete PTCDA unit cell with the two possible geometries. At small tip-molecule separations, deviations in the tip-sample forces were found between the two molecule orientations. These deviations can be explained by a different electron density in both cases. This result demonstrates the capability of 3D force spectroscopy to detect even small effects in the electronic properties of organic adsorbates.

High Voltage Li-Ion Battery Using Exfoliated Graphite/Graphene Nanosheets Anode.

PubMed

Agostini, Marco; Brutti, Sergio; Hassoun, Jusef

2016-05-04

The achievement of a new generation of lithium-ion battery, suitable for a continuously growing consumer electronic and sustainable electric vehicle markets, requires the development of new, low-cost, and highly performing materials. Herein, we propose a new and efficient lithium-ion battery obtained by coupling exfoliated graphite/graphene nanosheets (EGNs) anode and high-voltage, spinel-structure cathode. The anode shows a capacity exceeding by 40% that ascribed to commercial graphite in lithium half-cell, at very high C-rate, due to its particular structure and morphology as demonstrated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Li-ion battery reveals excellent efficiency and cycle life, extending up to 150 cycles, as well as an estimated practical energy density of about 260 Wh kg(-1), that is, a value well exceeding the one associated with the present-state Li-ion battery.

The New Electron Microscopy: Cells and Molecules in Three Dimensions | Poster

Cancer.gov

NCI recently announced the launch of the new National Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility (NCEF) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR). The launch comes while cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is enjoying the spotlight as a newly emerging, rapidly evolving technology with the potential to revolutionize the field of structural biology. Read more...

Crystal structure of stacking faults in InGaAs/InAlAs/InAs heterostructures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Trunkin, I. N.; Presniakov, M. Yu.; Vasiliev, A. L., E-mail: a.vasiliev56@gmail.com

Stacking faults and dislocations in InGaAs/InAlAs/InAs heterostructures have been studied by electron microscopy. The use of different techniques of transmission electron microscopy (primarily, highresolution dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy) has made it possible to determine the defect structure at the atomic level.

Comparative anaylsis of Asian citrus psyllid and potato psyllid antennae

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The comparative investigation of the morphological basis for olfactory reception in the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) and the potato/tomato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) was performed using scanning electron microscopy to elucidate the antennal sensory arrays being...

Near-infrared branding efficiently correlates light and electron microscopy.

PubMed

Bishop, Derron; Nikić, Ivana; Brinkoetter, Mary; Knecht, Sharmon; Potz, Stephanie; Kerschensteiner, Martin; Misgeld, Thomas

2011-06-05

The correlation of light and electron microscopy of complex tissues remains a major challenge. Here we report near-infrared branding (NIRB), which facilitates such correlation by using a pulsed, near-infrared laser to create defined fiducial marks in three dimensions in fixed tissue. As these marks are fluorescent and can be photo-oxidized to generate electron contrast, they can guide re-identification of previously imaged structures as small as dendritic spines by electron microscopy.

Effect of Cooling Rates on γ → α Transformation and Metastable States in Fe-Cu Alloys with Addition of Ni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crozet, C.; Verdier, M.; Lay, S.; Antoni-Zdziobek, A.

2018-07-01

α/γ phase transformations occurring in Fe-10Cu-xNi alloys (0 ≤ x ≤ 15 in mass%) were studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron back scattered diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and chemical analysis, combining X-ray microanalysis with energy dispersive spectrometry in the scanning electron microscope and electron microprobe analysis with wavelength dispersive spectrometry. The influence of cooling rate on the microstructure was investigated using ice-brine quenching and 2 °C/min slow cooling rate performed with dilatometry. Ni addition induces metastable transformations on cooling: massive and bainitic ferrite are formed depending on the alloy composition and cooling rate. Moreover, most of the Cu phase precipitates on cooling giving rise to a fine distribution of Cu particles in the ferrite grains. For both cooling conditions, the hardness increases with increasing Ni content and a higher hardness is obtained in the quenched alloy for each composition. The change in hardness is correlated to the effect of Ni solid solution, transformation structure and size of Cu particles.

Hierarchical super-structure identified by polarized light microscopy, electron microscopy and nanoindentation: Implications for the limits of biological control over the growth mode of abalone sea shells

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Mollusc shells are commonly investigated using high-resolution imaging techniques based on cryo-fixation. Less detailed information is available regarding the light-optical properties. Sea shells of Haliotis pulcherina were embedded for polishing in defined orientations in order to investigate the interface between prismatic calcite and nacreous aragonite by standard materialographic methods. A polished thin section of the interface was prepared with a defined thickness of 60 μm for quantitative birefringence analysis using polarized light and LC-PolScope microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy images were obtained for comparison. In order to study structural-mechanical relationships, nanoindentation experiments were performed. Results Incident light microscopy revealed a super-structure in semi-transparent regions of the polished cross-section under a defined angle. This super-structure is not visible in transmitted birefringence analysis due to the blurred polarization of small nacre platelets and numerous organic interfaces. The relative orientation and homogeneity of calcite prisms was directly identified, some of them with their optical axes exactly normal to the imaging plane. Co-oriented "prism colonies" were identified by polarized light analyses. The nacreous super-structure was also visualized by secondary electron imaging under defined angles. The domains of the super-structure were interpreted to consist of crystallographically aligned platelet stacks. Nanoindentation experiments showed that mechanical properties changed with the same periodicity as the domain size. Conclusions In this study, we have demonstrated that insights into the growth mechanisms of nacre can be obtained by conventional light-optical methods. For example, we observed super-structures formed by co-oriented nacre platelets as previously identified using X-ray Photo-electron Emission Microscopy (X-PEEM) [Gilbert et al., Journal of the American Chemical Society 2008, 130:17519–17527]. Polarized optical microscopy revealed unprecedented super-structures in the calcitic shell part. This bears, in principle, the potential for in vivo studies, which might be useful for investigating the growth modes of nacre and other shell types. PMID:22967319

Synthesis of adenine-modified reduced graphene oxide nanosheets.

PubMed

Cao, Huaqiang; Wu, Xiaoming; Yin, Gui; Warner, Jamie H

2012-03-05

We report here a facile strategy to synthesize the nanocomposite of adenine-modified reduced graphene oxide (AMG) via reaction between adenine and GOCl which is generated from SOCl(2) reacted with graphite oxide (GO). The as-synthesized AMG was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and galvanostatic discharge analysis. The AMG owns about one adenine group per 53 carbon atoms on a graphene sheet, which improves electronic conductivity compared with reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The AMG displays enhanced supercapacitor performance compared with RGO accompanying good stability and good cycling behavior in the supercapacitor.

Scanning electron microscopy of tinea nigra.

PubMed

Guarenti, Isabelle Maffei; Almeida, Hiram Larangeira de; Leitão, Aline Hatzenberger; Rocha, Nara Moreira; Silva, Ricardo Marques E

2014-01-01

Tinea nigra is a rare superficial mycosis caused by Hortaea werneckii. This infection presents as asymptomatic brown to black maculae mostly in palmo-plantar regions. We performed scanning electron microscopy of a superficial shaving of a tinea nigra lesion. The examination of the outer surface of the sample showed the epidermis with corneocytes and hyphae and elimination of fungal filaments. The inner surface of the sample showed important aggregation of hyphae among keratinocytes, which formed small fungal colonies. The ultrastructural findings correlated with those of dermoscopic examination - the small fungal aggregations may be the dark spicules seen on dermoscopy - and also allowed to document the mode of dissemination of tinea nigra, showing how hyphae are eliminated on the surface of the lesion.

Room temperature synthesis of rutile nanorods and their applications on cloth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fei, Bin; Deng, Zhaoxiang; Xin, John H.; Zhang, Yihe; Pang, Geoffrey

2006-04-01

In order to achieve better photocatalytic performance, rutile nanorods dispersed in anatase and brookite phases were synthesized from titanium isopropoxide (TIP) in a concentrated HNO3 solution at room temperature (23 °C). X-ray diffraction results indicated that the percentage of rutile increased with increasing peptization time. Scanning electron microscopy and and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements revealed that the nanosized titania particles mainly consisted of granular anatase and brookite, and rod-like rutile. It was interesting that the stability of the colloid increased with increasing nanoparticle concentration, and the tricrystalline titania showed a photocatalytic activity higher than that of pure anatase. These nanocrystals were applied onto cotton fabrics, and achieved a promising bactericidal photocatalytic activity and excellent protection against UV radiation.

Scanning electron microscopy of tinea nigra*

PubMed Central

Guarenti, Isabelle Maffei; de Almeida, Hiram Larangeira; Leitão, Aline Hatzenberger; Rocha, Nara Moreira; Silva, Ricardo Marques e

2014-01-01

Tinea nigra is a rare superficial mycosis caused by Hortaea werneckii. This infection presents as asymptomatic brown to black maculae mostly in palmo-plantar regions. We performed scanning electron microscopy of a superficial shaving of a tinea nigra lesion. The examination of the outer surface of the sample showed the epidermis with corneocytes and hyphae and elimination of fungal filaments. The inner surface of the sample showed important aggregation of hyphae among keratinocytes, which formed small fungal colonies. The ultrastructural findings correlated with those of dermoscopic examination - the small fungal aggregations may be the dark spicules seen on dermoscopy - and also allowed to document the mode of dissemination of tinea nigra, showing how hyphae are eliminated on the surface of the lesion. PMID:24770516

Determination of the coalescence temperature of latexes by environmental scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Gonzalez, Edurne; Tollan, Christopher; Chuvilin, Andrey; Barandiaran, Maria J; Paulis, Maria

2012-08-01

A new methodology for quantitative characterization of the coalescence process of waterborne polymer dispersion (latex) particles by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) is proposed. The experimental setup has been developed to provide reproducible latex monolayer depositions, optimized contrast of the latex particles, and a reliable readout of the sample temperature. Quantification of the coalescence process under dry conditions has been performed by image processing based on evaluation of the image autocorrelation function. As a proof of concept the coalescence of two latexes with known and differing glass transition temperatures has been measured. It has been shown that a reproducibility of better than 1.5 °C can be obtained for the measurement of the coalescence temperature.

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Study of the Oxide Layers Formed on Fe-12Cr-4Al Ferritic Alloy in an Oxygenated Pb-Bi Environment at 800°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popovic, M. P.; Yang, Y.; Bolind, A. M.; Ozdol, V. B.; Olmsted, D. L.; Asta, M.; Hosemann, P.

2018-06-01

Liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) can serve as a heat transfer fluid for advanced nuclear applications as well as concentrated solar power but poses corrosion challenges for the structural materials at elevated temperatures. Oxide passivation of the surfaces of these materials during exposure to liquid LBE can inhibit such material degradation. In this study, transmission electron microscopy of oxides formed on Fe-Cr-Al alloy during exposure to low-oxygenated LBE at 800°C has been performed. A complex structure of the oxide film has been revealed, consisting of a homogeneous inner layer of mostly Al2O3 and a heterogeneous outer layer.

Capability of insulator study by photoemission electron microscopy at SPring-8.

PubMed

Ohkochi, Takuo; Kotsugi, Masato; Yamada, Keisuke; Kawano, Kenji; Horiba, Koji; Kitajima, Fumio; Oura, Masaki; Shiraki, Susumu; Hitosugi, Taro; Oshima, Masaharu; Ono, Teruo; Kinoshita, Toyohiko; Muro, Takayuki; Watanabe, Yoshio

2013-07-01

The observation method of photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) on insulating samples has been established in an extremely simple way. Surface conductivity is induced locally on an insulating surface by continuous radiation of soft X-rays, and Au films close to the area of interest allow the accumulated charges on the insulated area to be released to ground level. Magnetic domain observations of a NiZn ferrite, local X-ray absorption spectroscopy of sapphire, high-resolution imaging of a poorly conducting Li0.9CoO2 film surface, and Au pattern evaporation on a fine rock particle are demonstrated. Using this technique, all users' experiments on poorly conducting samples have been performed successfully at the PEEM experimental station of SPring-8.

Neuroanatomy from Mesoscopic to Nanoscopic Scales: An Improved Method for the Observation of Semithin Sections by High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Rodríguez, José-Rodrigo; Turégano-López, Marta; DeFelipe, Javier; Merchán-Pérez, Angel

2018-01-01

Semithin sections are commonly used to examine large areas of tissue with an optical microscope, in order to locate and trim the regions that will later be studied with the electron microscope. Ideally, the observation of semithin sections would be from mesoscopic to nanoscopic scales directly, instead of using light microscopy and then electron microscopy (EM). Here we propose a method that makes it possible to obtain high-resolution scanning EM images of large areas of the brain in the millimeter to nanometer range. Since our method is compatible with light microscopy, it is also feasible to generate hybrid light and electron microscopic maps. Additionally, the same tissue blocks that have been used to obtain semithin sections can later be used, if necessary, for transmission EM, or for focused ion beam milling and scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). PMID:29568263

Neuroanatomy from Mesoscopic to Nanoscopic Scales: An Improved Method for the Observation of Semithin Sections by High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy.

PubMed

Rodríguez, José-Rodrigo; Turégano-López, Marta; DeFelipe, Javier; Merchán-Pérez, Angel

2018-01-01

Semithin sections are commonly used to examine large areas of tissue with an optical microscope, in order to locate and trim the regions that will later be studied with the electron microscope. Ideally, the observation of semithin sections would be from mesoscopic to nanoscopic scales directly, instead of using light microscopy and then electron microscopy (EM). Here we propose a method that makes it possible to obtain high-resolution scanning EM images of large areas of the brain in the millimeter to nanometer range. Since our method is compatible with light microscopy, it is also feasible to generate hybrid light and electron microscopic maps. Additionally, the same tissue blocks that have been used to obtain semithin sections can later be used, if necessary, for transmission EM, or for focused ion beam milling and scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM).

Advantages of indium-tin oxide-coated glass slides in correlative scanning electron microscopy applications of uncoated cultured cells.

PubMed

Pluk, H; Stokes, D J; Lich, B; Wieringa, B; Fransen, J

2009-03-01

A method of direct visualization by correlative scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence light microscopy of cell structures of tissue cultured cells grown on conductive glass slides is described. We show that by growing cells on indium-tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass slides, secondary electron (SE) and backscatter electron (BSE) images of uncoated cells can be obtained in high-vacuum SEM without charging artefacts. Interestingly, we observed that BSE imaging is influenced by both accelerating voltage and ITO coating thickness. By combining SE and BSE imaging with fluorescence light microscopy imaging, we were able to reveal detailed features of actin cytoskeletal and mitochondrial structures in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. We propose that the application of ITO glass as a substrate for cell culture can easily be extended and offers new opportunities for correlative light and electron microscopy studies of adherently growing cells.

Maleic anhydride-g-low density polyethylene: Modification of LDPE molecular structure by γ-irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheeja, Manaf, O.; Sujith, A.

2017-06-01

Polymer modification by radiation grafting of monomers onto polymers has received much attention recently. In the current study, γ-irradiation technique was used to achieve graft copolymerization of maleic anhydride (MA) onto low-density polyethylene (LDPE). To optimize, the process was performed at different γ-irradiation doses and MA concentration. The microstructure of grafted polymer film has been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The studies performed made possible the selection of experimental protocols adequate for the production of new copolymeric materials with high grafting yield.

Automated quantitative cytological analysis using portable microfluidic microscopy.

PubMed

Jagannadh, Veerendra Kalyan; Murthy, Rashmi Sreeramachandra; Srinivasan, Rajesh; Gorthi, Sai Siva

2016-06-01

In this article, a portable microfluidic microscopy based approach for automated cytological investigations is presented. Inexpensive optical and electronic components have been used to construct a simple microfluidic microscopy system. In contrast to the conventional slide-based methods, the presented method employs microfluidics to enable automated sample handling and image acquisition. The approach involves the use of simple in-suspension staining and automated image acquisition to enable quantitative cytological analysis of samples. The applicability of the presented approach to research in cellular biology is shown by performing an automated cell viability assessment on a given population of yeast cells. Further, the relevance of the presented approach to clinical diagnosis and prognosis has been demonstrated by performing detection and differential assessment of malaria infection in a given sample. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Retraction: Using the Medipix3 detector for direct electron imaging in the range 60 keV to 200 keV in electron microscopy Retraction: Using the Medipix3 detector for direct electron imaging in the range 60 keV to 200 keV in electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mir, J. A.; Plackett, R.; Shipsey, I.; dos Santos, J. M. F.

2018-01-01

The paper "Using the Medipix3 detector for direct electron imaging in the range 60keV to 200keV in electron microscopy" by J.A. Mir, R. Plackett, I. Shipsey and J.M.F. dos Santos has been retracted following the authors' request on the basis of the existence of a disagreement about the ownership of the data, to prevent conflict between collaborators.

Spatial Resolution in Scanning Electron Microscopy and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Without a Specimen Vacuum Chamber.

PubMed

Nguyen, Kayla X; Holtz, Megan E; Richmond-Decker, Justin; Muller, David A

2016-08-01

A long-standing goal of electron microscopy has been the high-resolution characterization of specimens in their native environment. However, electron optics require high vacuum to maintain an unscattered and focused probe, a challenge for specimens requiring atmospheric or liquid environments. Here, we use an electron-transparent window at the base of a scanning electron microscope's objective lens to separate column vacuum from the specimen, enabling imaging under ambient conditions, without a specimen vacuum chamber. We demonstrate in-air imaging of specimens at nanoscale resolution using backscattered scanning electron microscopy (airSEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy. We explore resolution and contrast using Monte Carlo simulations and analytical models. We find that nanometer-scale resolution can be obtained at gas path lengths up to 400 μm, although contrast drops with increasing gas path length. As the electron-transparent window scatters considerably more than gas at our operating conditions, we observe that the densities and thicknesses of the electron-transparent window are the dominant limiting factors for image contrast at lower operating voltages. By enabling a variety of detector configurations, the airSEM is applicable to a wide range of environmental experiments including the imaging of hydrated biological specimens and in situ chemical and electrochemical processes.

Spatial Resolution in Scanning Electron Microscopy and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Without a Specimen Vacuum Chamber

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nguyen, Kayla X.; Holtz, Megan E.; Richmond-Decker, Justin

2016-07-25

Abstract A long-standing goal of electron microscopy has been the high-resolution characterization of specimens in their native environment. However, electron optics require high vacuum to maintain an unscattered and focused probe, a challenge for specimens requiring atmospheric or liquid environments. Here, we use an electron-transparent window at the base of a scanning electron microscope’s objective lens to separate column vacuum from the specimen, enabling imaging under ambient conditions, without a specimen vacuum chamber. We demonstrate in-air imaging of specimens at nanoscale resolution using backscattered scanning electron microscopy (airSEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy. We explore resolution and contrast using Montemore » Carlo simulations and analytical models. We find that nanometer-scale resolution can be obtained at gas path lengths up to 400μm, although contrast drops with increasing gas path length. As the electron-transparent window scatters considerably more than gas at our operating conditions, we observe that the densities and thicknesses of the electron-transparent window are the dominant limiting factors for image contrast at lower operating voltages. By enabling a variety of detector configurations, the airSEM is applicable to a wide range of environmental experiments including the imaging of hydrated biological specimens andin situchemical and electrochemical processes.« less

The Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation in Environmental Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy of Whole Cells in Liquid.

PubMed

Hermannsdörfer, Justus; Tinnemann, Verena; Peckys, Diana B; de Jonge, Niels

2016-06-01

Whole cells can be studied in their native liquid environment using electron microscopy, and unique information about the locations and stoichiometry of individual membrane proteins can be obtained from many cells thus taking cell heterogeneity into account. Of key importance for the further development of this microscopy technology is knowledge about the effect of electron beam radiation on the samples under investigation. We used environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) detection to examine the effect of radiation for whole fixed COS7 fibroblasts in liquid. The main observation was the localization of nanoparticle labels attached to epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs). It was found that the relative distances between the labels remained mostly unchanged (<1.5%) for electron doses ranging from the undamaged native state at 10 e-/Å2 toward 103 e-/Å2. This dose range was sufficient to determine the EGFR locations with nanometer resolution and to distinguish between monomers and dimers. Various different forms of radiation damage became visible at higher doses, including severe dislocation, and the dissolution of labels.

Chondroptosis in Alkaptonuric Cartilage

PubMed Central

Millucci, Lia; Giorgetti, Giovanna; Viti, Cecilia; Ghezzi, Lorenzo; Gambassi, Silvia; Braconi, Daniela; Marzocchi, Barbara; Paffetti, Alessandro; Lupetti, Pietro; Bernardini, Giulia; Orlandini, Maurizio

2015-01-01

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare genetic disease that affects the entire joint. Current standard of treatment is palliative and little is known about AKU physiopathology. Chondroptosis, a peculiar type of cell death in cartilage, has been so far reported to occur in osteoarthritis, a rheumatic disease that shares some features with AKU. In the present work, we wanted to assess if chondroptosis might also occur in AKU. Electron microscopy was used to detect the morphological changes of chondrocytes in damaged cartilage distinguishing apoptosis from its variant termed chondroptosis. We adopted histological observation together with Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy to evaluate morphological cell changes in AKU chondrocytes. Lipid peroxidation in AKU cartilage was detected by fluorescence microscopy. Using the above‐mentioned techniques, we performed a morphological analysis and assessed that AKU chondrocytes undergo phenotypic changes and lipid oxidation, resulting in a progressive loss of articular cartilage structure and function, showing typical features of chondroptosis. To the best of our knowledge, AKU is the second chronic pathology, following osteoarthritis, where chondroptosis has been documented. Our results indicate that Golgi complex plays an important role in the apoptotic process of AKU chondrocytes and suggest a contribution of chondroptosis in AKU pathogenesis. These findings also confirm a similarity between osteoarthritis and AKU. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1148–1157, 2015. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Physiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:25336110

Superior cycle performance and high reversible capacity of SnO2/graphene composite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lilai; An, Maozhong; Yang, Peixia; Zhang, Jinqiu

2015-03-01

SnO2/graphene composite with superior cycle performance and high reversible capacity was prepared by a one-step microwave-hydrothermal method using a microwave reaction system. The SnO2/graphene composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The size of SnO2 grains deposited on graphene sheets is less than 3.5 nm. The SnO2/graphene composite exhibits high capacity and excellent electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries. The first discharge and charge capacities at a current density of 100 mA g-1 are 2213 and 1402 mA h g-1 with coulomb efficiencies of 63.35%. The discharge specific capacities remains 1359, 1228, 1090 and 1005 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles at current densities of 100, 300, 500 and 700 mA g-1, respectively. Even at a high current density of 1000 mA g-1, the first discharge and charge capacities are 1502 and 876 mA h g-1, and the discharge specific capacities remains 1057 and 677 mA h g-1 after 420 and 1000 cycles, respectively. The SnO2/graphene composite demonstrates a stable cycle performance and high reversible capacity for lithium storage.

Precisely detecting atomic position of atomic intensity images.

PubMed

Wang, Zhijun; Guo, Yaolin; Tang, Sai; Li, Junjie; Wang, Jincheng; Zhou, Yaohe

2015-03-01

We proposed a quantitative method to detect atomic position in atomic intensity images from experiments such as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and simulation such as phase field crystal modeling. The evaluation of detection accuracy proves the excellent performance of the method. This method provides a chance to precisely determine atomic interactions based on the detected atomic positions from the atomic intensity image, and hence to investigate the related physical, chemical and electrical properties. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chapter 14: Electron Microscopy on Thin Films for Solar Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Romero, Manuel; Abou-Ras, Daniel; Nichterwitz, Melanie

2016-07-22

This chapter overviews the various techniques applied in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and highlights their possibilities and also limitations. It gives the various imaging and analysis techniques applied on a scanning electron microscope. The chapter shows that imaging is divided into that making use of secondary electrons (SEs) and of backscattered electrons (BSEs), resulting in different contrasts in the images and thus providing information on compositions, microstructures, and surface potentials. Whenever aiming for imaging and analyses at scales of down to the angstroms range, TEM and its related techniques are appropriate tools. In many cases,more » also SEM techniques provide the access to various material properties of the individual layers, not requiring specimen preparation as time consuming as TEM techniques. Finally, the chapter dedicates to cross-sectional specimen preparation for electron microscopy. The preparation decides indeed on the quality of imaging and analyses.« less

Electron microscopy methods in studies of cultural heritage sites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vasiliev, A. L., E-mail: a.vasiliev56@gmail.com; Kovalchuk, M. V.; Yatsishina, E. B.

The history of the development and application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDXMA) in studies of cultural heritage sites is considered. In fact, investigations based on these methods began when electron microscopes became a commercial product. Currently, these methods, being developed and improved, help solve many historical enigmas. To date, electron microscopy combined with microanalysis makes it possible to investigate any object, from parchment and wooden articles to pigments, tools, and objects of art. Studies by these methods have revealed that some articles were made by ancient masters using ancient “nanotechnologies”; hence,more » their comprehensive analysis calls for the latest achievements in the corresponding instrumental methods and sample preparation techniques.« less

Electron microscopy methods in studies of cultural heritage sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasiliev, A. L.; Kovalchuk, M. V.; Yatsishina, E. B.

2016-11-01

The history of the development and application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDXMA) in studies of cultural heritage sites is considered. In fact, investigations based on these methods began when electron microscopes became a commercial product. Currently, these methods, being developed and improved, help solve many historical enigmas. To date, electron microscopy combined with microanalysis makes it possible to investigate any object, from parchment and wooden articles to pigments, tools, and objects of art. Studies by these methods have revealed that some articles were made by ancient masters using ancient "nanotechnologies"; hence, their comprehensive analysis calls for the latest achievements in the corresponding instrumental methods and sample preparation techniques.

A scanning electron microscopy study of the macro-crystalline structure of 2-(2,4-dinitrobenzyl) pyridine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ware, Jacqueline; Hammond, Ernest C., Jr.

1989-01-01

The compound, 2-(2,4-dinitrobenzyl) pyridine, was synthesized in the laboratory; an introductory level electron microscopy study of the macro-crystalline structure was conducted using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The structure of these crystals was compared with the macrostructure of the crystal of 2-(2,4-dinitrobenzyl) pyridinium bromide, the hydrobromic salt of the compound which was also synthesized in the laboratory. A scanning electron microscopy crystal study was combined with a study of the principle of the electron microscope.

Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy applied to study the trafficking of 8D3-coated gold nanoparticles at the blood-brain barrier.

PubMed

Cabezón, Itsaso; Augé, Elisabet; Bosch, Manel; Beckett, Alison J; Prior, Ian A; Pelegrí, Carme; Vilaplana, Jordi

2017-07-01

Due to the physical and physiological properties of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the transport of neurotherapeutics from blood to brain is still a pharmaceutical challenge. We previously conducted a series of experiments to explore the potential of the anti-transferrin receptor 8D3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) to transport neurotherapeutics across the BBB. In that study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were coated with the 8D3 antibody and administered intravenously to mice. Transmission electron microscopy was used and a two-dimensional (2D) image analysis was performed to detect the AuNPs in the brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) and brain parenchyma. In the present work, we determined that serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) is a useful tool to study the transcytosis of these AuNPs across the BBB in three dimensions and we, therefore, applied it to gain more knowledge of their transcellular trafficking. The resulting 3D reconstructions provided additional information on the endocytic vesicles containing AuNPs and the endosomal processing that occurs inside BCECs. The passage from 2D to 3D analysis reinforced the trafficking model proposed in the 2D study, and revealed that the vesicles containing AuNPs are significantly larger and more complex than described in our 2D study. We also discuss tradeoffs of using this technique for our application, and conclude that together with other volume electron microscopy imaging techniques, SBF-SEM is a powerful approach that is worth of considering for studies of drug transport across the BBB.

Solution-Processible Crystalline NiO Nanoparticles for High-Performance Planar Perovskite Photovoltaic Cells.

PubMed

Kwon, Uisik; Kim, Bong-Gi; Nguyen, Duc Cuong; Park, Jong-Hyeon; Ha, Na Young; Kim, Seung-Joo; Ko, Seung Hwan; Lee, Soonil; Lee, Daeho; Park, Hui Joon

2016-07-28

In this work, we report on solution-based p-i-n-type planar-structured CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite photovoltaic (PV) cells, in which precrystallized NiO nanoparticles (NPs) without post-treatment are used to form a hole transport layer (HTL). X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed the crystallinity of the NPs, and atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the uniform surfaces of the resultant NiO thin film and the subsequent perovskite photoactive layer. Compared to the conventional poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) ( PSS) HTL, the NiO HTL had excellent energy-level alignment with that of CH3NH3PbI3 and improved electron-blocking capability, as analyzed by photoelectron spectroscopy and diode modeling, resulting in Voc ~0.13 V higher than conventional PSS-based devices. Consequently, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.4% with a high fill factor (FF, 0.74), short-circuit current density (Jsc, 20.2 mA·cm(-2)), and open circuit voltage (Voc, 1.04 V) having negligible hysteresis and superior air stability has been achieved.

Synthesis of Carbon-Coated ZnO Composite and Varistor Properties Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Wei-Jie; Liu, Jin-Ran; Yao, Da-Chuan; Chen, Yong; Wang, Mao-Hua

2017-03-01

In this article, monodisperse ZnO composite nanoparticles were successfully prepared by sol-gel mixed precursor method. Subsequently, carbon as the shell was homogeneously coated on the surface of the ZnO composite nanoparticles via a simple adsorption and calcination process. Microstructural studies of the as-obtained powders were carried out using the techniques of the x-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show that the pink ZnO composite powders were fully coated by carbon. Based on the results, the effect of glucose content on the microstructure of the synthesized composites and the electrical properties of the ZnO varistors sintered in air at 1150°C for 2 h were also fully studied. As the amount of glucose increased, the thickness of carbon can be increased from 2.5 nm to 5 nm. In particular, the ZnO varistor fabricated with the appropriate thickness of the carbon coating (5 nm) leads to the superior electrical performance, with present high breakdown voltage ( V b = 420 V/mm) and excellent nonlinear coefficient ( α = 61.7), compared with the varistors obtained without carbon coating.

Changes in neutrophil morphology and morphometry following exposure to cigarette smoke.

PubMed Central

Lannan, S.; McLean, A.; Drost, E.; Gillooly, M.; Donaldson, K.; Lamb, D.; MacNee, W.

1992-01-01

Acute cigarette smoking delays neutrophils within the pulmonary circulation in some smokers. Evidence from an in-vitro Micropore filter model of the pulmonary capillaries indicates that this may be due to a smoke induced decrease in cell deformability. In order to determine whether changes in cell shape are associated with the observed decrease in neutrophil deformability following smoke exposure, cell morphology, using scanning electron microscopy, and morphometric measurements, made using transmission electron microscopy, were performed on aliquots of neutrophils harvested from whole blood in non-smoking subjects before and after exposure in vitro to cigarette smoke. Smoke exposure increased the maximum diameter and circumference of neutrophils, without changing their area. There was also a change in the maximum to minimum cell diameter ratio, which indicated that the cells had become less spherical. Scanning electron microscopy showed that smoke exposed cells had developed blebbing of their surface membranes, suggestive of an oxidative injury to the cell membrane rather than the shape changes associated with cell activation. These changes in the morphology and morphometry of smoke exposed neutrophils may contribute to the reduction in cell deformability induced by cigarette smoke. Images Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 PMID:1571278

Structural, optical, electrochemical and photovoltaic studies of spider web like Silver Indium Diselenide Quantum dots synthesized by ligand mediated colloidal sol-gel approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adhikari, Tham; Pathak, Dinesh; Wagner, Tomas; Jambor, Roman; Jabeen, Uzma; Aamir, Muhammad; Nunzi, Jean-Michel

2017-11-01

Silver indium diselenide quantum dots were successively synthesized by colloidal sol-gel method by chelating with organic ligand oleylamine (OLA). The particle size was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the size was found about 10 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to study crystalline structure of the nanocrystals. The grain size and morphology were further studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The elemental composition was studied by X-ray photon electron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). The capping property of OLA in nanocrystal was also demonstrated by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The band gap was calculated from both cyclic voltammetry and optical absorption and suggest quantum confinement. The solution processed bilayer thin film solar cells were fabricated with n-type Zinc oxide using doctor blading/spin coating method and their photovoltaic performance was studied. The best device sintered at 450 °C showed an efficiency 0.75% with current density of 4.54 mAcm-2, open-circuit voltage 0.44 V and fill factor 39.4%.

Solution-Processible Crystalline NiO Nanoparticles for High-Performance Planar Perovskite Photovoltaic Cells

PubMed Central

Kwon, Uisik; Kim, Bong-Gi; Nguyen, Duc Cuong; Park, Jong-Hyeon; Ha, Na Young; Kim, Seung-Joo; Ko, Seung Hwan; Lee, Soonil; Lee, Daeho; Park, Hui Joon

2016-01-01

In this work, we report on solution-based p-i-n-type planar-structured CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite photovoltaic (PV) cells, in which precrystallized NiO nanoparticles (NPs) without post-treatment are used to form a hole transport layer (HTL). X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed the crystallinity of the NPs, and atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the uniform surfaces of the resultant NiO thin film and the subsequent perovskite photoactive layer. Compared to the conventional poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) HTL, the NiO HTL had excellent energy-level alignment with that of CH3NH3PbI3 and improved electron-blocking capability, as analyzed by photoelectron spectroscopy and diode modeling, resulting in Voc ~0.13 V higher than conventional PEDOT:PSS-based devices. Consequently, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.4% with a high fill factor (FF, 0.74), short-circuit current density (Jsc, 20.2 mA·cm−2), and open circuit voltage (Voc, 1.04 V) having negligible hysteresis and superior air stability has been achieved. PMID:27465263

Microscopy and microanalysis 1996

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bailey, G.W.; Corbett, J.M.; Dimlich, R.V.W.

1996-12-31

The Proceedings of this Annual Meeting contain paper of members from the three societies. These proceedings emphasizes the common research interests and attempts to eliminate some unwanted overlap. Topics covered are: microscopic analysis of animals with altered gene expression and in-situ gene and antibody localizations, high-resolution elemental mapping of nucleoprofein interactions, plant biology and pathology, quantitative HREM analysis of perfect and defected materials, computational methods for TEM image analysis, high-resolution FESM in materials research, frontiers in polymer microscopy and microanalysis, oxidation and corrosion, micro XRD and XRF, molecular microspectroscopy and spectral imaging, advances in confocal and multidimensional light microscopy, analyticalmore » electron microscopy in biology, correlative microscopy in biological sciences, grain-boundary microengineering, surfaces and interfaces, telepresence microscopy in education and research, MSA educational outreach, quantitative electron probe microanalysis, frontiers of analytical electron microscopy, critical issues in ceramic microstructures, dynamic organization of the cell, pathology, microbiology, high-resolution biological and cryo SEM, and scanning-probe microscopy.« less

Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity toward Organic Pollutants Degradation and Mechanism Insight of Novel CQDs/Bi₂O₂CO₃ Composite.

PubMed

Zhang, Zisheng; Lin, Shuanglong; Li, Xingang; Li, Hong; Zhang, Tong; Cui, Wenquan

2018-05-15

Novel carbon quantum dots (CQDs) modified with Bi₂O₂CO₃ (CQDs/Bi₂O₂CO₃) were prepared using a simple dynamic-adsorption precipitation method. X-ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to test the material composition, structure, and band structures of the as-prepared samples. Methylene blue (MB) and colorless phenol, as target organic pollutants, were used to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of the CQDs/Bi₂O₂CO₃ hybrid materials under visible light irradiation. Experimental investigation shows that 2⁻5 nm CQDs were uniformly decorated on the surface of Bi₂O₂CO₃; CQDs/Bi₂O₂CO₃ possess an efficient photocatalytic performance, and the organic matter removal rate of methylene blue and phenol can reach up to 94.45% and 61.46% respectively, within 2 h. In addition, the degradation analysis of phenol by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) proved that there are no other impurities in the degradation process. Photoelectrochemical testing proved that the introduction of CQDs (electron acceptor) effectively suppresses the recombination of e - -h⁺, and promotes charge transfer. Quenching experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) suggested that ·OH, h⁺, and ·O₂ - were involved in the photocatalytic degradation process. These results suggested that the up-conversion function of CQDs could improve the electron transfer and light absorption ability of photocatalysts and ·O₂ - formation. Furthermore, the up-conversion function of CQDs would help maintain photocatalytic stability. Finally, the photocatalytic degradation mechanism was proposed according to the above experimental result.

Scanning Electron Microscopic Hair Shaft Analysis in Ectodermal Dysplasia Syndromes.

PubMed

Hirano-Ali, Stefanie A; Reed, Ashley M; Rowan, Brandon J; Sorrells, Timothy; Williams, Judith V; Pariser, David M; Hood, Antoinette F; Salkey, Kimberly

2015-01-01

The objective of the current study was to catalog hair shaft abnormalities in individuals with ectodermal dysplasia (ED) syndromes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and to compare the findings with those in unaffected controls. This is the second of a two-part study, the first of which used light microscopy as the modality and was previously published. Scanning electron microscopy was performed in a blinded manner on hair shafts from 65 subjects with seven types of ED syndromes and 41 unaffected control subjects. Assessment was performed along the length of the shaft and in cross section. Hair donations were collected at the 28th Annual National Family Conference held by the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasia. Control subjects were recruited from a private dermatology practice and an academic children's hospital outpatient dermatology clinic. SEM identified various pathologic hair shaft abnormalities in each type of ED and in control patients. When hairs with all types of ED were grouped together and compared with those of control patients, the difference in the presence of small diameter and shallow and deep grooves was statistically significant (p < 0.05). When the EDs were separated according to subtype, statistically significant findings were also seen. SEM is a possible adjuvant tool in the diagnosis of ED syndromes. There are significant differences, with high specificity, between the hairs of individuals with ED and those of control subjects and between subtypes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Microfluidic device for a rapid immobilization of zebrafish larvae in environmental scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Akagi, Jin; Zhu, Feng; Skommer, Joanna; Hall, Chris J; Crosier, Philip S; Cialkowski, Michal; Wlodkowic, Donald

2015-03-01

Small vertebrate model organisms have recently gained popularity as attractive experimental models that enhance our understanding of human tissue and organ development. Despite a large body of evidence using optical spectroscopy for the characterization of small model organism on chip-based devices, no attempts have been so far made to interface microfabricated technologies with environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Conventional scanning electron microscopy requires high vacuum environments and biological samples must be, therefore, submitted to many preparative procedures to dehydrate, fix, and subsequently stain the sample with gold-palladium deposition. This process is inherently low-throughput and can introduce many analytical artifacts. This work describes a proof-of-concept microfluidic chip-based system for immobilizing zebrafish larvae for ESEM imaging that is performed in a gaseous atmosphere, under low vacuum mode and without any need for sample staining protocols. The microfabricated technology provides a user-friendly and simple interface to perform ESEM imaging on zebrafish larvae. Presented lab-on-a-chip device was fabricated using a high-speed infrared laser micromachining in a biocompatible poly(methyl methacrylate) thermoplastic. It consisted of a reservoir with multiple semispherical microwells designed to hold the yolk of dechorionated zebrafish larvae. Immobilization of the larvae was achieved by a gentle suction generated during blotting of the medium. Trapping region allowed for multiple specimens to be conveniently positioned on the chip-based device within few minutes for ESEM imaging. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

Microelectrode for energy and current control of nanotip field electron emitters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lüneburg, S.; Müller, M.; Paarmann, A.; Ernstorfer, R.

2013-11-01

Emerging experiments and applications in electron microscopy, holography, and diffraction benefit from miniaturized electron guns for compact experimental setups. We present a highly compact microelectrode integrated field emitter that consists of a tungsten nanotip coated with a few micrometers thick polyimide film followed by a several nanometers thick gold film, both positioned behind the exposed emitter apex by approximately 10-30 μm. The control of the electric field strength at the nanometer scale tip apex allows suppression, extraction, and energy tuning of field-emitted electrons. The performance of the microelectrode is demonstrated experimentally and supported by numerical simulations.

Effect of Interfacial characteristics of metal clad polymeric substrates on electrical high frequency interconnection performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhasin, K. B.; Romanofsky, R. R.; Ponchak, G. E.; Liu, D. C.

1984-01-01

Etched metallic conductor lines on metal clad polymeric substrates are used for electronic component interconnections. Significant signal losses are observed for microstrip conductor lines used for interconnecting high frequency devices. At these frequencies, the electronic signal travels closer to the metal-polymer interface due to the skin effect. Copper-teflon interfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) to determine the interfacial properties. Data relating roughness of the copper film to signal losses was compared to theory. Films used to enhance adhesion are found, to contribute to these losses.

Ultrafast structural and electronic dynamics of the metallic phase in a layered manganite

PubMed Central

Piazza, L.; Ma, C.; Yang, H. X.; Mann, A.; Zhu, Y.; Li, J. Q.; Carbone, F.

2013-01-01

The transition between different states in manganites can be driven by various external stimuli. Controlling these transitions with light opens the possibility to investigate the microscopic path through which they evolve. We performed femtosecond (fs) transmission electron microscopy on a bi-layered manganite to study its response to ultrafast photoexcitation. We show that a photoinduced temperature jump launches a pressure wave that provokes coherent oscillations of the lattice parameters, detected via ultrafast electron diffraction. Their impact on the electronic structure are monitored via ultrafast electron energy loss spectroscopy, revealing the dynamics of the different orbitals in response to specific structural distortions. PMID:26913564

Spatially Resolved Nano-Scale Characterization of Electronic States in SrTiO3(001) Surfaces by STM/STS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwaya, Katsuya; Ohsawa, Takeo; Shimizu, Ryota; Hashizume, Tomihiro; Hitosugi, Taro

2012-02-01

We have performed low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) measurements on TiO2-terminated SrTiO3(001) thin film surfaces. The conductance map exhibited electronic modulations that were completely different from the surface structure. We also found that the electronic modulations were strongly dependent on temperature and the density of atomic defects associated with oxygen vacancies. These results suggest the existence of strongly correlated two-dimensional electronic states near the SrTiO3 surface, implying the importance of electron correlation at the interfaces of SrTiO3-related heterostructures.

Tissue and cellular localization of tannins in Tunisian dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) by light and transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Hammouda, Hédi; Alvarado, Camille; Bouchet, Brigitte; Kalthoum-Chérif, Jamila; Trabelsi-Ayadi, Malika; Guyot, Sylvain

2014-07-16

A histological approach including light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to provide accurate information on the localization of condensed tannins in the edible tissues and in the stone of date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.). Light microscopy was carried out on fresh tissues after staining by 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMACA) for a specific detection of condensed tannins. Thus, whether under light microscopy or transmission electron microscopy (TEM), results showed that tannins are not located in the epidermis but more deeply in the mesocarp in the vacuole of very large cells. Regarding the stones, tannins are found in a specific cell layer located at 50 μm from the sclereid cells of the testa.

Si@SiOx/Graphene nanosheet anode materials for lithium-ion batteries synthesized by ball milling process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tie, Xiaoyong; Han, Qianyan; Liang, Chunyan; Li, Bo; Zai, Jiantao; Qian, Xuefeng

2017-12-01

Si@SiOx/Graphene nanosheet (GNS) nanocomposites as high performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries are synthesized by mechanically blending the mixture of expanded graphite with Si nanoparticles, and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrum, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. During the ball milling process, the size of Si nanoparticles will decrease, and the layer of expanded graphite can be peeled off to thin multilayers. Electrochemical performances reveal that the obtained Si@SiOx/GNS nanocomposites exhibit improved cycling stability, high reversible lithium storage capacity and superior rate capability, e.g. the discharge capacity is kept as high as 1055 mAh g-1 within 50 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g-1, retaining 63.6% of the initial value. The high performance of the obtained nanocomposites can be ascribed to GNS prepared through heat-treat and ball-milling methods, the decrease in the size of Si nanoparticles and SiOx layer on Si surface, which enhance the interactions between Si and GNS.

Ultra-fine Pt nanoparticles on graphene aerogel as a porous electrode with high stability for microfluidic methanol fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwok, Y. H.; Tsang, Alpha C. H.; Wang, Yifei; Leung, Dennis Y. C.

2017-05-01

Platinum-decorated graphene aerogel as a porous electrode for flow-through direct methanol microfluidic fuel cell is introduced. Ultra-fine platinum nanoparticles with size ranged from diameter 1.5 nm-3 nm are evenly anchored on the graphene nanosheets without agglomeration. The electrode is characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Catalytic activity is confirmed by cyclic voltammetry. The electroactive surface area and catalytic activity of platinum on graphene oxide (Pt/GO) are much larger than commercial platinum on carbon black (Pt/C). A counterflow microfluidic fuel cell is designed for contrasting the cell performance between flow-over type and flow-through type electrodes using Pt/C on carbon paper and Pt/GO, respectively. The Pt/GO electrode shows 358% increment in specific power compared with Pt/C anode. Apart from catalytic activity, the effect of porous electrode conductivity to cell performance is also studied. The conductivity of the porous electrode should be further enhanced to achieve higher cell performance.

Congenital myopathy associated with the triadin knockout syndrome

PubMed Central

Redhage, Keeley R.; Tester, David J.; Ackerman, Michael J.; Selcen, Duygu

2017-01-01

Objective: Triadin is a component of the calcium release complex of cardiac and skeletal muscle. Our objective was to analyze the skeletal muscle phenotype of the triadin knockout syndrome. Methods: We performed clinical evaluation, analyzed morphologic features by light and electron microscopy, and immunolocalized triadin in skeletal muscle. Results: A 6-year-old boy with lifelong muscle weakness had a triadin knockout syndrome caused by compound heterozygous null mutations in triadin. Light microscopy of a deltoid muscle specimen shows multiple small abnormal spaces in all muscle fibers. Triadin immunoreactivity is absent from type 1 fibers and barely detectable in type 2 fibers. Electron microscopy reveals focally distributed dilation and degeneration of the lateral cisterns of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and loss of the triadin anchors from the preserved lateral cisterns. Conclusions: Absence of triadin in humans can result in a congenital myopathy associated with profound pathologic alterations in components of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Why only some triadin-deficient patients develop a skeletal muscle phenotype remains an unsolved question. PMID:28202702

Nanospheres Encapsulating Anti-Leishmanial Drugs for Their Specific Macrophage Targeting, Reduced Toxicity, and Deliberate Intracellular Release

PubMed Central

Shukla, Anil Kumar; Patra, Sanjukta

2012-01-01

Abstract The current work focuses on the study of polymeric, biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) for the encapsulation of doxorubicin and mitomycin C (anti-leishmanial drugs), and their efficient delivery to macrophages, the parasite's home. The biodegradable polymer methoxypoly-(ethylene glycol)-b-poly (lactic acid) (MPEG-PLA) was used to prepare polymeric NPs encapsulating doxorubicin and mitomycin C. The morphology, mean diameter, and surface area of spherical NPs were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and BET surface area analysis. X-ray diffraction was performed to validate drug encapsulation. An in vitro release profile of the drugs suggested a fairly slow release. These polymeric NPs were efficiently capable of releasing drug inside macrophages at a slower pace than the free drug, which was monitored by epi-fluorescence microscopy. Encapsulation of doxorubicin and mitomycin C into NPs also decreases cellular toxicity in mouse macrophages (J774.1A). PMID:22925019

Growth and microstructural investigation of multiwall carbon nanotubes fabricated using electrodeposited nickel nanodeposits and chemical vapor deposition method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zanganeh, Navid; Rajabi, Armin; Torabi, Morteza; Allahkarami, Masoud; Moghaddas, Arshak; Sadrnezhaad, S. K.

2014-09-01

This study proposes a common approach for growing multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on nickel nanodeposits. MWCNT growth was performed in two separate stages. In the first stage, nickel nanodeposits were electrodeposited on n-Si(1 1 1):H substrate in the presence of sulfuric acid. Based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) observations, the nickel deposits had a fairly polygonal morphology and were distributed on the prepared n-Si(1 1 1):H substrate. In the second stage, acetylene gas was decomposed on the surfaces of the nickel nanodeposits using chemical vapor deposition method at 700 °C. When carbon is saturated in a catalyst, it acts as a primary nucleating element for MWCNT growth. The structure of the MWCNTs was also investigated using scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. Results showed that the synthesized MWCNTs had a small wall thickness and were formed under the experimental conditions applied to the system.

Fitting Multimeric Protein Complexes into Electron Microscopy Maps Using 3D Zernike Descriptors

PubMed Central

Esquivel-Rodríguez, Juan; Kihara, Daisuke

2012-01-01

A novel computational method for fitting high-resolution structures of multiple proteins into a cryoelectron microscopy map is presented. The method named EMLZerD generates a pool of candidate multiple protein docking conformations of component proteins, which are later compared with a provided electron microscopy (EM) density map to select the ones that fit well into the EM map. The comparison of docking conformations and the EM map is performed using the 3D Zernike descriptor (3DZD), a mathematical series expansion of three-dimensional functions. The 3DZD provides a unified representation of the surface shape of multimeric protein complex models and EM maps, which allows a convenient, fast quantitative comparison of the three dimensional structural data. Out of 19 multimeric complexes tested, near native complex structures with a root mean square deviation of less than 2.5 Å were obtained for 14 cases while medium range resolution structures with correct topology were computed for the additional 5 cases. PMID:22417139

Fitting multimeric protein complexes into electron microscopy maps using 3D Zernike descriptors.

PubMed

Esquivel-Rodríguez, Juan; Kihara, Daisuke

2012-06-14

A novel computational method for fitting high-resolution structures of multiple proteins into a cryoelectron microscopy map is presented. The method named EMLZerD generates a pool of candidate multiple protein docking conformations of component proteins, which are later compared with a provided electron microscopy (EM) density map to select the ones that fit well into the EM map. The comparison of docking conformations and the EM map is performed using the 3D Zernike descriptor (3DZD), a mathematical series expansion of three-dimensional functions. The 3DZD provides a unified representation of the surface shape of multimeric protein complex models and EM maps, which allows a convenient, fast quantitative comparison of the three-dimensional structural data. Out of 19 multimeric complexes tested, near native complex structures with a root-mean-square deviation of less than 2.5 Å were obtained for 14 cases while medium range resolution structures with correct topology were computed for the additional 5 cases.

Liquid scanning transmission electron microscopy: imaging protein complexes in their native environment in whole eukaryotic cells.

PubMed

Peckys, Diana B; de Jonge, Niels

2014-04-01

Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) of specimens in liquid, so-called Liquid STEM, is capable of imaging the individual subunits of macromolecular complexes in whole eukaryotic cells in liquid. This paper discusses this new microscopy modality within the context of state-of-the-art microscopy of cells. The principle of operation and equations for the resolution are described. The obtained images are different from those acquired with standard transmission electron microscopy showing the cellular ultrastructure. Instead, contrast is obtained on specific labels. Images can be recorded in two ways, either via STEM at 200 keV electron beam energy using a microfluidic chamber enclosing the cells, or via environmental scanning electron microscopy at 30 keV of cells in a wet environment. The first series of experiments involved the epidermal growth factor receptor labeled with gold nanoparticles. The labels were imaged in whole fixed cells with nanometer resolution. Since the cells can be kept alive in the microfluidic chamber, it is also feasible to detect the labels in unfixed, live cells. The rapid sample preparation and imaging allows studies of multiple whole cells.

Advanced Nanoscale Thin Film & Bulk Materials Towards Thermoelectric Power Conversion Efficiencies of 30%

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-27

Electron Microscopy. Detailed Kronig -Penny (K-P)) modeling of electron transport through these superlattices suggests an estimated e-h transition energy...superalttices was confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy. Detailed Kronig -Penny (K-P)) modeling of electron transport through these superlattices

Janus graphene oxide nanosheet: A promising additive for enhancement of polymeric membranes performance prepared via phase inversion.

PubMed

Akbari, Mahdi; Shariaty-Niassar, Mojtaba; Matsuura, Takeshi; Ismail, Ahmad Fauzi

2018-10-01

Although polymeric membranes find important role in water and waste water treatment in recent years, their fouling is still an important problem. Application of hydrophilic nanoparticles (NPs) is one of the proposed methods for reducing fouling of membranes but their dispersion and stability in hydrophobic polymer matrix is challenging. In this study Janus functionalization of the NPs was introduced as a promising technique toward achieving this goal. Polysulfone (PSf) membranes containing various concentrations of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets and Janus graphene oxide (Janus GO) nanosheets (as additives) were fabricated via phase inversion. The synthesized nanosheets were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The prepared membranes also were then characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle (CA), water uptake, porosity, mean pore size and casting solution viscosity. The membrane performance was also tested by determining pure water flux (PWF), bovine serum albumin (BSA) separation, flux reduction by fouling and flux recovery. CA reduced from 85° to 68° and PWF increased from 23.15 L/m 2  h to 230.61 L/m 2  h for PSF and Janus GO nanosheets containing membrane, respectively. Also investigation of antifouling performance of membranes revealed that membrane with the 1 wt.% of Janus GO nanosheets had higher water flux recovery ratio (FRR) and lower irreversible fouling (R ir ) of 84% and 16%, respectively. These improvements were attributed to the better dispersion and stability of Janus GO nanosheets in the prepared mixed matrix membranes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New modes of electron microscopy for materials science enabled by fast direct electron detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minor, Andrew

There is an ongoing revolution in the development of electron detector technology that has enabled modes of electron microscopy imaging that had only before been theorized. The age of electron microscopy as a tool for imaging is quickly giving way to a new frontier of multidimensional datasets to be mined. These improvements in electron detection have enabled cryo-electron microscopy to resolve the three-dimensional structures of non-crystalized proteins, revolutionizing structural biology. In the physical sciences direct electron detectors has enabled four-dimensional reciprocal space maps of materials at atomic resolution, providing all the structural information about nanoscale materials in one experiment. This talk will highlight the impact of direct electron detectors for materials science, including a new method of scanning nanobeam diffraction. With faster detectors we can take a series of 2D diffraction patterns at each position in a 2D STEM raster scan resulting in a four-dimensional data set. For thin film analysis, direct electron detectors hold the potential to enable strain, polarization, composition and electrical field mapping over relatively large fields of view, all from a single experiment.

Three-Dimensional Intercalated Porous Graphene on Si(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pham, Trung T.; Sporken, Robert

2018-02-01

Three-dimensional intercalated porous graphene has been formed on Si(111) by electron beam evaporation under appropriate conditions and its structural and electronic properties investigated in detail by reflection high-energy electron diffraction, x-ray photoemission spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy. The results show that the crystalline quality of the porous graphene depended not only on the substrate temperature but also on the SiC layer thickness during carbon atom deposition.

Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy | Materials Science | NREL

Science.gov Websites

mode by collecting the EDS and EELS signals point-by-point as one scans the electron probe across the . Examples of Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Capabilities Z-contrast image microphoto taken by

Microwave-accelerated cytochemical stains for the image analysis and the electron microscopic examination of light microscopy diagnostic slides.

PubMed

Hanker, J; Giammara, B

1993-01-01

Recent studies in our laboratories have shown how microwave (MW) irradiation can accelerate a number of tissue-processing techniques, especially staining, to aid in the preparation of single specimens on glass microscope slides or coverslips for examination by light microscopy (and electron microscopy, if required) for diagnostic purposes. Techniques have been developed, which give permanently stained preparations, that can be studied initially by light microscopy, their areas of interest mapped, and computer-automated image analysis performed to obtain quantitative information. This is readily performed after MW-accelerated staining with silver methenamine by the Giammara-Hanker PATS or PATS-TS reaction. This variation of the PAS reaction gives excellent markers for specific infectious agents such as lipopolysaccharides for gram-negative bacteria or mannans for fungi. It is also an excellent stain for glycogen and basement membranes and an excellent marker for type III collagen or reticulin in the endoneurium or perineurium of peripheral nerve or in the capillary walls. Our improved MW-accelerated Feulgen reaction with silver methenamine for nuclear DNA is useful to show the nuclei of bacteria and fungi as well as of cells they are infecting. Improved coating and penetration of tissue surfaces by thiocarbohydrazide bridging of ruthenium red, applied under MW-acceleration, render biologic specimens sufficiently conductive for SEM so that sputter coating with gold is unnecessary. The specimens treated with these highly visible electron-opaque stains can be screened with the light microscope after mounting in polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the structures or areas selected for EM study are mapped with a Micro-Locator slide. After removal of the water soluble PEG the specimens are remounted in the usual EM media for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study of the mapped areas. By comparing duplicate smears from areas of infection, such as two coverslips of buffy coat smears of blood from a patient with septicemia, the microorganisms responsible can occasionally be classified for antimicrobial therapy long before culture results are available; gram-negative bacteria are positive with the Giammara-Hanker PATS-TS stain, and gram-positive bacteria are positive with the SIGMA HT40 Gram stain. The gram-positive as well as gram-negative bacteria are both initially stained by the crystal violet component of the Gram stain. The crystal violet stain is readily removed from the gram-negative (but not the gram-positive) bacteria when the specimens are rinsed with alcohol/acetone. If this rinse step is omitted, the crystal violet remains attached to both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. It can then be rendered insoluble, electron-opaque, and conductive by treatment with silver methenamine solution under MW-irradiation. This metallized crystal violet is a more effective silver stain than the PATS-TS stain for a number of gram-negative spirochetes such as Treponema pallidum, the microbe that causes syphilis.

Diagnostic electron microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dickersin, G.R.

1988-01-01

In this book the author presents a comprehensive reference text on diagnostic electron microscopy. Throughout the book he illustrates how ultrastructural identification can be helpful for the recognition of cell type and the identification of mechanisms of pathogenesis in various diseases. In addition to electron microscopy photographs, there are also numerous light microscopy photographs for comparison. This text presents the classification of neoplasms in the order and arrangement most familiar to the pathologist. Contents: Introduction; Diagram of a Normal Cell; Normal Cell Function; Embryology; Neoplasms; Infectious Agents; Metabolic Diseases; Renal Diseases; Skeletal Muscle and Peripheral Nerve Diseases; Index.

HALE STAIN FOR SIALIC ACID-CONTAINING MUCINS. ADAPTATION TO ELECTRON MICROSCOPY.

PubMed

GASIC, G; BERWICK, L

1963-10-01

The feasibility of using the Hale stain to identify cellular sialic acid-containing mucins by electron microscopy was investigated. Three kinds of mouse ascites tumor cells were fixed in neutral buffered formalin, exposed to fresh colloidal ferric oxide, treated with potassium ferrocyanide, imbedded in Selectron, and sectioned for electron microscopy. Additional staining with uranyl acetate and potassium permanganate was done after sectioning in order to increase contrast. Those cells known to be coated with sialomucin showed deposits of electron-opaque ferric ferrocyanide crystals in the areas where sialomucin concentrations were expected. When these cells were treated with neuraminidase beforehand, these deposits did not appear. It was concluded that, with the precautions and modifications described, the Hale stain can be successfully combined with electron microscopy to identify sialomucin.

Perspectives on in situ electron microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zheng, Haimei; Zhu, Yimei

In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with the ability to reveal materials dynamic processes with high spatial and temporal resolution has attracted significant interest. The recent advances in in situ methods, including liquid and gas sample environment, pump-probe ultrafast microscopy, nanomechanics and ferroelectric domain switching the aberration corrected electron optics as well as fast electron detector has opened new opportunities to extend the impact of in situ TEM in broad areas of research ranging from materials science to chemistry, physics and biology. Here in this paper, we highlight the development of liquid environment electron microscopy and its applications in themore » study of colloidal nanoparticle growth, electrochemical processes and others; in situ study of topological vortices in ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials. At the end, perspectives of future in situ TEM are provided.« less

Perspectives on in situ electron microscopy

DOE PAGES

Zheng, Haimei; Zhu, Yimei

2017-03-29

In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with the ability to reveal materials dynamic processes with high spatial and temporal resolution has attracted significant interest. The recent advances in in situ methods, including liquid and gas sample environment, pump-probe ultrafast microscopy, nanomechanics and ferroelectric domain switching the aberration corrected electron optics as well as fast electron detector has opened new opportunities to extend the impact of in situ TEM in broad areas of research ranging from materials science to chemistry, physics and biology. Here in this paper, we highlight the development of liquid environment electron microscopy and its applications in themore » study of colloidal nanoparticle growth, electrochemical processes and others; in situ study of topological vortices in ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials. At the end, perspectives of future in situ TEM are provided.« less

Cryo-Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM)-in-SEM for Bio- and Organo-Mineral Interface Characterization in the Environment.

PubMed

Wille, Guillaume; Hellal, Jennifer; Ollivier, Patrick; Richard, Annie; Burel, Agnes; Jolly, Louis; Crampon, Marc; Michel, Caroline

2017-12-01

Understanding biofilm interactions with surrounding substratum and pollutants/particles can benefit from the application of existing microscopy tools. Using the example of biofilm interactions with zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI), this study aims to apply various approaches in biofilm preparation and labeling for fluorescent or electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) microanalysis for accurate observations. According to the targeted microscopy method, biofilms were sampled as flocs or attached biofilm, submitted to labeling using 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindol, lectins PNA and ConA coupled to fluorescent dye or gold nanoparticles, and prepared for observation (fixation, cross-section, freezing, ultramicrotomy). Fluorescent microscopy revealed that nZVI were embedded in the biofilm structure as aggregates but the resolution was insufficient to observe individual nZVI. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations showed nZVI aggregates close to bacteria, but it was not possible to confirm direct interactions between nZVI and cell membranes. Scanning transmission electron microscopy in the SEM (STEM-in-SEM) showed that nZVI aggregates could enter the biofilm to a depth of 7-11 µm. Bacteria were surrounded by a ring of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) preventing direct nZVI/membrane interactions. STEM/EDS mapping revealed a co-localization of nZVI aggregates with lectins suggesting a potential role of EPS in nZVI embedding. Thus, the combination of divergent microscopy approaches is a good approach to better understand and characterize biofilm/metal interactions.

Alteration of TiC in Supernovae Outflows: Transmission Electron Microscopy Study of TiC Subgrains in Supernovae Graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daulton, T. L.; Bernatowicz, T. J.; Croat, T. K.

2009-03-01

TiC and metal subgrains within supernovae graphites often exhibit rims suggesting alteration prior to encapsulation in the graphite. Detailed TEM microcharacterizations of the rimmed grains are performed to determine the mechanism of rim formation.

77 FR 41188 - Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee (CLIAC)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-12

... technological advances, such as new test methods and the electronic transmission of laboratory information... potential need for educational materials and resources for sites that test under a Provider-performed Microscopy Certificate; and the increased use of culture-independent microbiology diagnostics and the impact...

Clostridium perfringens bacteriophages FCP39O and FCP26F: genomic organization and proteomic analysis of the virions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Initial screening for bacteriophages lytic for Clostridium perfringens was performed utilizing filtered samples obtained from poultry (intestinal material), soil, sewage and poultry processing drainage water. Lytic phage preparations were initially characterized by transmission electron microscopy ...

The effects of cold work on the microstructure and mechanical properties of intermetallic strengthened alumina-forming austenitic stainless steels

DOE PAGES

Hu, Bin; Baker, Ian; Miller, Michael K.; ...

2015-06-12

In order to achieve energy conversion efficiencies of >50 pct for steam turbines/boilers in power generation systems, materials are required that are both strong and corrosion-resistant at >973 K (700 °C), and economically viable. Austenitic steels strengthened with Laves phase, NiAl and Ni 3Al precipitates, and alloyed with aluminum to improve oxidation resistance, are potential candidate materials for these applications. The microstructure and microchemistry of recently developed alumina-forming austenitic stainless steels have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Different thermo-mechanical treatments were performed on these steels to improve their mechanical performance. These reducedmore » the grain size significantly to the nanoscale (~100 nm) and the room temperature yield strength to above 1000 MPa. Lastly, a solutionizing anneal at 1473 K (1200 °C) was found to be effective for uniformly redistributing the Laves phase precipitates that form upon casting.« less

MoS2 /Carbon Nanotube Core-Shell Nanocomposites for Enhanced Nonlinear Optical Performance.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaoyan; Selkirk, Andrew; Zhang, Saifeng; Huang, Jiawei; Li, Yuanxin; Xie, Yafeng; Dong, Ningning; Cui, Yun; Zhang, Long; Blau, Werner J; Wang, Jun

2017-03-08

Nanocomposites of layered MoS 2 and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with core-shell structure were prepared by a simple solvothermal method. The formation of MoS 2 nanosheets on the surface of coaxial CNTs has been confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, absorption spectrum, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Enhanced third-order nonlinear optical performances were observed for both femtosecond and nanosecond laser pulses over a broad wavelength range from the visible to the near infrared, compared to those of MoS 2 and CNTs alone. The enhancement can be ascribed to the strong coupling effect and the photoinduced charge transfer between MoS 2 and CNTs. This work affords an efficient way to fabricate novel CNTs based nanocomposites for enhanced nonlinear light-matter interaction. The versatile nonlinear properties imply a huge potential of the nanocomposites in the development of nanophotonic devices, such as mode-lockers, optical limiters, or optical switches. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Luminescent properties under X-ray excitation of Ba(1-x)PbxWO4 disordered solid solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakiz, B.; Hallaoui, A.; Taoufyq, A.; Benlhachemi, A.; Guinneton, F.; Villain, S.; Ezahri, M.; Valmalette, J.-C.; Arab, M.; Gavarri, J.-R.

2018-02-01

A series of polycrystalline barium-lead tungstate Ba1-xPbxWO4 with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 was synthesized using a classical solid-state method with thermal treatment at 1000 °C. These materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Raman (FT-Raman) spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction profile analyses were performed using Rietveld method. These materials crystallized in the scheelite tetragonal structure and behaved as quasi ideal solid solution. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of the solid solution. Structural distortions were evidenced in X-ray diffraction profiles and in vibration Raman spectra. The scanning electron microscopy experiments showed large and rounded irregular grains. Luminescence experiments were performed under X-ray excitation. The luminescence emission profiles have been interpreted in terms of four Gaussian components, with a major contribution of blue emission. The integrated intensity of luminescence reached a maximum value in the composition range x = 0.3-0.6, in relation with distortions of crystal lattice.

Cross-linked lysozyme crystal templated synthesis of Au nanoparticles as high-performance recyclable catalysts.

PubMed

Liang, Miao; Wang, Libing; Liu, Xia; Qi, Wei; Su, Rongxin; Huang, Renliang; Yu, Yanjun; He, Zhimin

2013-06-21

Bio-nanomaterials fabricated using a bioinspired templating technique represent a novel class of composite materials with diverse applications in biomedical, electronic devices, drug delivery, and catalysis. In this study, Au nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized within the solvent channels of cross-linked lysozyme crystals (CLLCs) in situ without the introduction of extra chemical reagents or physical treatments. The as-prepared AuNPs-in-protein crystal hybrid materials are characterized by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. Small AuNPs with narrow size distribution reveal the restriction effects of the porous structure in the lysozyme crystals. These composite materials are proven to be active heterogeneous catalysts for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol. These catalysts can be easily recovered and reused at least 20 times because of the physical stability and macro-dimension of CLLCs. This work is the first to use CLLCs as a solid biotemplate for the preparation of recyclable high-performance catalysts.

Synthesis, characterization and adsorption properties of magnetite/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites.

PubMed

Qi, Tingting; Huang, Chenchen; Yan, Shan; Li, Xiu-Juan; Pan, Si-Yi

2015-11-01

Three kinds of magnetite/reduced graphene oxide (MRGO) nanocomposites were prepared by solvothermal, hydrothermal and co-precipitation methods. The as-prepared nanocomposites were characterized and compared by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and zeta potential. The results showed that MRGO made by different methods differed in surface functional groups, crystal structure, particle sizes, surface morphology and surface charge. Due to their unlike features, these nanocomposites displayed dissimilar performances when they were used to adsorb drugs, dyes and metal ions. The MRGO prepared by the co-precipitation method showed special adsorption ability to negative ions, but those synthesized by the solvothermal method obtained the best extraction ability and reusability to the others and showed a good prospective in magnetic solid-phase extraction. Therefore, it is highly recommended to use the right preparation method before application in order to attain the best extraction performance. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrodeposition of Rhodium Nanowires Arrays and Their Morphology-Dependent Hydrogen Evolution Activity

PubMed Central

Zhang, Liqiu; Liu, Lichun; Wang, Hongdan; Shen, Hongxia; Cheng, Qiong; Yan, Chao; Park, Sungho

2017-01-01

This work reports on the electrodeposition of rhodium (Rh) nanowires with a controlled surface morphology synthesized using an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template. Vertically aligned Rh nanowires with a smooth and coarse morphology were successfully deposited by adjusting the electrode potential and the concentration of precursor ions and by involving a complexing reagent in the electrolyte solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses were used to follow the morphological evolution of Rh nanowires. As a heterogeneous electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), the coarse Rh nanowire array exhibited an enhanced catalytic performance respect to smooth ones due to the larger surface area to mass ratio and the higher density of catalytically active defects, as evidenced by voltammetric measurements and TEM. Results suggest that the morphology of metallic nanomaterials could be readily engineered by electrodeposition. The controlled electrodeposition offers great potential for the development of an effective synthesis tool for heterogeneous catalysts with a superior performance for wide applications. PMID:28467375

Cross-linked lysozyme crystal templated synthesis of Au nanoparticles as high-performance recyclable catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Miao; Wang, Libing; Liu, Xia; Qi, Wei; Su, Rongxin; Huang, Renliang; Yu, Yanjun; He, Zhimin

2013-06-01

Bio-nanomaterials fabricated using a bioinspired templating technique represent a novel class of composite materials with diverse applications in biomedical, electronic devices, drug delivery, and catalysis. In this study, Au nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized within the solvent channels of cross-linked lysozyme crystals (CLLCs) in situ without the introduction of extra chemical reagents or physical treatments. The as-prepared AuNPs-in-protein crystal hybrid materials are characterized by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. Small AuNPs with narrow size distribution reveal the restriction effects of the porous structure in the lysozyme crystals. These composite materials are proven to be active heterogeneous catalysts for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol. These catalysts can be easily recovered and reused at least 20 times because of the physical stability and macro-dimension of CLLCs. This work is the first to use CLLCs as a solid biotemplate for the preparation of recyclable high-performance catalysts.

Electrochemical performance of a thermally rearranged polybenzoxazole nanocomposite membrane as a separator for lithium-ion batteries at elevated temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Moon Joo; Hwang, Jun-Ki; Kim, Ji Hoon; Lim, Hyung-Seok; Sun, Yang-Kook; Suh, Kyung-Do; Lee, Young Moo

2016-02-01

Shape-tunable hydroxyl copolyimide (HPI) nanoparticles are fabricated by a re-precipitation method and are coated onto electrospun HPI membranes, followed by heat treatment to prepare thermally rearranged polybenzoxazole (TR-PBO) composite membranes. The morphology of HPI nanoparticles consisted of sphere and sea-squirt structures, which is controlled by changing the concentration of the stabilizer. The morphological characteristics of TR-PBO nanoparticles convert from HPI nanoparticles by heat treatment and their composite membranes is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis, and contact angle measurements. TGA and DSC measurements confirm the excellent thermal stability compared to Celgard, a commercial PP separator for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Further, TR-PBO nano-composite membranes used in coin-cell type LIBs as a separator show excellent high power density performance as compared to Celgard. This is due to the fact that sea-squirt structured nanoparticles have better electrochemical properties than sphere structured nanoparticles at high temperature.

Template-Free Synthesis and Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of Uniform BiOCI Flower-Like Microspheres.

PubMed

Chang, Fei; Xie, Yunchao; Chen, Juan; Luo, Jieru; Li, Chenlu; Hu, Xuefeng; Xu, Bin

2015-02-01

Preparation of uniform BiOCI flower-like microspheres was facilely accomplished through a sim- ple protocol involving regulation of pH value in aqueous with sodium hydroxide in the presence of n-propanol. The as-prepared samples were characterized by a collection of techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. Based upon the SEM analyses, uniform microspheres could be formed with coexistence of some fragments of BiOCI nanosheets without n-propanol. The addition of appropriate amount of n-propanol was beneficial to provide BiOCI samples containing only flower-like microspheres, which were further subjected to the photocatalytic measurements towards Rhodamine B in aqueous under visible light irradiation and exhibited the best catalytic performance among all samples tested. In addition, the photocatalytic process was confirmed to undergo through a photosensitization pathway, in which superoxide radicals (.O-) played critical roles.

A Facile One-Pot Synthesis of Au/Cu2O Nanocomposites for Nonenzymatic Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ting; Tian, Liangliang; Chen, Yuan; Liu, Bitao; Zhang, Jin

2015-06-01

Au/Cu2O nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by a facile one-pot redox reaction without additional reducing agent under room temperature. The morphologies and structures of the as-prepared products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrocatalytic performance of Au/Cu2O nanocomposites towards hydrogen peroxide was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). The prepared Au/Cu2O nanocomposite electrode showed a wide linear range from 25 to 11.2 mM ( R = 0.9989) with a low detection limit of 1.05 μM ( S/ N = 3) and high sensitivity of 292.89 mA mM-1 cm-2. The enhanced performance for H2O2 detection can be attributed to the introduction of Au and the synergistic effect between Au and Cu2O. It is demonstrated that the Au/Cu2O nanocomposites material could be a promising candidate for H2O2 detection.

1D Piezoelectric Material Based Nanogenerators: Methods, Materials and Property Optimization

PubMed Central

Li, Xing; Sun, Mei; Wei, Xianlong; Shan, Chongxin

2018-01-01

Due to the enhanced piezoelectric properties, excellent mechanical properties and tunable electric properties, one-dimensional (1D) piezoelectric materials have shown their promising applications in nanogenerators (NG), sensors, actuators, electronic devices etc. To present a clear view about 1D piezoelectric materials, this review mainly focuses on the characterization and optimization of the piezoelectric properties of 1D nanomaterials, including semiconducting nanowires (NWs) with wurtzite and/or zinc blend phases, perovskite NWs and 1D polymers. Specifically, the piezoelectric coefficients, performance of single NW-based NG and structure-dependent electromechanical properties of 1D nanostructured materials can be respectively investigated through piezoresponse force microscopy, atomic force microscopy and the in-situ scanning/transmission electron microcopy. Along with the introduction of the mechanism and piezoelectric properties of 1D semiconductor, perovskite materials and polymers, their performance improvement strategies are summarized from the view of microstructures, including size-effect, crystal structure, orientation and defects. Finally, the extension of 1D piezoelectric materials in field effect transistors and optoelectronic devices are simply introduced. PMID:29570639

Fabrication of chloroform sensor based on hydrothermally prepared low-dimensional β-Fe 2O 3 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, Mohammed M.; Jamal, A.; Khan, Sher Bahadar; Faisal, M.

2011-10-01

Hydrothermally prepared as-grown low-dimensional nano-particles (NPs) have been characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and electron dispersion spectroscopy (EDS). The uniformity of the nano-material was executed by the scanning electron microscopy, where the single phase of the nano-crystalline β-Fe 2O 3 was characterized using XRD techniques. β-Fe 2O 3 nanoparticles fabricated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) have improved chloroform-sensing performances in terms of electrical response ( I- V technique) for detecting analyte in liquid phase. The analytical performances were investigated, which showed that the better sensitivity, stability, and reproducibility of the sensor improved significantly by using Fe 2O 3 NPs thin-film on GCE. The calibration plot was linear ( R = 0.9785) over the large range of 12.0 μM to 12.0 mM. The sensitivity was calculated as 2.1792 μA cm -2 mM -1 with a detection limit of 4.4 ± 0.10 μM in short response time (10.0 s).

Synthesis of β-AgVO3 nanowires decorated with Ag2CrO4, with improved visible light photocatalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouyang, Qi; Li, Zhonghua; Liu, Jiawen

2018-05-01

Silver chromate‑silver vanadate (Ag2CrO4/β-AgVO3) heterojunction composites are synthesized through a facile precipitation process. The Ag2CrO4/β-AgVO3 hybrids obtained exhibit better photocatalytic activity in degradation of RhB than both pure Ag2CrO4 and β-AgVO3 under visible light irradiation. The 20 wt% Ag2CrO4/β-AgVO3 heterojunction possesses the best photocatalytic ability for degrading RhB: 24.4 times that of pristine β-AgVO3 nanowires and 3.2 times that of individual Ag2CrO4 particles. The phase of the nanocomposites was analyzed using x-ray diffraction as well as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Their morphology was observed via scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The improvement in photocatalytic performance is chiefly ascribed to the synergies between Ag2CrO4/β-AgVO3 heterostructure, which can enhance the light absorbance ability and also accelerate the separation and transfer of photoinduced electrons and holes under visible light irradiation; this is also confirmed by UV–vis diffuse reflection spectrometry and fluorescence emission spectra.

Synthesis of BiVO4-GO-PVDF nanocomposite: An excellent, newly designed material for high photocatalytic activity towards organic dye degradation by tuning band gap energies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biswas, Md Rokon Ud Dowla; Oh, Won-Chun

2018-06-01

BiVO4-GO-PVDF (PVDF = Polyvinylidene Difluoride) photocatalyst is successfully synthesized by ultrasonication method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Morphology of BiVO4-GO-PVDF looks like a human embryo embedded inside an amniotic sac. Photocatalytic performance of BiVO4-GO-PVDF for decolorization of methylene blue is investigated. BiVO4-GO-PVDF system reveals enhanced photocatalytic activity degradation of methylene blue (MB), Rhodamine B (RhB) & Safranin-O (SO) in water under visible light irradiation as compared to the pure BiVO4 catalyst, BiVO4 & PTFE decorated on the graphene sheet. The experimental result reveals that the covering of graphene sheets in this composite catalyst enhances photocatalytic performance under visible light. This enhanced activity is mainly attributed to effective quenching of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs confirmed by photoluminescence spectra. Trapping experiments of radicals and holes were conducted to detect reactive species generated in the photocatalytic system, experimental results revealed that direct hole oxidation reaction is obviously dominant during photocatalytic reactions on the BiVO4-GO-PVDF system.

Microstructural and wear properties of sputtered carbides and silicides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spalvins, T.

1977-01-01

Sputtered Cr3C2, Cr3Si2, and MoSi2 wear-resistant films (0.05 to 3.5 microns thick) were deposited on metal and glass surfaces. Electron transmission, electron diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy were used to determine the microstructural appearance. Strong adherence was obtained with these sputtered films. Internal stresses and defect crystallographic growth structures of various configurations within the film have progressively more undesirable effects for film thicknesses greater than 1.5 microns. Sliding contact and rolling-element bearing tests were also performed with these sputtered films.

Electron microscopy localization and characterization of functionalized composite organic-inorganic SERS nanoparticles on leukemia cells.

PubMed

Koh, Ai Leen; Shachaf, Catherine M; Elchuri, Sailaja; Nolan, Garry P; Sinclair, Robert

2008-12-01

We demonstrate the use of electron microscopy as a powerful characterization tool to identify and locate antibody-conjugated composite organic-inorganic nanoparticle (COINs) surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles on cells. U937 leukemia cells labeled with antibody CD54-conjugated COINs were characterized in their native, hydrated state using wet scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in their dehydrated state using high-resolution SEM. In both cases, the backscattered electron (BSE) detector was used to detect and identify the silver constituents in COINs due to its high sensitivity to atomic number variations within a specimen. The imaging and analytical capabilities in the SEM were further complemented by higher resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and scanning Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) data to give reliable and high-resolution information about nanoparticles and their binding to cell surface antigens.

Three-dimensional electron microscopy simulation with the CASINO Monte Carlo software.

PubMed

Demers, Hendrix; Poirier-Demers, Nicolas; Couture, Alexandre Réal; Joly, Dany; Guilmain, Marc; de Jonge, Niels; Drouin, Dominique

2011-01-01

Monte Carlo softwares are widely used to understand the capabilities of electron microscopes. To study more realistic applications with complex samples, 3D Monte Carlo softwares are needed. In this article, the development of the 3D version of CASINO is presented. The software feature a graphical user interface, an efficient (in relation to simulation time and memory use) 3D simulation model, accurate physic models for electron microscopy applications, and it is available freely to the scientific community at this website: www.gel.usherbrooke.ca/casino/index.html. It can be used to model backscattered, secondary, and transmitted electron signals as well as absorbed energy. The software features like scan points and shot noise allow the simulation and study of realistic experimental conditions. This software has an improved energy range for scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy applications. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Three-Dimensional Electron Microscopy Simulation with the CASINO Monte Carlo Software

PubMed Central

Demers, Hendrix; Poirier-Demers, Nicolas; Couture, Alexandre Réal; Joly, Dany; Guilmain, Marc; de Jonge, Niels; Drouin, Dominique

2011-01-01

Monte Carlo softwares are widely used to understand the capabilities of electron microscopes. To study more realistic applications with complex samples, 3D Monte Carlo softwares are needed. In this paper, the development of the 3D version of CASINO is presented. The software feature a graphical user interface, an efficient (in relation to simulation time and memory use) 3D simulation model, accurate physic models for electron microscopy applications, and it is available freely to the scientific community at this website: www.gel.usherbrooke.ca/casino/index.html. It can be used to model backscattered, secondary, and transmitted electron signals as well as absorbed energy. The software features like scan points and shot noise allow the simulation and study of realistic experimental conditions. This software has an improved energy range for scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy applications. PMID:21769885

Direct observation of antisite defects in LiCoPO4 cathode materials by annular dark- and bright-field electron microscopy.

PubMed

Truong, Quang Duc; Devaraju, Murukanahally Kempaiah; Tomai, Takaaki; Honma, Itaru

2013-10-23

LiCoPO4 cathode materials have been synthesized by a sol-gel route. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that LiCoPO4 was well-crystallized in an orthorhombic structure in the Pmna space group. From the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) image, the lattice fringes of {001} and {100} are well-resolved. The HR-TEM image and selected area electron diffraction pattern reveal the highly crystalline nature of LiCoPO4 having an ordered olivine structure. The atom-by-atom structure of LiCoPO4 olivine has been observed, for the first time, using high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) and annual bright-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. We observed the bright contrast in Li columns in the HAADF images and strong contrast in the ABF images, directly indicating the antisite exchange defects in which Co atoms partly occupy the Li sites. The LiCoPO4 cathode materials delivered an initial discharge capacity of 117 mAh/g at a C/10 rate with moderate cyclic performance. The discharge profile of LiCoPO4 shows a plateau at 4.75 V, revealing its importance as a potentially high-voltage cathode. The direct visualization of atom-by-atom structure in this work represents important information for the understanding of the structure of the active cathode materials for Li-ion batteries.

Chemical mapping and quantification at the atomic scale by scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Chu, Ming-Wen; Chen, Cheng Hsuan

2013-06-25

With innovative modern material-growth methods, a broad spectrum of fascinating materials with reduced dimensions-ranging from single-atom catalysts, nanoplasmonic and nanophotonic materials to two-dimensional heterostructural interfaces-is continually emerging and extending the new frontiers of materials research. A persistent central challenge in this grand scientific context has been the detailed characterization of the individual objects in these materials with the highest spatial resolution, a problem prompting the need for experimental techniques that integrate both microscopic and spectroscopic capabilities. To date, several representative microscopy-spectroscopy combinations have become available, such as scanning tunneling microscopy, tip-enhanced scanning optical microscopy, atom probe tomography, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Among these tools, STEM boasts unique chemical and electronic sensitivity at unparalleled resolution. In this Perspective, we elucidate the advances in STEM and chemical mapping applications at the atomic scale by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy with a focus on the ultimate challenge of chemical quantification with atomic accuracy.

Neurite density from magnetic resonance diffusion measurements at ultrahigh field: Comparison with light microscopy and electron microscopy

PubMed Central

Jespersen, Sune N.; Bjarkam, Carsten R.; Nyengaard, Jens R.; Chakravarty, M. Mallar; Hansen, Brian; Vosegaard, Thomas; Østergaard, Leif; Yablonskiy, Dmitriy; Nielsen, Niels Chr.; Vestergaard-Poulsen, Peter

2010-01-01

Due to its unique sensitivity to tissue microstructure, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has found many applications in clinical and fundamental science. With few exceptions, a more precise correspondence between physiological or biophysical properties and the obtained diffusion parameters remain uncertain due to lack of specificity. In this work, we address this problem by comparing diffusion parameters of a recently introduced model for water diffusion in brain matter to light microscopy and quantitative electron microscopy. Specifically, we compare diffusion model predictions of neurite density in rats to optical myelin staining intensity and stereological estimation of neurite volume fraction using electron microscopy. We find that the diffusion model describes data better and that its parameters show stronger correlation with optical and electron microscopy, and thus reflect myelinated neurite density better than the more frequently used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and cumulant expansion methods. Furthermore, the estimated neurite orientations capture dendritic architecture more faithfully than DTI diffusion ellipsoids. PMID:19732836

Facile and green synthesis of mesoporous Co3O4 nanocubes and their applications for supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiangmei; Long, Qing; Jiang, Chunhui; Zhan, Beibei; Li, Chen; Liu, Shujuan; Zhao, Qiang; Huang, Wei; Dong, Xiaochen

2013-06-01

Nanostructured Co3O4 materials attracted significant attention due to their exceptional electrochemical (pseudo-capacitive) properties. However, rigorous preparation conditions are needed to control the size (especially nanosize), morphology and size distribution of the products obtained by conventional methods. Herein, we describe a novel one step shape-controlled synthesis of uniform Co3O4 nanocubes with a size of 50 nm with the existence of mesoporous carbon nanorods (meso-CNRs). In this synthesis process, meso-CNRs not only act as a heat receiver to directly obtain Co3O4 eliminating the high-temperature post-calcination, but also control the morphology of the resulting Co3O4 to form nanocubes with uniform distribution. More strikingly, mesoporous Co3O4 nanocubes are obtained by further thermal treatment. The structure and morphology of the samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. A possible formation mechanism of mesoporous Co3O4 nanocubes is proposed here. Electrochemical tests have revealed that the prepared mesoporous Co3O4 nanocubes demonstrate a remarkable performance in supercapacitor applications due to the porous structure, which endows fast ion and electron transfer.Nanostructured Co3O4 materials attracted significant attention due to their exceptional electrochemical (pseudo-capacitive) properties. However, rigorous preparation conditions are needed to control the size (especially nanosize), morphology and size distribution of the products obtained by conventional methods. Herein, we describe a novel one step shape-controlled synthesis of uniform Co3O4 nanocubes with a size of 50 nm with the existence of mesoporous carbon nanorods (meso-CNRs). In this synthesis process, meso-CNRs not only act as a heat receiver to directly obtain Co3O4 eliminating the high-temperature post-calcination, but also control the morphology of the resulting Co3O4 to form nanocubes with uniform distribution. More strikingly, mesoporous Co3O4 nanocubes are obtained by further thermal treatment. The structure and morphology of the samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. A possible formation mechanism of mesoporous Co3O4 nanocubes is proposed here. Electrochemical tests have revealed that the prepared mesoporous Co3O4 nanocubes demonstrate a remarkable performance in supercapacitor applications due to the porous structure, which endows fast ion and electron transfer. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00495c

Application of high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy to the characterization of nanoparticles in the environment.

PubMed

Utsunomiya, Satoshi; Ewing, Rodney C

2003-02-15

A major challenge to the development of a fundamental understanding of transport and retardation mechanisms of trace metal contaminants (<10 ppm) is their identification and characterization at the nanoscale. Atomic-scale techniques, such as conventional transmission electron microscopy, although powerful, are limited by the extremely small amounts of material that are examined. However, recent advances in electron microscopy provide a number of new analytical techniques that expand its application in environmental studies, particularly those concerning heavy metals on airborne particulates or water-borne colloids. High-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), STEM-energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), and energy-filtered TEM (EFTEM) can be effectively used to identify and characterize nanoparticles. The image contrast in HAADF-STEM is strongly correlated to the atomic mass: heavier elements contribute to brighter contrast. Gold nanocrystals in pyrite and uranium nanocrystals in atmospheric aerosols have been identified by HAADF-STEM and STEM-EDX mapping and subsequently characterized by high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). EFTEM was used to identify U and Fe nanocrystals embedded in an aluminosilicate. A rare, As-bearing nanophase, westerveldite (FeAs), was identified by STEM-EDX and HRTEM. The combined use of these techniques greatly expands the effective application of electron microscopy in environmental studies, especially when applied to metals of very low concentrations. This paper describes examples of how these electron microbeam techniques can be used in combination to characterize a low concentration of heavy metals (a few ppm) on nanoscale particles.

Consecutive light microscopy, scanning-transmission electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy of traumatic human brain oedema and ischaemic brain damage.

PubMed

Castejon, O J; Castejon, H V; Diaz, M; Castellano, A

2001-10-01

Cortical biopsies of 11 patients with traumatic brain oedema were consecutively studied by light microscopy (LM) using thick plastic sections, scanning-transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) using semithin plastic sections and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using ultrathin sections. Samples were glutaraldehyde-osmium fixed and embedded in Araldite or Epon. Thick sections were stained with toluidine-blue for light microscopy. Semithin sections were examined unstained and uncoated for (S)TEM. Ultrathin sections were stained with uranyl and lead. Perivascular haemorrhages and perivascular extravasation of proteinaceous oedema fluid were observed in both moderate and severe oedema. Ischaemic pyramidal and non-pyramidal nerve cells appeared shrunken, electron dense and with enlargement of intracytoplasmic membrane compartment. Notably swollen astrocytes were observed in all samples examined. Glycogen-rich and glycogen-depleted astrocytes were identified in anoxic-ischaemic regions. Dark and hydropic satellite, interfascicular and perivascular oligodendrocytes were also found. The status spongiosus of severely oedematous brain parenchyma observed by LM and (S)TEM was correlated with the enlarged extracellular space and disrupted neuropil observed by TEM. The (S)TEM is recommended as a suitable technique for studying pathological processes in the central nervous system and as an informative adjunct to LM and TEM.

Contributed review: Review of integrated correlative light and electron microscopy.

PubMed

Timmermans, F J; Otto, C

2015-01-01

New developments in the field of microscopy enable to acquire increasing amounts of information from large sample areas and at an increased resolution. Depending on the nature of the technique, the information may reveal morphological, structural, chemical, and still other sample characteristics. In research fields, such as cell biology and materials science, there is an increasing demand to correlate these individual levels of information and in this way to obtain a better understanding of sample preparation and specific sample properties. To address this need, integrated systems were developed that combine nanometer resolution electron microscopes with optical microscopes, which produce chemically or label specific information through spectroscopy. The complementary information from electron microscopy and light microscopy presents an opportunity to investigate a broad range of sample properties in a correlated fashion. An important part of correlating the differences in information lies in bridging the different resolution and image contrast features. The trend to analyse samples using multiple correlated microscopes has resulted in a new research field. Current research is focused, for instance, on (a) the investigation of samples with nanometer scale distribution of inorganic and organic materials, (b) live cell analysis combined with electron microscopy, and (c) in situ spectroscopic and electron microscopy analysis of catalytic materials, but more areas will benefit from integrated correlative microscopy.

Mesoporous activated carbon from corn stalk core for lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yi; Li, Chun; Qi, Hui; Yu, Kaifeng; Liang, Ce

2018-04-01

A novel mesoporous activated carbon (AC) derived from corn stalk core is prepared via a facile and effective method which including the decomposition and carbonization of corn stalk core under an inert gas atmosphere and further activation process with KOH solution. The mesoporous activated carbon (AC) is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) measurements. These biomass waste derived from activated carbon is proved to be promising anode materials for high specific capacity lithium ion batteries. The activated carbon anode possesses excellent reversible capacity of 504 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.2C. Compared with the unactivated carbon (UAC), the electrochemical performance of activated carbon is significantly improved due to its mesoporous structure.

Green Synthesis of Novel Polyaniline Nanofibers: Application in pH Sensing.

PubMed

Tanwar, Shivani; Ho, Ja-an Annie

2015-10-13

An optically active polyaniline nanomaterial (PANI-Nap), doped with (S)-naproxen, was developed and evaluated as a potent pH sensor. We synthesized the material in one pot by the addition of the dopant, (S)-naproxen, prior to polymerization, followed by the addition of the oxidizing agent (ammonium persulfate) that causes polymerization of the aniline. This green chemistry approach allowed us to take only 1 h to produce a water-soluble and stable nanomaterial. UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the designed nanomaterial. This nanomaterial exhibited excellent pH sensing properties and showed long term stability (up to one month) without loss of sensor performance.

Novel medical image enhancement algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agaian, Sos; McClendon, Stephen A.

2010-01-01

In this paper, we present two novel medical image enhancement algorithms. The first, a global image enhancement algorithm, utilizes an alpha-trimmed mean filter as its backbone to sharpen images. The second algorithm uses a cascaded unsharp masking technique to separate the high frequency components of an image in order for them to be enhanced using a modified adaptive contrast enhancement algorithm. Experimental results from enhancing electron microscopy, radiological, CT scan and MRI scan images, using the MATLAB environment, are then compared to the original images as well as other enhancement methods, such as histogram equalization and two forms of adaptive contrast enhancement. An image processing scheme for electron microscopy images of Purkinje cells will also be implemented and utilized as a comparison tool to evaluate the performance of our algorithm.

Contrast enhancement of biological nanoporous materials with zinc oxide infiltration for electron and X-ray nanoscale microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ocola, L. E.; Sampathkumar, V.; Kasthuri, N.

Here, we show that using infiltration of ZnO metal oxide can be useful for high resolution imaging of biological samples in electron and X-ray microscopy. This method is compatible with standard fixation techniques that leave the sample dry, such as finishing with super critical CO 2 drying, or simple vacuum drying at 95°C. We demonstrate this technique can be applied on tooth and brain tissue samples. We also show that high resolution X-ray tomography can be performed on biological systems using Zn K edge (1s) absorption to enhance internal structures, and obtained the first nanoscale 10 KeV X-ray absorption imagesmore » of the interior regions of a tooth.« less

Stimuli-responsive polyaniline coated silica microspheres and their electrorheology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Dae Eun; Choi, Hyoung Jin; Vu, Cuong Manh

2016-05-01

Silica/polyaniline (PANI) core-shell structured microspheres were synthesized by coating the surface of silica micro-beads with PANI and applied as a candidate inorganic/polymer composite electrorheological (ER) material. The silica micro-beads were initially modified using N-[(3-trimethoxysilyl)-propyl] aniline to activate an aniline functional group on the silica surface for a better PANI coating. The morphology of the PANI coating on the silica surface was examined by scanning electron microscopy and the silica/PANI core-shell structure was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The chemical structure of the particles was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Rotational rheometry was performed to confirm the difference in the ER properties between pure silica and silica/PANI microsphere-based ER fluids when dispersed in silicone oil.

Contrast enhancement of biological nanoporous materials with zinc oxide infiltration for electron and X-ray nanoscale microscopy

DOE PAGES

Ocola, L. E.; Sampathkumar, V.; Kasthuri, N.; ...

2017-07-19

Here, we show that using infiltration of ZnO metal oxide can be useful for high resolution imaging of biological samples in electron and X-ray microscopy. This method is compatible with standard fixation techniques that leave the sample dry, such as finishing with super critical CO 2 drying, or simple vacuum drying at 95°C. We demonstrate this technique can be applied on tooth and brain tissue samples. We also show that high resolution X-ray tomography can be performed on biological systems using Zn K edge (1s) absorption to enhance internal structures, and obtained the first nanoscale 10 KeV X-ray absorption imagesmore » of the interior regions of a tooth.« less

Synthesis of CoOOH nanorods and application as coating materials of nickel hydroxide for high temperature Ni-MH cells.

PubMed

Hu, W K; Gao, X P; Geng, M M; Gong, Z X; Noréus, D

2005-03-31

Studies on nanoscale materials have received great interest in both fundamental and applied aspects in recent years. In this letter, we report the synthesis of CoOOH nanorods and their possible applications as coating materials on nickel hydroxide for high-temperature nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) cells. The morphology and structure of CoOOH nanorods and coated nickel hydroxide particles are investigated by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The electrochemical properties in the cylindrical AA size Ni-MH cells are evaluated. Our results show that the Ni-MH cells, where the positive electrodes are composed of such nanometer sized CoOOH coatings, have a higher capacity available and good performance at elevated temperatures of >50 degrees C.

Measurement of gamma' precipitates in a nickel-based superalloy using energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy coupled with automated segmenting techniques.

PubMed

Tiley, J S; Viswanathan, G B; Shiveley, A; Tschopp, M; Srinivasan, R; Banerjee, R; Fraser, H L

2010-08-01

Precipitates of the ordered L1(2) gamma' phase (dispersed in the face-centered cubic or FCC gamma matrix) were imaged in Rene 88 DT, a commercial multicomponent Ni-based superalloy, using energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM). Imaging was performed using the Cr, Co, Ni, Ti and Al elemental L-absorption edges in the energy loss spectrum. Manual and automated segmentation procedures were utilized for identification of precipitate boundaries and measurement of precipitate sizes. The automated region growing technique for precipitate identification in images was determined to measure accurately precipitate diameters. In addition, the region growing technique provided a repeatable method for optimizing segmentation techniques for varying EFTEM conditions. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Long anterior zonules and pigment dispersion.

PubMed

Moroi, Sayoko E; Lark, Kurt K; Sieving, Paul A; Nouri-Mahdavi, Kouros; Schlötzer-Schrehardt, Ursula; Katz, Gregory J; Ritch, Robert

2003-12-01

To describe pigment dispersion associated with long anterior zonules. Multicenter observational case series. Fifteen patients, seven of whom were treated for glaucoma or ocular hypertension, were identified with long anterior zonules and pigment dispersion. Transmission electron microscopy was performed on one anterior capsule specimen. All patients had anterior zonules that inserted centrally on the lens capsule. Signs of pigment dispersion included corneal endothelial pigmentation, loss of the pupillary ruff, and variable trabecular meshwork pigmentation. Ultrasound biomicroscopy verified the lack of posterior iris insertion and concavity. There was no exfoliation material. Transmission electron microscopy showed zonular lamellae with adherent pigment granules, and no exfoliation material. Long anterior zonules inserted onto the central lens capsule may cause mechanical disruption of the pigment epithelium at the pupillary ruff and central iris leading to pigment dispersion.

Synthesis and characterization of ZnO incorporated magnetically recoverable KIT-6 as a novel and efficient catalyst in the preparation of symmetrical N, N‧-alkylidene bisamides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saadati-Moshtaghin, Hamid Reza; Zonoz, Farrokhzad Mohammadi; Amini, Mostafa M.

2018-04-01

A novel magnetically recoverable nanocomposite consisting of the NiFe2O4 core and KIT-6 mesoporous silica shell incorporated with ZnO nanoparticles was constructed. This nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). This new nanocomposite demonstrated a catalytic performance in the synthesis of symmetrical N,N‧-alkylidene bisamides at the condensation reaction under solvent-free conditions. The nanocatalyst could simply be recovered from the reaction environment by using an exterior magnet and reused five times without a remarkable losing in the catalytic property.

Synthesis and characterization of dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Predescu, Andra Mihaela; Matei, Ecaterina; Berbecaru, Andrei Constantin; Pantilimon, Cristian; Drăgan, Claudia; Vidu, Ruxandra; Predescu, Cristian; Kuncser, Victor

2018-03-01

Synthesis and characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles coated with a large molar weight dextran for environmental applications are reported. The first experiments involved the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles which were coated with dextran at different concentrations. The synthesis was performed by a co-precipitation technique, while the coating of iron oxide nanoparticles was carried out in solution. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry. The results demonstrated a successful coating of iron oxide nanoparticles with large molar weight dextran, of which agglomeration tendency depended on the amount of dextran in the coating solution. SEM and TEM observations have shown that the iron oxide nanoparticles are of about 7 nm in size.

The Application of Electron Microscopy Techniques to the Space Shuttle Columbia Accident Investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shah, Sandeep; Jerman, Greg

2005-01-01

The Space Shuttle Columbia was returning from a 16-day research mission, STS- 107, with nominal system performance prior to the beginning of the entry interface into earth's upper atmosphere. Approximately one minute and twenty four seconds into the peak heating region of the entry interface, an off-nominal temperature rise was observed in the left main landing gear brake line. Nearly seven minutes later, all contact was lost with Columbia. Debris was observed periodically exiting the Shuttle's flight path throughout the reentry profile over California, Nevada, and New Mexico, until its final breakup over Texas. During the subsequent investigation, electron microscopy techniques were crucial in revealing the location of the fatal damage that resulted in the loss of Columbia and her crew.

Functionality-Oriented Derivatization of Naphthalene Diimide: A Molecular Gel Strategy-Based Fluorescent Film for Aniline Vapor Detection.

PubMed

Fan, Jiayun; Chang, Xingmao; He, Meixia; Shang, Congdi; Wang, Gang; Yin, Shiwei; Peng, Haonan; Fang, Yu

2016-07-20

Modification of naphthalene diimide (NDI) resulted in a photochemically stable, fluorescent 3,4,5-tris(dodecyloxy)benzamide derivative of NDI (TDBNDI), and introduction of the long alkyl chains endowed the compound with good compatibility with commonly found organic solvents and in particular superior self-assembly in the solution state. Further studies revealed that TDBNDI forms gels with nine of the 18 solvents tested at a concentration of 2.0% (w/v), and the critical gelation concentrations of five of the eight gels are lower than 1.0% (w/v), indicating the high efficiency of the compound as a low-molecular mass gelator (LMMG). Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy studies revealed the networked fibrillar structure of the TDBNDI/methylcyclohexane (MCH) gel. On the basis of these findings, a fluorescent film was developed via simple spin-coating of the TDBNDI/MCH gel on a glass substrate surface. Fluorescence behavior and sensing performance studies demonstrated that this film is photochemically stable, and sensitive and selective to the presence of aniline vapor. Notably, the response is instantaneous, and the sensing process is fully and quickly reversible. This case study demonstrates that derivatization of photochemically stable fluorophores into LMMGs is a good strategy for developing high-performance fluorescent sensing films.

A novel hydroxyl epoxy phosphate monomer enhancing the anticorrosive performance of waterborne Graphene/Epoxy coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Jiheng; Rahman, Obaid ur; Peng, Wanjun; Dou, Huimin; Yu, Haibin

2018-01-01

Herein, we report the synthesis of a novel hydroxyl epoxy phosphate monomer (PGHEP) as an efficient dispersant for graphene to enhance the compatibility of the graphene in epoxy resin. Raman spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies were confirmed the π-π interactions between PGHEP and graphene. Well-dispersed states of PGHEP functionalized graphene (G) sheets in water were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Further, microstructure of prepared G/waterborne epoxy coatings containing 0.5-1.0 wt.% of PGHEP functionalized G sheets were also observed with the help of SEM and TEM. The PGHEP functionalized G sheets dispersed composite coatings displayed enhanced corrosion resistance compared with pure epoxy resin, these coatings have higher contact angle, lower water absorption as evident from the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and salt spray tests. The superior corrosion protection performances of G/epoxy coatings were mainly attributed to the formed passive film from uniformly dispersed PGHEP functionalized G sheets which act as physical barrier on the steel surface. Therefore, this work provides a novel bio-based efficient dispersant for G sheets and an important method for preparing G/waterborne epoxy coatings with superior corrosion resistance properties.

Porous Ni-Mn oxide nanosheets in situ formed on nickel foam as 3D hierarchical monolith de-NOx catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Sixiang; Zhang, Dengsong; Shi, Liyi; Xu, Jing; Zhang, Lei; Huang, Lei; Li, Hongrui; Zhang, Jianping

2014-06-01

In this work, we successfully in situ decorated nickel foam with porous Ni-Mn oxide nanosheets (3DH-NM/NF) as 3D hierarchical monolith de-NOx catalysts via a simple hydrothermal reaction and calcination process. The catalysts were carefully examined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, elemental mapping, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, H2 temperature-programmed reduction and NH3 temperature-programmed desorption measurements. The results indicated that the nanosheets are composed of a Ni6Mn1O8 spinel and the metal species are uniformly dispersed in bi-metal oxides. As a result, the strong synergistic effects between the Mn and Ni species have been observed. The active oxygen species, reducible species and acidity are enhanced by the in situ formation of the nanosheets on the surface of nickel foam. These desirable features of 3DH-NM/NF catalysts bring about the excellent de-NOx performance. Moreover, the 3DH-NM/NF catalysts also present good stability and H2O resistance. Based on these favorable properties, 3DH-NM/NF could be considered as a promising candidate for the monolith de-NOx catalysts.In this work, we successfully in situ decorated nickel foam with porous Ni-Mn oxide nanosheets (3DH-NM/NF) as 3D hierarchical monolith de-NOx catalysts via a simple hydrothermal reaction and calcination process. The catalysts were carefully examined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, elemental mapping, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, H2 temperature-programmed reduction and NH3 temperature-programmed desorption measurements. The results indicated that the nanosheets are composed of a Ni6Mn1O8 spinel and the metal species are uniformly dispersed in bi-metal oxides. As a result, the strong synergistic effects between the Mn and Ni species have been observed. The active oxygen species, reducible species and acidity are enhanced by the in situ formation of the nanosheets on the surface of nickel foam. These desirable features of 3DH-NM/NF catalysts bring about the excellent de-NOx performance. Moreover, the 3DH-NM/NF catalysts also present good stability and H2O resistance. Based on these favorable properties, 3DH-NM/NF could be considered as a promising candidate for the monolith de-NOx catalysts. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental details and catalytic performance of the NM/cordierite catalysts, SEM image and EDX analysis of the NF and 3DH-N/NF catalysts, N2 selectivity and catalytic performance under different gas hourly space velocities of the 3DH-NM/NF catalysts. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr00475b

CdTe Photovoltaics for Sustainable Electricity Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munshi, Amit; Sampath, Walajabad

2016-09-01

Thin film CdTe (cadmium telluride) is an important technology in the development of sustainable and affordable electricity generation. More than 10 GW of installations have been carried out using this technology around the globe. It has been demonstrated as a sustainable, green, renewable, affordable and abundant source of electricity. An advanced sublimation tool has been developed that allows highly controlled deposition of CdTe films onto commercial soda lime glass substrates. All deposition and treatment steps can be performed without breaking the vacuum within a single chamber in an inline process that can be conveniently scaled to a commercial process. In addition, an advanced cosublimation source has been developed to allow the deposition of ternary alloys such as Cd x Mg1- x Te to form an electron reflector layer which is expected to address the voltage deficits in current CdTe devices and to achieve very high efficiency. Extensive materials characterization, including but not limited to scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron back-scatter diffraction, has been performed to get a better understanding of the effects of processing conditions on CdTe thin film photovoltaics. This combined with computer modeling such as density function theory modeling gives a new insight into the mechanism of CdTe photovoltaic function. With all these efforts, CdTe photovoltaics has seen great progress in the last few years. Currently, it has been recorded as the cheapest source of electricity in the USA on a commercial scale, and further improvements are predicted to further reduce the cost while increasing its utilization. Here, we give an overview of the advantages of thin film CdTe photovoltaics as well as a brief review of the challenges that need to be addressed. Some fundamental studies of processing conditions for thin film CdTe are also presented along with fabrication conditions using the closed-space sublimation method.

The effect of residual stresses induced by prestraining on fatigue life of notched specimens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadeler, R.; Ozel, A.; Kaymaz, I.; Totik, Y.

2005-06-01

The effect of tensile prestraining-induced residual stress on the fatigue life of notched steel parts was investigated. The study was performed on AISI 4140 steel. Rotating bending fatigue tests were carried out on semicircular notched specimens with different notch radii in the as-quenched and tempered conditions. Metallography of the specimens was performed by means of light optical microscopy. The finite-element method was used to evaluate the residual stress distribution near the notch region. Fatigue tests revealed fatigue life improvement for notched specimens, which changes depending on the notch radii and applied stress. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the fracture surfaces of the specimens.

Evaluation of anterior lenticonus in alport syndrome using tracey wavefront aberrometry and transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Kim, Kwan Soo; Kim, Mo Sae; Kim, Joon Mo; Choi, Chul Young

2010-01-01

To evaluate the efficacy of Tracey wavefront aberrometry (Tracey Technologies, Houston, TX) and transmission electron microscopy for the detection of anterior lenticonus in Alport syndrome. Tracey wavefront aberrometry was used to treat a patient with bilateral anterior lenticonus who had a history of Alport syndrome. For transmission electron microscopic examination, anterior lens capsules were obtained during clear lens phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Spherical aberrations were the predominant higher-order aberrations in the internal optics of both eyes. The Tracey wavefront aberrometer showed that most of the irregular astigmatism originated from the lenticular portion. Transmission electron microscopy of the specimens showed anterior lens capsules with decreased thickness and multiple dehiscences. Tracey wavefront aberrometry and transmission electron microscopy are effective tools for evaluation of anterior lenticonus in Alport syndrome. Copyright 2010, SLACK Incorporated.

On the state of crystallography at the dawn of the electron microscopy revolution.

PubMed

Higgins, Matthew K; Lea, Susan M

2017-10-01

While protein crystallography has, for many years, been the most used method for structural analysis of macromolecular complexes, remarkable recent advances in high-resolution electron cryo-microscopy led to suggestions that 'the revolution will not be crystallised'. Here we highlight the current success rate, speed and ease of modern crystallographic structure determination and some recent triumphs of both 'classical' crystallography and the use of X-ray free electron lasers. We also outline fundamental differences between structure determination using X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy. We suggest that crystallography will continue to co-exist with electron microscopy as part of an integrated array of methods, allowing structural biologists to focus on fundamental biological questions rather than being constrained by the methods available. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of ZnS nanoparticle chains on a protein template

PubMed Central

Hulleman, J.; Kim, S. M.; Tumkur, T.; Rochet, J.-C.; Stach, E.; Stanciu, L.

2011-01-01

In the present study, we have exploited the properties of a fibrillar protein for the template synthesis of zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticle chains. The diameter of the ZnS nanoparticle chains was tuned in range of ~30 to ~165 nm by varying the process variables. The nanoparticle chains were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, UV–Visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The effect of incubation temperature on the morphology of the nanoparticle chains was also studied. PMID:21804765

Preparation of layered graphene and tungsten oxide hybrids for enhanced performance supercapacitors.

PubMed

Xing, Ling-Li; Huang, Ke-Jing; Fang, Lin-Xia

2016-11-01

Tungsten oxide (WO 3 ), which was originally poor in capacitive performance, is made into an excellent electrode material for supercapacitors by dispersing it on graphene (Gr). The obtained Gr-WO 3 hybrids are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques, and evaluated as electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A great improvement in specific capacitance is achieved with the present hybrids, from 255 F g -1 for WO 3 nanoparticles to 580 F g -1 for Gr-WO 3 hybrids (scanned at 1 A g -1 in 2 M KOH over a potential window of 0 to 0.45 V). The Gr-WO 3 hybrid exhibits an excellent high rate capability and good cycling stability with more than 92% capacitance retention over 1000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g -1 . The enhancement in supercapacitor performance of Gr-WO 3 is not only attributed to its unique nanostructure with large specific surface area, but also its excellent electro-conductivity, which facilitates efficient charge transport and promotes electrolyte diffusion. As a whole, this work indicates that Gr-WO 3 hybrids are a promising electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors.

Robust image alignment for cryogenic transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

McLeod, Robert A; Kowal, Julia; Ringler, Philippe; Stahlberg, Henning

2017-03-01

Cryo-electron microscopy recently experienced great improvements in structure resolution due to direct electron detectors with improved contrast and fast read-out leading to single electron counting. High frames rates enabled dose fractionation, where a long exposure is broken into a movie, permitting specimen drift to be registered and corrected. The typical approach for image registration, with high shot noise and low contrast, is multi-reference (MR) cross-correlation. Here we present the software package Zorro, which provides robust drift correction for dose fractionation by use of an intensity-normalized cross-correlation and logistic noise model to weight each cross-correlation in the MR model and filter each cross-correlation optimally. Frames are reliably registered by Zorro with low dose and defocus. Methods to evaluate performance are presented, by use of independently-evaluated even- and odd-frame stacks by trajectory comparison and Fourier ring correlation. Alignment of tiled sub-frames is also introduced, and demonstrated on an example dataset. Zorro source code is available at github.com/CINA/zorro. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Deterministic Line-Shape Programming of Silicon Nanowires for Extremely Stretchable Springs and Electronics.

PubMed

Xue, Zhaoguo; Sun, Mei; Dong, Taige; Tang, Zhiqiang; Zhao, Yaolong; Wang, Junzhuan; Wei, Xianlong; Yu, Linwei; Chen, Qing; Xu, Jun; Shi, Yi; Chen, Kunji; Roca I Cabarrocas, Pere

2017-12-13

Line-shape engineering is a key strategy to endow extra stretchability to 1D silicon nanowires (SiNWs) grown with self-assembly processes. We here demonstrate a deterministic line-shape programming of in-plane SiNWs into extremely stretchable springs or arbitrary 2D patterns with the aid of indium droplets that absorb amorphous Si precursor thin film to produce ultralong c-Si NWs along programmed step edges. A reliable and faithful single run growth of c-SiNWs over turning tracks with different local curvatures has been established, while high resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals a high quality monolike crystallinity in the line-shaped engineered SiNW springs. Excitingly, in situ scanning electron microscopy stretching and current-voltage characterizations also demonstrate a superelastic and robust electric transport carried by the SiNW springs even under large stretching of more than 200%. We suggest that this highly reliable line-shape programming approach holds a strong promise to extend the mature c-Si technology into the development of a new generation of high performance biofriendly and stretchable electronics.

Structures, Properties and Defects of SrTiO3/GaAs Hetero-interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Liang; Bhatnagar, Kunal; Droopad, Ravi; Öğüt, Serdar; Klie, Robert

SrTiO3 thin film can be epitaxially grown on GaAs substrate and used as a platform for growing other oxides to create functional metal-oxide-semiconductor devices, where a high-quality SrTiO3/GaAs interface is essential. We studied the structural and electronic properties of SrTiO3/GaAs hetero-interfaces at atomic level using scanning transmission electron microscopy and first-principles calculations. Our results suggest the preferred termination of GaAs (001) is significantly dependent on the oxygen concentration in the first oxide layer. The favorable interface structure is characterized as oxygen-deficient SrO in contact with arsenic and is observed in both experiment and simulation. The electronic properties are calculated and found to be tunable by interfacial defects such as oxygen, gallium and arsenic vacancies. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (Grant No. DMR-1408427). This work made use of instruments in the Electron Microscopy Service and the High Performance Computing Clusters at University of Illinois at Chicago.

Attachment of Single-wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWNTs) on Platinum Surfaces by Self-Assembling Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosario-Castro, Belinda I.; Cabrera, Carlos R.; Perez-Davis, Maria; Lebron, Marisabel; Meador, Michael

2003-01-01

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are very interesting materials because of their morphology, electronic and mechanical properties. Its morphology (high length-to-diameter ratio) and electronic properties suggest potential application of SWNTs as anode material for lithium ion secondary batteries. The introduction of SWNTs on these types of sources systems will improve their performance, efficiency, and capacity to store energy. A purification method has been applied for the removal of iron and amorphous carbon from the nanotubes. Unpurified and purified SWNTs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In order to attach carbon nanotubes on platinum electrode surfaces, a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) was deposited over the electrodes. The amino-terminated SAM obtained was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier-transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Carbon nanotubes were deposited over the amino-terminated SAM by an amide bond formed between SAM amino groups and carboxylic acid groups at the open ends of the carbon nanotubes.This deposition was characterized using Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM).

Imaging surface acoustic wave dynamics in semiconducting polymers by scanning ultrafast electron microscopy.

PubMed

Najafi, Ebrahim; Liao, Bolin; Scarborough, Timothy; Zewail, Ahmed

2018-01-01

Understanding the mechanical properties of organic semiconductors is essential to their electronic and photovoltaic applications. Despite a large volume of research directed toward elucidating the chemical, physical and electronic properties of these materials, little attention has been directed toward understanding their thermo-mechanical behavior. Here, we report the ultrafast imaging of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) on the surface of the Poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) thin film at the picosecond and nanosecond timescales. We then use these images to measure the propagation velocity of SAWs, which we then employ to determine the Young's modulus of P3HT. We further validate our experimental observation by performing a semi-empirical transient thermoelastic finite element analysis. Our findings demonstrate the potential of ultrafast electron microscopy to not only probe charge carrier dynamics in materials as previously reported, but also to measure their mechanical properties with great accuracy. This is particularly important when in situ characterization of stiffness for thin devices and nanomaterials is required. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The role of chemical structure on the magnetic and electronic properties of Co{sub 2}FeAl{sub 0.5}Si{sub 0.5}/Si(111) interface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kuerbanjiang, Balati; Nedelkoski, Zlatko; Ghasemi, Arsham

2016-04-25

We show that Co{sub 2}FeAl{sub 0.5}Si{sub 0.5} film deposited on Si(111) has a single crystal structure and twin related epitaxial relationship with the substrate. Sub-nanometer electron energy loss spectroscopy shows that in a narrow interface region there is a mutual inter-diffusion dominated by Si and Co. Atomic resolution aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals that the film has B2 ordering. The film lattice structure is unaltered even at the interface due to the substitutional nature of the intermixing. First-principles calculations performed using structural models based on the aberration corrected electron microscopy show that the increased Si incorporation in the filmmore » leads to a gradual decrease of the magnetic moment as well as significant spin-polarization reduction. These effects can have significant detrimental role on the spin injection from the Co{sub 2}FeAl{sub 0.5}Si{sub 0.5} film into the Si substrate, besides the structural integrity of this junction.« less

Correlation of live-cell imaging with volume scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Lucas, Miriam S; Günthert, Maja; Bittermann, Anne Greet; de Marco, Alex; Wepf, Roger

2017-01-01

Live-cell imaging is one of the most widely applied methods in live science. Here we describe two setups for live-cell imaging, which can easily be combined with volume SEM for correlative studies. The first procedure applies cell culture dishes with a gridded glass support, which can be used for any light microscopy modality. The second approach is a flow-chamber setup based on Ibidi μ-slides. Both live-cell imaging strategies can be followed up with serial blockface- or focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy. Two types of resin embedding after heavy metal staining and dehydration are presented making best use of the particular advantages of each imaging modality: classical en-bloc embedding and thin-layer plastification. The latter can be used only for focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy, but is advantageous for studying cell-interactions with specific substrates, or when the substrate cannot be removed. En-bloc embedding has diverse applications and can be applied for both described volume scanning electron microscopy techniques. Finally, strategies for relocating the cell of interest are discussed for both embedding approaches and in respect to the applied light and scanning electron microscopy methods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The importance of transmission electron microscopy analysis of spermatozoa: Diagnostic applications and basic research.

PubMed

Moretti, Elena; Sutera, Gaetano; Collodel, Giulia

2016-06-01

This review is aimed at discussing the role of ultrastructural studies on human spermatozoa and evaluating transmission electron microscopy as a diagnostic tool that can complete andrology protocols. It is clear that morphological sperm defects may explain decreased fertilizing potential and acquire particular value in the field of male infertility. Electron microscopy is the best method to identify systematic or monomorphic and non-systematic or polymorphic sperm defects. The systematic defects are characterized by a particular anomaly that affects the vast majority of spermatozoa in a semen sample, whereas a heterogeneous combination of head and tail defects found in variable percentages are typically non-systematic or polymorphic sperm defects. A correct diagnosis of these specific sperm alterations is important for choosing the male infertility's therapy and for deciding to turn to assisted reproduction techniques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) also represents a valuable method to explore the in vitro effects of different compounds (for example drugs with potential spermicidal activity) on the morphology of human spermatozoa. Finally, TEM used in combination with immunohistochemical techniques, integrates structural and functional aspects that provide a wide horizon in the understanding of sperm physiology and pathology. transmission electron microscopy: TEM; World Health Organization: WHO; light microscopy: LM; motile sperm organelle morphology examination: MSOME; intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection: IMSI; intracytoplasmic sperm injection: ICSI; dysplasia of fibrous sheath: DFS; primary ciliary dyskinesia: PCD; outer dense fibers: ODF; assisted reproduction technologies: ART; scanning electron microscopy: SEM; polyvinylpirrolidone: PVP; tert-butylhydroperoxide: TBHP.

Characterization of twin boundaries in an Fe–17.5Mn–0.56C twinning induced plasticity steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Patterson, Erin E., E-mail: erin.diedrich@yahoo.com; Field, David P., E-mail: dfield@wsu.edu; Zhang, Yudong, E-mail: yudong.zhang@univ-metz.fr

2013-11-15

A twinning-induced plasticity steel of composition Fe–17.5 wt.% Mn–0.56 wt.% C–1.39 wt.% Al–0.24 wt.% Si was analyzed for the purpose of characterizing the relationship between tensile strain and deformation twinning. Tensile samples achieved a maximum of 0.46 true strain at failure, and a maximum ultimate tensile strength of 1599 MPa. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis showed that the grain orientation rotated heavily to < 111 > parallel to the tensile axis above 0.3 true strain. Sigma 3 misorientations, as identified by EBSD orientation measurements, and using the image quality maps were used to quantify the number of twins present inmore » the scanned areas of the samples. The image quality method yielded a distinct positive correlation between the twin area density and deformation, but the orientation measurements were unreliable in quantifying twin density in these structures. Quantitative analysis of the twin fraction is limited from orientation information because of the poor spatial resolution of EBSD in relation to the twin thickness. The EBSD orientation maps created for a thin foil sample showed some improvement in the resolution of the twins, but not enough to be significant. Measurements of the twins in the transmission electron microscopy micrographs yielded an average thickness of 23 nm, which is near the resolution capabilities of EBSD on this material for the instrumentation used. Electron channeling contrast imaging performed on one bulk tensile specimen of 0.34 true strain, using a method of controlled diffraction, yielded several images of twinning, dislocation structures and strain fields. A twin thickness of 66 nm was measured by the same method used for the transmission electron microscopy measurement. It is apparent that the results obtain by electron channeling contrast imaging were better than those by EBSD but did not capture all information on the twin boundaries such as was observed by transmission electron microscopy. - Highlights: • Performed tensile tests to assess mechanical performance of TWIP alloy • Analyzed tensile specimens using EBSD, TEM, and ECCI • EBSD showed that most twinning occurred at or near the < 111 >//TA orientation. • EBSD, TEM and ECCI were used to measure average twin density. • Compared spatial resolution of EBSD, ECCI and TEM for the instrumentation used.« less

Diffraction and microscopy with attosecond electron pulse trains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morimoto, Yuya; Baum, Peter

2018-03-01

Attosecond spectroscopy1-7 can resolve electronic processes directly in time, but a movie-like space-time recording is impeded by the too long wavelength ( 100 times larger than atomic distances) or the source-sample entanglement in re-collision techniques8-11. Here we advance attosecond metrology to picometre wavelength and sub-atomic resolution by using free-space electrons instead of higher-harmonic photons1-7 or re-colliding wavepackets8-11. A beam of 70-keV electrons at 4.5-pm de Broglie wavelength is modulated by the electric field of laser cycles into a sequence of electron pulses with sub-optical-cycle duration. Time-resolved diffraction from crystalline silicon reveals a < 10-as delay of Bragg emission and demonstrates the possibility of analytic attosecond-ångström diffraction. Real-space electron microscopy visualizes with sub-light-cycle resolution how an optical wave propagates in space and time. This unification of attosecond science with electron microscopy and diffraction enables space-time imaging of light-driven processes in the entire range of sample morphologies that electron microscopy can access.

Three dimensional electron microscopy and in silico tools for macromolecular structure determination

PubMed Central

Borkotoky, Subhomoi; Meena, Chetan Kumar; Khan, Mohammad Wahab; Murali, Ayaluru

2013-01-01

Recently, structural biology witnessed a major tool - electron microscopy - in solving the structures of macromolecules in addition to the conventional techniques, X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Three dimensional transmission electron microscopy (3DTEM) is one of the most sophisticated techniques for structure determination of molecular machines. Known to give the 3-dimensional structures in its native form with literally no upper limit on size of the macromolecule, this tool does not need the crystallization of the protein. Combining the 3DTEM data with in silico tools, one can have better refined structure of a desired complex. In this review we are discussing about the recent advancements in three dimensional electron microscopy and tools associated with it. PMID:27092033

Tackling the Challenges of Dynamic Experiments Using Liquid-Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy.

PubMed

Parent, Lucas R; Bakalis, Evangelos; Proetto, Maria; Li, Yiwen; Park, Chiwoo; Zerbetto, Francesco; Gianneschi, Nathan C

2018-01-16

Revolutions in science and engineering frequently result from the development, and wide adoption, of a new, powerful characterization or imaging technique. Beginning with the first glass lenses and telescopes in astronomy, to the development of visual-light microscopy, staining techniques, confocal microscopy, and fluorescence super-resolution microscopy in biology, and most recently aberration-corrected, cryogenic, and ultrafast (4D) electron microscopy, X-ray microscopy, and scanning probe microscopy in nanoscience. Through these developments, our perception and understanding of the physical nature of matter at length-scales beyond ordinary perception have been fundamentally transformed. Despite this progression in microscopy, techniques for observing nanoscale chemical processes and solvated/hydrated systems are limited, as the necessary spatial and temporal resolution presents significant technical challenges. However, the standard reliance on indirect or bulk phase characterization of nanoscale samples in liquids is undergoing a shift in recent times with the realization ( Williamson et al. Nat. Mater . 2003 , 2 , 532 - 536 ) of liquid-cell (scanning) transmission electron microscopy, LC(S)TEM, where picoliters of solution are hermetically sealed between electron-transparent "windows," which can be directly imaged or videoed at the nanoscale using conventional transmission electron microscopes. This Account seeks to open a discussion on the topic of standardizing strategies for conducting imaging experiments with a view to characterizing dynamics and motion of nanoscale materials. This is a challenge that could be described by critics and proponents alike, as analogous to doing chemistry in a lightning storm; where the nature of the solution, the nanomaterial, and the dynamic behaviors are all potentially subject to artifactual influence by the very act of our observation.

Nanoparticle Immobilization for Controllable Experiments in Liquid-Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy.

PubMed

Robertson, Alex W; Zhu, Guomin; Mehdi, B Layla; Jacobs, Robert M J; De Yoreo, James; Browning, Nigel D

2018-06-22

We demonstrate that silanization can control the adhesion of nanostructures to the SiN windows compatible with liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (LC-TEM). Formation of an (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) self-assembled monolayer on a SiN window, producing a surface decorated with amino groups, permits strong adhesion of Au nanoparticles to the window. Many of these nanoparticles remain static, undergoing minimal translation or rotation during LC-TEM up to high electron beam current densities due to the strong interaction between the APTES amino group and Au. We then use this technique to perform a direct comparative LC-TEM study on the behavior of ligand and nonligand-coated Au nanoparticles in a Au growth solution. While the ligand coated nanoparticles remain consistent even under high electron beam current densities, the naked nanoparticles acted as sites for secondary Au nucleation. These nucleated particles decorated the parent nanoparticle surface, forming consecutive monolayer assemblies of ∼2 nm diameter nanoparticles, which sinter into the parent particle when the electron beam was shut off. This method for facile immobilization of nanostructures for LC-TEM study will permit more sophisticated and controlled in situ experiments into the properties of solid-liquid interfaces in the future.

Performance of low-voltage STEM/TEM with delta corrector and cold field emission gun.

PubMed

Sasaki, Takeo; Sawada, Hidetaka; Hosokawa, Fumio; Kohno, Yuji; Tomita, Takeshi; Kaneyama, Toshikatsu; Kondo, Yukihito; Kimoto, Koji; Sato, Yuta; Suenaga, Kazu

2010-08-01

To reduce radiation damage caused by the electron beam and to obtain high-contrast images of specimens, we have developed a highly stabilized transmission electron microscope equipped with a cold field emission gun and spherical aberration correctors for image- and probe-forming systems, which operates at lower acceleration voltages than conventional transmission electron microscopes. A delta-type aberration corrector is designed to simultaneously compensate for third-order spherical aberration and fifth-order 6-fold astigmatism. Both were successfully compensated in both scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) modes in the range 30-60 kV. The Fourier transforms of raw high-angle annular dark field (HAADF) images of a Si[110] sample revealed spots corresponding to lattice spacings of 111 and 96 pm at 30 and 60 kV, respectively, and those of raw TEM images of an amorphous Ge film with gold particles showed spots corresponding to spacings of 91 and 79 pm at 30 and 60 kV, respectively. Er@C(82)-doped single-walled carbon nanotubes, which are carbon-based samples, were successfully observed by HAADF-STEM imaging with an atomic-level resolution.

Operando observations of solid-state electrochemical reactions in Li-ion batteries by spatially resolved TEM EELS and electron holography.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Kazuo; Iriyama, Yasutoshi; Hirayama, Tsukasa

2017-02-08

All-solid-state Li-ion batteries having incombustible solid electrolytes are promising energy storage devices because they have significant advantages in terms of safety, lifetime and energy density. Electrochemical reactions, namely, Li-ion insertion/extraction reactions, commonly occur around the nanometer-scale interfaces between the electrodes and solid electrolytes. Thus, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an appropriate technique to directly observe such reactions, providing important information for understanding the fundamental solid-state electrochemistry and improving battery performance. In this review, we introduce two types of TEM techniques for operando observations of battery reactions, spatially resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy in a TEM mode for direct detection of the Li concentration profiles and electron holography for observing the electric potential changes due to Li-ion insertion/extraction reactions. We visually show how Li-ion insertion/extractions affect the crystal structures, electronic structures, and local electric potential during the charge-discharge processes in these batteries. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Disruption of Desmin-Mitochondrial Architecture in Patients with Regurgitant Mitral Valves and Preserved Ventricular Function

PubMed Central

Soorappan, Rajasekaran Namakkal; Ahmad, Shama; Mariappan, Nithya; Litovsky, Silvio; Gupta, Himanshu; Lloyd, Steven G; Denney, Thomas S; Powell, Pamela Cox; Aban, Inmaculada; Collawn, James; Davies, James E; McGiffin, David C; Dell’Italia, Louis J

2016-01-01

Objective Recent studies have demonstrated improved outcomes in patients receiving early surgery for degenerative mitral valvular regurgitation (MR) rather than adhering to conventional guidelines for surgical intervention. However, studies providing a mechanistic basis for these findings are limited. Methods Left ventricular (LV) myocardium from 22 patients undergoing mitral valve repair for Class I indications was evaluated for desmin, the voltage-dependent anion channel, αβ-crystallin, and α, β unsaturated aldehyde 4-hydroxynonelal by fluorescence microscopy and in 6 normal control LV autopsy specimens. Cardiomyocyte ultrastructure was examined by transmission electron microscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging with tissue tagging was performed in 55 normal subjects and 22 MR patients pre- and 6 months post-mitral valve repair. Results LV end-diastolic volume was 1.5-fold (p<0.0001) higher and LV mass to volume ratio was lower in MR (p=0.004) vs. normal and improvement six months after mitral valve surgery. However, LV ejection fraction decreased from 65 ± 7 to 52 ± 9% (p<0.0001) and LV circumferential (p<0.0001) and longitudinal strain decreased significantly below normal values (p=0.002) post-surgery. MR hearts had a 53% decrease in desmin (p<0.0001) and a 2.6-fold increase in desmin aggregates (p<0.0001) vs. normal along with significant, intense perinuclear staining of α, β unsaturated aldehyde 4-hydroxynonelal in areas of mitochondrial breakdown and clustering. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated numerous electron dense deposits, myofibrillar loss, Z-line abnormalities and extensive granulofilamentous debris identified as desmin positive by immunogold transmission electron microscopy. Conclusion Despite well-preserved preoperative LV ejection fraction, severe oxidative stress and disruption of cardiomyocyte desmin-mitochondrial sarcomeric architecture may explain post-operative LV functional decline and further supports the move toward earlier surgical intervention. PMID:27464577

Rapid three-dimensional analysis of renal biopsy sections by low vacuum scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Inaga, Sumire; Kato, Masako; Hirashima, Sayuri; Munemura, Chishio; Okada, Sinichi; Kameie, Toshio; Katsumoto, Tetsuo; Nakane, Hironobu; Tanaka, Keiichi; Hayashi, Kazuhiko; Naguro, Tomonori

2010-01-01

Renal biopsy paraffin sections were examined by low vacuum scanning electron microscopy (LVSEM) in the backscattered electron (BSE) mode, a novel method for rapid pathological analysis which allowed detailed and efficient three-dimensional observations of glomeruli. Renal samples that had been already diagnosed by light microscopy (LM) as exhibiting IgA nephropathy, minor glomerular abnormalities, and membranous glomerulonephritis (GN) were rapidly processed in the present study. Unstained paraffin sections of biopsy samples on glass slides were deparaffinized, stained with platinum blue (Pt-blue) or periodic acid silver-methenamine (PAM), and directly observed with a LVSEM. Overviews of whole sections and detailed observations of individual glomeruli were immediately performed at arbitrary magnifications between ×50 to ×18,000. Cut surface views and surface views of glomeruli were demonstrated at the same time. On Pt-blue-stained sections, podocytes, endothelia, mesangium, and glomerular basement membranes (GBMs) could be distinguished due to the different yields of BSE signals, and pathological features were investigated in every sample. The abnormal surface appearances of podocytes with foot processes and the varying thicknesses of GBM were revealed three-dimensionally, features difficult to observe under LM and transmission electron microscopy. PAM-positive GBM alterations in membranous GN were distinctly visualized through overlying cells without cell removal under LVSEM at high magnification. Not only prominent spike formation but also slight protrusions were clearly revealed in the side views of GBM. Crater-like or hole-like structures were shown in the en face views of GBM. Accordingly, LVSEM is expected to provide a novel approach to the pathological diagnosis of human glomerular diseases using conventional renal biopsy sections.

Restenosis after hot-tip laser-balloon angioplasty: histologic evaluation of the samples removed by Simpson atherectomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbieri, Enrico; Tanganelli, Pietro; Taddei, Giuseppe; Perbellini, Antonio; Attino, Vito; Destro, Gianni; Zardini, Piero

1991-05-01

Laser balloon angioplasty has been used in recent years to treat peripheral artery disease. Despite a primary success the technique is plagued by a high restenosis rate. Directional atherectomy was performed in a small group of patients affected by primitive stenosis or restenosis after an invasive procedure. Light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy have identified the cellular component of intimal hyperplasia as smooth muscle cells in an active synthetic phenotype. The arterial healing process after invasive procedures seems to develop similarly independently of the device employed.

Monolithically Integrated, Mechanically Resilient Carbon-Based Probes for Scanning Probe Microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaul, Anupama B.; Megerian, Krikor G.; Jennings, Andrew T.; Greer, Julia R.

2010-01-01

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is an important tool for performing measurements at the nanoscale in imaging bacteria or proteins in biology, as well as in the electronics industry. An essential element of SPM is a sharp, stable tip that possesses a small radius of curvature to enhance spatial resolution. Existing techniques for forming such tips are not ideal. High-aspect-ratio, monolithically integrated, as-grown carbon nanofibers (CNFs) have been formed that show promise for SPM applications by overcoming the limitations present in wet chemical and separate substrate etching processes.

Superior cycle performance and high reversible capacity of SnO2/graphene composite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

PubMed Central

Liu, Lilai; An, Maozhong; Yang, Peixia; Zhang, Jinqiu

2015-01-01

SnO2/graphene composite with superior cycle performance and high reversible capacity was prepared by a one-step microwave-hydrothermal method using a microwave reaction system. The SnO2/graphene composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The size of SnO2 grains deposited on graphene sheets is less than 3.5 nm. The SnO2/graphene composite exhibits high capacity and excellent electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries. The first discharge and charge capacities at a current density of 100 mA g−1 are 2213 and 1402 mA h g−1 with coulomb efficiencies of 63.35%. The discharge specific capacities remains 1359, 1228, 1090 and 1005 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at current densities of 100, 300, 500 and 700 mA g−1, respectively. Even at a high current density of 1000 mA g−1, the first discharge and charge capacities are 1502 and 876 mA h g−1, and the discharge specific capacities remains 1057 and 677 mA h g−1 after 420 and 1000 cycles, respectively. The SnO2/graphene composite demonstrates a stable cycle performance and high reversible capacity for lithium storage. PMID:25761938

Engineering hierarchical ultrathin CuCo2O4 nanosheets array on Ni foam by rapid electrodeposition method toward high-performance binder-free supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbasi, Laleh; Arvand, Majid

2018-07-01

In the present work, we engineer hierarchical ultrathin CuCo2O4 nanosheets arrays on Ni foam through a facile, controllable and low-cost electrodeposition method by controlling deposition time and adjusting precursor's type, as a binder-free electrode for high performance supercapacitors. The effects of deposition time and types of precursors on the morphology of the as-prepared electrodes were investigated by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. As a results, the CuCo2O4 electrode prepared by nitrate salts at the deposition time of 10 min, includes the most uniform and ultrathin nanosheet arrays and exhibits the highest capacitance performance, such as ultrahigh specific capacitance of 1330 F g-1 at 2 A g-1 with 70% capacitance retention (938 F g-1) at ultrahigh current density of 60 A g-1, excellent cycling stability of 93.6% capacitance retention after 5000CD cycles and the maximum energy density of 29.55 Wh kg-1 at the power density of 0.4 kW kg-1. These superior electrochemical performances have been attributed to its unique structures with direct connected ultrathin nanosheets on the surface of Ni foam and abundant pores provide large electroactive sites for electrochemical reactions, as well as facile electron, ion transport and high electrical conductivity.

Organic nanofibers from squarylium dyes: local morphology, optical, and electrical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balzer, Frank; Schiek, Manuela; Osadnik, Andreas; Lützen, Arne; Rubahn, Horst-Günter

2012-02-01

Environmentally stable, non-toxic squarylium dyes with strong absorption maxima in the red and near infrared spectral region are known for almost fifty years. Despite the fact that their optoelectronic properties distinguish them as promising materials for organics based photovoltaic cells, they have regained attention only very recently. For their application in heterojunction solar cells knowledge of their nanoscopic morphology as well as nanoscopic electrical properties is paramount. In this paper thin films from two different squarylium dyes, from squarylium (SQ) and from hydroxy-squarylium (SQOH) are investigated. The thin films are either solution casted or vacuum sublimed onto substrates such as muscovite mica, which are known to promote self-assembly into oriented, crystalline nanostructures such as nanofibers. Local characterization is performed via (polarized) optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM).

Microelectrode for energy and current control of nanotip field electron emitters

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lüneburg, S.; Müller, M., E-mail: m.mueller@fhi-berlin.mpg.de; Paarmann, A., E-mail: alexander.paarmann@fhi-berlin.mpg.de

2013-11-18

Emerging experiments and applications in electron microscopy, holography, and diffraction benefit from miniaturized electron guns for compact experimental setups. We present a highly compact microelectrode integrated field emitter that consists of a tungsten nanotip coated with a few micrometers thick polyimide film followed by a several nanometers thick gold film, both positioned behind the exposed emitter apex by approximately 10–30 μm. The control of the electric field strength at the nanometer scale tip apex allows suppression, extraction, and energy tuning of field-emitted electrons. The performance of the microelectrode is demonstrated experimentally and supported by numerical simulations.

Characterization of TiN, TiC and Ti(C,N) in titanium-alloyed ferritic chromium steels focusing on the significance of different particle morphologies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Michelic, S.K., E-mail: susanne.michelic@unileoben.ac.at; Loder, D.; Reip, T.

2015-02-15

Titanium-alloyed ferritic chromium steels are a competitive option to classical austenitic stainless steels owing to their similar corrosion resistance. The addition of titanium significantly influences their final steel cleanliness. The present contribution focuses on the detailed metallographic characterization of titanium nitrides, titanium carbides and titanium carbonitrides with regard to their size, morphology and composition. The methods used are manual and automated Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy as well as optical microscopy. Additional thermodynamic calculations are performed to explain the precipitation procedure of the analyzed titanium nitrides. The analyses showed that homogeneous nucleation is decisive at an earlymore » process stage after the addition of titanium. Heterogeneous nucleation gets crucial with ongoing process time and essentially influences the final inclusion size of titanium nitrides. A detailed investigation of the nuclei for heterogeneous nucleation with automated Scanning Electron Microscopy proved to be difficult due to their small size. Manual Scanning Electron Microscopy and optical microscopy have to be applied. Furthermore, it was found that during solidification an additional layer around an existing titanium nitride can be formed which changes the final inclusion morphology significantly. These layers are also characterized in detail. Based on these different inclusion morphologies, in combination with thermodynamic results, tendencies regarding the formation and modification time of titanium containing inclusions in ferritic chromium steels are derived. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • The formation and modification of TiN in the steel 1.4520 was examined. • Heterogeneous nucleation essentially influences the final steel cleanliness. • In most cases heterogeneous nuclei in TiN inclusions are magnesium based. • Particle morphology provides important information on inclusion formation.« less

Correlation of two-photon in vivo imaging and FIB/SEM microscopy

PubMed Central

Blazquez-Llorca, L; Hummel, E; Zimmerman, H; Zou, C; Burgold, S; Rietdorf, J; Herms, J

2015-01-01

Advances in the understanding of brain functions are closely linked to the technical developments in microscopy. In this study, we describe a correlative microscopy technique that offers a possibility of combining two-photon in vivo imaging with focus ion beam/scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM) techniques. Long-term two-photon in vivo imaging allows the visualization of functional interactions within the brain of a living organism over the time, and therefore, is emerging as a new tool for studying the dynamics of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, light microscopy has important limitations in revealing alterations occurring at the synaptic level and when this is required, electron microscopy is mandatory. FIB/SEM microscopy is a novel tool for three-dimensional high-resolution reconstructions, since it acquires automated serial images at ultrastructural level. Using FIB/SEM imaging, we observed, at 10 nm isotropic resolution, the same dendrites that were imaged in vivo over 9 days. Thus, we analyzed their ultrastructure and monitored the dynamics of the neuropil around them. We found that stable spines (present during the 9 days of imaging) formed typical asymmetric contacts with axons, whereas transient spines (present only during one day of imaging) did not form a synaptic contact. Our data suggest that the morphological classification that was assigned to a dendritic spine according to the in vivo images did not fit with its ultrastructural morphology. The correlative technique described herein is likely to open opportunities for unravelling the earlier unrecognized complexity of the nervous system. Lay Description Neuroscience and the understanding of brain functions are closely linked to the technical advances in microscopy. In this study we performed a correlative microscopy technique that offers the possibility to combine 2 photon in vivo imaging and FIB/SEM microscopy. Long term 2 photon in vivo imaging allows the visualization of functional interactions within the brain of a living organism over the time, and therefore, is emerging as a new tool to study the dynamics of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, light microscopy has important limitations in revealing synapses that are the connections between neurons, and for this purpose, the electron microscopy is necessary. FIB/SEM microscopy is a novel tool for three-dimensional (3D) high resolution reconstructions since it acquires automated serial images at ultrastructural level. This correlative technique will open up new horizons and opportunities for unravelling the complexity of the nervous system. PMID:25786682

Nano-fEM: protein localization using photo-activated localization microscopy and electron microscopy.

PubMed

Watanabe, Shigeki; Richards, Jackson; Hollopeter, Gunther; Hobson, Robert J; Davis, Wayne M; Jorgensen, Erik M

2012-12-03

Mapping the distribution of proteins is essential for understanding the function of proteins in a cell. Fluorescence microscopy is extensively used for protein localization, but subcellular context is often absent in fluorescence images. Immuno-electron microscopy, on the other hand, can localize proteins, but the technique is limited by a lack of compatible antibodies, poor preservation of morphology and because most antigens are not exposed to the specimen surface. Correlative approaches can acquire the fluorescence image from a whole cell first, either from immuno-fluorescence or genetically tagged proteins. The sample is then fixed and embedded for electron microscopy, and the images are correlated (1-3). However, the low-resolution fluorescence image and the lack of fiducial markers preclude the precise localization of proteins. Alternatively, fluorescence imaging can be done after preserving the specimen in plastic. In this approach, the block is sectioned, and fluorescence images and electron micrographs of the same section are correlated (4-7). However, the diffraction limit of light in the correlated image obscures the locations of individual molecules, and the fluorescence often extends beyond the boundary of the cell. Nano-resolution fluorescence electron microscopy (nano-fEM) is designed to localize proteins at nano-scale by imaging the same sections using photo-activated localization microscopy (PALM) and electron microscopy. PALM overcomes the diffraction limit by imaging individual fluorescent proteins and subsequently mapping the centroid of each fluorescent spot (8-10). We outline the nano-fEM technique in five steps. First, the sample is fixed and embedded using conditions that preserve the fluorescence of tagged proteins. Second, the resin blocks are sectioned into ultrathin segments (70-80 nm) that are mounted on a cover glass. Third, fluorescence is imaged in these sections using the Zeiss PALM microscope. Fourth, electron dense structures are imaged in these same sections using a scanning electron microscope. Fifth, the fluorescence and electron micrographs are aligned using gold particles as fiducial markers. In summary, the subcellular localization of fluorescently tagged proteins can be determined at nanometer resolution in approximately one week.

Multi-scale invertigation of the relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties in dual phase steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fan

Dual phase steel alloys belong to the first generation of advanced high strength steels that are widely used in the automotive industry to form body structure and closure panels of vehicles. A deeper understanding of the microstructural features, such as phase orientation and morphology are needed in order to establish their effect on the mechanical performance and to design a material with optimized attributes. In this work, our goal is to establish what kind of relationship exist between the mechanical properties and the microstructural representation of dual phase steels obtained from experimental observations. Microstructure in different specimens are characterized with advanced experimental techniques as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction pattern, scanning probe microscopy, and nanoindentation. Nanoindentation, Vickers hardness and tensile testing are conducted to reveal a multi-scale mechanical performance on original material and also specimens under a variety combinations of temperatures, cooling rates, and rolling conditions. To quantify the single phase properties in each sample, an inverse method is adopted using experimental nanoindentation load-depth curves to obtain tensile stress-strain curves for each phase, and the inverse results were verified with the true stress-strain curves from tensile tests. This work also provides the insight on spatial phase distribution of different phases through a 2-point correlation statistical methodology and relate to material strength and formability. The microstructure information is correlated with the results of mechanical tests. The broken surfaces from tensile testing are analyzed to discover the fracture mechanism in relation to martensite morphology and distribuion. Viscoplastic self-consistent fast Fourier Transformation simulations is also used to compute efficiently the local and the homogenized viscoplastic response of the polycrystalline microstructure. The specific objectives of this work are 1) the development of etching techniques and electron backscatter diffraction strategies to characterize ferrite and martensite phases in steel; 2) the uncovering of a relationship between strength/ductility and material microstructure, 3) a statistical description to quantify the spatial distributions of these phases; and finally 4) the simulation of the microstructural evolution using parameters obtained from the experiments.

Symposium U: Thermoelectric Power Generation. Held in Boston, Massachusetts on November 26-29, 2007

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-04-01

including X - ray /electron diffraction, TGA analysis, Raman / Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, electron microscopy, Rutherford back-scattering and...Energy dispersive X - ray analysis were performed on the treated sample. The results revealed that a surface layer (from 10 nm to up to micron in...nanoparticles into a matrix of bulk Bi2Te 3 material via a hot pressing process. These nanocomposites have been examined by SEM and X - ray powder

Effect of deposition pressure on the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of epitaxial ScN(001) thin films sputtered onto MgO(001) substrates

DOE PAGES

Burmistrova, Polina V.; Zakharov, Dmitri N.; Favaloro, Tela; ...

2015-03-14

Four epitaxial ScN(001) thin films were successfully deposited on MgO(001) substrates by dc reactive magnetron sputtering at 2, 5, 10, and 20 mTorr in an Ar/N2 ambient atmosphere at 650 °C. The microstructure of the resultant films was analyzed by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Electrical resistivity, electron mobility and concentration were measured using the room temperature Hall technique, and temperature dependent in-plain measurements of the thermoelectric properties of the ScN thin films were performed. The surface morphology and film crystallinity significantly degrade with increasing deposition pressure. The ScN thin film deposited at 20 mTorr exhibitsmore » the presence of <221> oriented secondary grains resulting in decreased electric properties and a low thermoelectric power factor of 0.5 W/m-K² at 800 K. ScN thin films grown at 5 and 10 mTorr are single crystalline, yielding the power factor of approximately 2.5 W/m-K² at 800 K. The deposition performed at 2 mTorr produces the highest quality ScN thin film with the electron mobility of 98 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and the power factor of 3.3 W/m-K² at 800 K.« less

Light and electron microscopic observation of regenerated fungiform taste buds in patients with recovered taste function after severing chorda tympani nerve.

PubMed

Saito, Takehisa; Ito, Tetsufumi; Narita, Norihiko; Yamada, Takechiyo; Manabe, Yasuhiro

2011-11-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mean number of regenerated fungiform taste buds per papilla and perform light and electron microscopic observation of taste buds in patients with recovered taste function after severing the chorda tympani nerve during middle ear surgery. We performed a biopsy on the fungiform papillae (FP) in the midlateral region of the dorsal surface of the tongue from 5 control volunteers (33 total FP) and from 7 and 5 patients with and without taste recovery (34 and 29 FP, respectively) 3 years 6 months to 18 years after surgery. The specimens were observed by light and transmission electron microscopy. The taste function was evaluated by electrogustometry. The mean number of taste buds in the FP of patients with completely recovered taste function was significantly smaller (1.9 +/- 1.4 per papilla; p < 0.01) than that of the control subjects (3.8 +/- 2.2 per papilla). By transmission electron microscopy, 4 distinct types of cell (type I, II, III, and basal cells) were identified in the regenerated taste buds. Nerve fibers and nerve terminals were also found in the taste buds. It was clarified that taste buds containing taste cells and nerve endings do regenerate in the FP of patients with recovered taste function.

Aerosol jet printed silver nanowire transparent electrode for flexible electronic application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tu, Li; Yuan, Sijian; Zhang, Huotian; Wang, Pengfei; Cui, Xiaolei; Wang, Jiao; Zhan, Yi-Qiang; Zheng, Li-Rong

2018-05-01

Aerosol jet printing technology enables fine feature deposition of electronic materials onto low-temperature, non-planar substrates without masks. In this work, silver nanowires (AgNWs) are proposed to be printed into transparent flexible electrodes using a Maskless Mesoscale Material Deposition Aerosol Jet® printing system on a glass substrate. The influence of the most significant process parameters, including printing cycles, printing speed, and nozzle size, on the performance of AgNW electrodes was systematically studied. The morphologies of printed patterns were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and the transmittance was evaluated using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. Under optimum conditions, high transparent AgNW electrodes with a sheet resistance of 57.68 Ω/sq and a linewidth of 50.9 μm were obtained, which is an important step towards a higher performance goal for flexible electronic applications.

Imaging quantum transport using scanning gate microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hackens, Benoit

2014-03-01

Quantum transport in nanodevices is usually probed thanks to measurements of the electrical resistance or conductance, which lack the spatial resolution necessary to probe electron behaviour inside the devices. In this talk, we will show that scanning gate microscopy (SGM) yields real-space images of quantum transport phenomena inside archetypal mesoscopic devices such as quantum point contacts and quantum rings. We will first discuss the SGM technique, which is based on mapping the electrical conductance of a device as an electrically-biased sharp metallic tip scans in its vicinity. With SGM, we demonstrated low temperature imaging of the electron probability density and interferences in embedded mesoscopic quantum rings [B. Hackens et al., Nat. Phys. 2, 826 (2006)]. At high magnetic field, thanks to the SGM conductance maps, one can decrypt complex transport phenomena such as tunneling between quantum Hall edge state, either direct or through localized states [B. Hackens et al., Nat. Comm. 1, 39 (2010)]. Moreover, the technique also allows to perform local spectroscopy of electron transport through selected localized states [F. Martins et al., New J. of Phys. 15, 013049 (2013); F. Martins et al., Sci. Rep. 3, 1416 (2013)]. Overall, these examples show that scanning gate microscopy is a powerful tool for imaging charge carrier behavior inside devices fabricated from a variety of materials, and opens the way towards a more intimate manipulation of charge and quasiparticle transport. This work was performed in collaboration with F. Martins, S. Faniel, B. Brun, M. Pala, X. Wallart, L. Desplanque, B. Rosenow, T. Ouisse, H. Sellier, S. Huant and V. Bayot.

Preparation method of Ni@Pt/C nanocatalyst affects the performance of direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell: Improved power density and increased catalytic oxidation of borohydride.

PubMed

Hosseini, Mir Ghasem; Mahmoodi, Raana

2017-08-15

The Ni@Pt/C electrocatalysts were synthesized using two different methods: with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and without SDS. The metal loading in synthesized nanocatalysts was 20wt% and the molar ratio of Ni: Pt was 1:1. The structural characterizations of Ni@Pt/C electrocatalysts were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The electrocatalytic activity of Ni@Pt/C electrocatalysts toward BH 4 - oxidation in alkaline medium was studied by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronopotentiometry (CP), chronoamperometry (CA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that Ni@Pt/C electrocatalyst synthesized without SDS has superior catalytic activity toward borohydride oxidation (22016.92Ag Pt -1 ) in comparison with a catalyst prepared in the presence of SDS (17766.15Ag Pt -1 ) in NaBH 4 0.1M at 25°C. The Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) used in fuel cell set-up was fabricated with catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) technique. The effect of Ni@Pt/C catalysts prepared with two methods as anode catalyst on the performance of direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell was studied. The maximum power density was obtained using Ni@Pt/C catalyst synthesized without SDS at 60°C, 1M NaBH 4 and 2M H 2 O 2 (133.38mWcm -2 ). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Memristive behaviour of Si-Al oxynitride thin films: the role of oxygen and nitrogen vacancies in the electroforming process.

PubMed

Blázquez, O; Martín, G; Camps, I; Mariscal, A; López-Vidrier, J; Ramírez, J M; Hernández, S; Estradé, S; Peiró, F; Serna, R; Garrido, B

2018-06-08

The resistive switching properties of silicon-aluminium oxynitride (SiAlON) based devices have been studied. Electrical transport mechanisms in both resistance states were determined, exhibiting an ohmic behaviour at low resistance and a defect-related Poole-Frenkel mechanism at high resistance. Nevertheless, some features of the Al top-electrode are generated during the initial electroforming, suggesting some material modifications. An in-depth microscopic study at the nanoscale has been performed after the electroforming process, by acquiring scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images. The direct observation of the devices confirmed features on the top electrode with bubble-like appearance, as well as some precipitates within the SiAlON. Chemical analysis by electron energy loss spectroscopy has demonstrated that there is an out-diffusion of oxygen and nitrogen ions from the SiAlON layer towards the electrode, thus forming silicon-rich paths within the dielectric layer and indicating vacancy change to be the main mechanism in the resistive switching.

The Role of Phase Changes in TiO2/Pt/TiO2 Filaments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bíró, Ferenc; Hajnal, Zoltán; Dücső, Csaba; Bársony, István

2018-04-01

This work analyses the role of phase changes in TiO2/Pt/TiO2 layer stacks for micro-heater application regarding their stability and reliable operation. The polycrystalline Pt layer wrapped in a TiO2 adhesion layer underwent a continuous recrystallisation in a self-heating operation causing a drift in the resistance ( R) versus temperature ( T) performance. Simultaneously, the TiO2 adhesion layer also deteriorates at high temperature by phase changes from amorphous to anatase and rutile crystallite formation, which not only influences the Pt diffusion in different migration phenomena, but also reduces the cross section of the Pt heater wire. Thorough scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM) and electron beam diffraction analysis of the structures operated at increasing temperature revealed the elemental structural processes leading to the instabilities and the accelerated degradation, resulting in rapid breakdown of the heater wire. Owing to stability and reliability criteria, the conditions for safe operation of these layer structures could be determined.

First evidence of tyre debris characterization at the nanoscale by focused ion beam

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Milani, M.; Pucillo, F.P.; Ballerini, M.

2004-07-15

In this paper, we present a novel technique for the nanoscale characterization of the outer and inner structure of tyre debris. Tyre debris is produced by the normal wear of tyres. In previous studies, the microcharacterization and identification were performed by analytical electron microscopy. This study is a development of the characterization of surface and microstructure of tyre debris. For the first time, tyre debris was analysed by focused ion beam (FIB), a technique with 2- to 5-nm resolution that does not require any sample preparation. We studied tyre debris produced in the laboratory. We made electron and ionic imagingmore » of the surface of the material, and after a ionic cut, we studied the internal microstructure of the same sample. The tyre debris was analysed by FIB without any sample preparations unlike the case of scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Useful information was derived to improve detection and monitoring techniques of pollution by tyre degradation processes.« less

Memristive behaviour of Si-Al oxynitride thin films: the role of oxygen and nitrogen vacancies in the electroforming process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blázquez, O.; Martín, G.; Camps, I.; Mariscal, A.; López-Vidrier, J.; Ramírez, J. M.; Hernández, S.; Estradé, S.; Peiró, F.; Serna, R.; Garrido, B.

2018-06-01

The resistive switching properties of silicon-aluminium oxynitride (SiAlON) based devices have been studied. Electrical transport mechanisms in both resistance states were determined, exhibiting an ohmic behaviour at low resistance and a defect-related Poole‑Frenkel mechanism at high resistance. Nevertheless, some features of the Al top-electrode are generated during the initial electroforming, suggesting some material modifications. An in-depth microscopic study at the nanoscale has been performed after the electroforming process, by acquiring scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images. The direct observation of the devices confirmed features on the top electrode with bubble-like appearance, as well as some precipitates within the SiAlON. Chemical analysis by electron energy loss spectroscopy has demonstrated that there is an out-diffusion of oxygen and nitrogen ions from the SiAlON layer towards the electrode, thus forming silicon-rich paths within the dielectric layer and indicating vacancy change to be the main mechanism in the resistive switching.

Image contrast enhancement of Ni/YSZ anode during the slice-and-view process in FIB-SEM.

PubMed

Liu, Shu-Sheng; Takayama, Akiko; Matsumura, Syo; Koyama, Michihisa

2016-03-01

Focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) is a widely used and easily operational equipment for three-dimensional reconstruction with flexible analysis volume. It has been using successfully and increasingly in the field of solid oxide fuel cell. However, the phase contrast of the SEM images is indistinct in many cases, which will bring difficulties to the image processing. Herein, the phase contrast of a conventional Ni/yttria stabilized zirconia anode is tuned in an FIB-SEM with In-Lens secondary electron (SE) and backscattered electron detectors. Two accessories, tungsten probe and carbon nozzle, are inserted during the observation. The former has no influence on the contrast. When the carbon nozzle is inserted, best and distinct contrast can be obtained by In-Lens SE detector. This method is novel for contrast enhancement. Phase segmentation of the image can be automatically performed. The related mechanism for different images is discussed. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2015 Royal Microscopical Society.

Reversible Cryopreservation of Living Cells Using an Electron Microscopy Cryo-Fixation Method.

PubMed

Huebinger, Jan; Han, Hong-Mei; Grabenbauer, Markus

2016-01-01

Rapid cooling of aqueous solutions is a useful approach for two important biological applications: (I) cryopreservation of cells and tissues for long-term storage, and (II) cryofixation for ultrastructural investigations by electron and cryo-electron microscopy. Usually, both approaches are very different in methodology. Here we show that a novel, fast and easy to use cryofixation technique called self-pressurized rapid freezing (SPRF) is-after some adaptations-also a useful and versatile technique for cryopreservation. Sealed metal tubes with high thermal diffusivity containing the samples are plunged into liquid cryogen. Internal pressure builds up reducing ice crystal formation and therefore supporting reversible cryopreservation through vitrification of cells. After rapid rewarming of pressurized samples, viability rates of > 90% can be reached, comparable to best-performing of the established rapid cooling devices tested. In addition, the small SPRF tubes allow for space-saving sample storage and the sealed containers prevent contamination from or into the cryogen during freezing, storage, or thawing.

The Effect of Ultrafine-Grained Microstructure on Creep Behaviour of 9% Cr Steel

PubMed Central

Kral, Petr; Dvorak, Jiri; Sklenicka, Vaclav; Masuda, Takahiro; Horita, Zenji; Kucharova, Kveta; Kvapilova, Marie; Svobodova, Marie

2018-01-01

The effect of ultrafine-grained size on creep behaviour was investigated in P92 steel. Ultrafine-grained steel was prepared by one revolution of high-pressure torsion at room temperature. Creep tensile tests were performed at 873 K under the initially-applied stress range between 50 and 160 MPa. The microstructure was investigated using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy equipped with an electron-back scatter detector. It was found that ultrafine-grained steel exhibits significantly faster minimum creep rates, and there was a decrease in the value of the stress exponent in comparison with coarse-grained P92 steel. Creep results also showed an abrupt decrease in the creep rate over time during the primary stage. The abrupt deceleration of the creep rate during the primary stage was shifted, with decreasing applied stress with longer creep times. The change in the decline of the creep rate during the primary stage was probably related to the enhanced precipitation of the Laves phase in the ultrafine-grained microstructure. PMID:29757206

Near-field control and imaging of free charge carrier variations in GaN nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berweger, Samuel; Blanchard, Paul T.; Brubaker, Matt D.; Coakley, Kevin J.; Sanford, Norman A.; Wallis, Thomas M.; Bertness, Kris A.; Kabos, Pavel

2016-02-01

Despite their uniform crystallinity, the shape and faceting of semiconducting nanowires (NWs) can give rise to variations in structure and associated electronic properties. Here, we develop a hybrid scanning probe-based methodology to investigate local variations in electronic structure across individual n-doped GaN NWs integrated into a transistor device. We perform scanning microwave microscopy (SMM), which we combine with scanning gate microscopy to determine the free-carrier SMM signal contribution and image local charge carrier density variations. In particular, we find significant variations in free carriers across NWs, with a higher carrier density at the wire facets. By increasing the local carrier density through tip-gating, we find that the tip injects current into the NW with strongly localized current when positioned over the wire vertices. These results suggest that the strong variations in electronic properties observed within NWs have significant implications for device design and may lead to new paths to optimization.

In situ Scanning Electron Microscopy of Silicon Anode Reactions in Lithium-Ion Batteries during Charge/Discharge Processes

PubMed Central

Chen, Chih-Yao; Sano, Teruki; Tsuda, Tetsuya; Ui, Koichi; Oshima, Yoshifumi; Yamagata, Masaki; Ishikawa, Masashi; Haruta, Masakazu; Doi, Takayuki; Inaba, Minoru; Kuwabata, Susumu

2016-01-01

A comprehensive understanding of the charge/discharge behaviour of high-capacity anode active materials, e.g., Si and Li, is essential for the design and development of next-generation high-performance Li-based batteries. Here, we demonstrate the in situ scanning electron microscopy (in situ SEM) of Si anodes in a configuration analogous to actual lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with an ionic liquid (IL) that is expected to be a functional LIB electrolyte in the future. We discovered that variations in the morphology of Si active materials during charge/discharge processes is strongly dependent on their size and shape. Even the diffusion of atomic Li into Si materials can be visualized using a back-scattering electron imaging technique. The electrode reactions were successfully recorded as video clips. This in situ SEM technique can simultaneously provide useful data on, for example, morphological variations and elemental distributions, as well as electrochemical data. PMID:27782200

Imaging electronic trap states in perovskite thin films with combined fluorescence and femtosecond transient absorption microscopy

DOE PAGES

Xiao, Kai; Ma, Ying -Zhong; Simpson, Mary Jane; ...

2016-04-22

Charge carrier trapping degrades the performance of organometallic halide perovskite solar cells. To characterize the locations of electronic trap states in a heterogeneous photoactive layer, a spatially resolved approach is essential. Here, we report a comparative study on methylammonium lead tri-iodide perovskite thin films subject to different thermal annealing times using a combined photoluminescence (PL) and femtosecond transient absorption microscopy (TAM) approach to spatially map trap states. This approach coregisters the initially populated electronic excited states with the regions that recombine radiatively. Although the TAM images are relatively homogeneous for both samples, the corresponding PL images are highly structured. Themore » remarkable variation in the PL intensities as compared to transient absorption signal amplitude suggests spatially dependent PL quantum efficiency, indicative of trapping events. Furthermore, detailed analysis enables identification of two trapping regimes: a densely packed trapping region and a sparse trapping area that appear as unique spatial features in scaled PL maps.« less

Backscattered electron SEM imaging of resin sections from plant specimens: observation of histological to subcellular structure and CLEM.

PubMed

Rizzo, N W; Duncan, K E; Bourett, T M; Howard, R J

2016-08-01

We have refined methods for biological specimen preparation and low-voltage backscattered electron imaging in the scanning electron microscope that allow for observation at continuous magnifications of ca. 130-70 000 X, and documentation of tissue and subcellular ultrastructure detail. The technique, based upon early work by Ogura & Hasegawa (1980), affords use of significantly larger sections from fixed and resin-embedded specimens than is possible with transmission electron microscopy while providing similar data. After microtomy, the sections, typically ca. 750 nm thick, were dried onto the surface of glass or silicon wafer and stained with heavy metals-the use of grids avoided. The glass/wafer support was then mounted onto standard scanning electron microscopy sample stubs, carbon-coated and imaged directly at an accelerating voltage of 5 kV, using either a yttrium aluminum garnet or ExB backscattered electron detector. Alternatively, the sections could be viewed first by light microscopy, for example to document signal from a fluorescent protein, and then by scanning electron microscopy to provide correlative light/electron microscope (CLEM) data. These methods provide unobstructed access to ultrastructure in the spatial context of a section ca. 7 × 10 mm in size, significantly larger than the typical 0.2 × 0.3 mm section used for conventional transmission electron microscopy imaging. Application of this approach was especially useful when the biology of interest was rare or difficult to find, e.g. a particular cell type, developmental stage, large organ, the interface between cells of interacting organisms, when contextual information within a large tissue was obligatory, or combinations of these factors. In addition, the methods were easily adapted for immunolocalizations. © 2015 The Author. Journal of Microscopy published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd on behalf of the Royal Microscopical Society.

Preservation of protein fluorescence in embedded human dendritic cells for targeted 3D light and electron microscopy.

PubMed

Höhn, K; Fuchs, J; Fröber, A; Kirmse, R; Glass, B; Anders-Össwein, M; Walther, P; Kräusslich, H-G; Dietrich, C

2015-08-01

In this study, we present a correlative microscopy workflow to combine detailed 3D fluorescence light microscopy data with ultrastructural information gained by 3D focused ion beam assisted scanning electron microscopy. The workflow is based on an optimized high pressure freezing/freeze substitution protocol that preserves good ultrastructural detail along with retaining the fluorescence signal in the resin embedded specimens. Consequently, cellular structures of interest can readily be identified and imaged by state of the art 3D confocal fluorescence microscopy and are precisely referenced with respect to an imprinted coordinate system on the surface of the resin block. This allows precise guidance of the focused ion beam assisted scanning electron microscopy and limits the volume to be imaged to the structure of interest. This, in turn, minimizes the total acquisition time necessary to conduct the time consuming ultrastructural scanning electron microscope imaging while eliminating the risk to miss parts of the target structure. We illustrate the value of this workflow for targeting virus compartments, which are formed in HIV-pulsed mature human dendritic cells. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2015 Royal Microscopical Society.

Capturing the Surface Texture and Shape of Pollen: A Comparison of Microscopy Techniques

PubMed Central

Sivaguru, Mayandi; Mander, Luke; Fried, Glenn; Punyasena, Surangi W.

2012-01-01

Research on the comparative morphology of pollen grains depends crucially on the application of appropriate microscopy techniques. Information on the performance of microscopy techniques can be used to inform that choice. We compared the ability of several microscopy techniques to provide information on the shape and surface texture of three pollen types with differing morphologies. These techniques are: widefield, apotome, confocal and two-photon microscopy (reflected light techniques), and brightfield and differential interference contrast microscopy (DIC) (transmitted light techniques). We also provide a first view of pollen using super-resolution microscopy. The three pollen types used to contrast the performance of each technique are: Croton hirtus (Euphorbiaceae), Mabea occidentalis (Euphorbiaceae) and Agropyron repens (Poaceae). No single microscopy technique provided an adequate picture of both the shape and surface texture of any of the three pollen types investigated here. The wavelength of incident light, photon-collection ability of the optical technique, signal-to-noise ratio, and the thickness and light absorption characteristics of the exine profoundly affect the recovery of morphological information by a given optical microscopy technique. Reflected light techniques, particularly confocal and two-photon microscopy, best capture pollen shape but provide limited information on very fine surface texture. In contrast, transmitted light techniques, particularly differential interference contrast microscopy, can resolve very fine surface texture but provide limited information on shape. Texture comprising sculptural elements that are spaced near the diffraction limit of light (∼250 nm; NDL) presents an acute challenge to optical microscopy. Super-resolution structured illumination microscopy provides data on the NDL texture of A. repens that is more comparable to textural data from scanning electron microscopy than any other optical microscopy technique investigated here. Maximizing the recovery of morphological information from pollen grains should lead to more robust classifications, and an increase in the taxonomic precision with which ancient vegetation can be reconstructed. PMID:22720050

Toward tunable doping in graphene FETs by molecular self-assembled monolayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bing; Klekachev, Alexander V.; Cantoro, Mirco; Huyghebaert, Cedric; Stesmans, André; Asselberghs, Inge; de Gendt, Stefan; de Feyter, Steven

2013-09-01

In this paper, we report the formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of oleylamine (OA) on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and graphene surfaces and demonstrate the potential of using such organic SAMs to tailor the electronic properties of graphene. Molecular resolution Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) images reveal the detailed molecular ordering. The electrical measurements show that OA strongly interacts with graphene leading to n-doping effects in graphene devices. The doping levels are tunable by varying the OA deposition conditions. Importantly, neither hole nor electron mobilities are decreased by the OA modification. As a benefit from this noncovalent modification strategy, the pristine characteristics of the device are recoverable upon OA removal. From this study, one can envision the possibility to correlate the graphene-based device performance with the molecular structure and supramolecular ordering of the organic dopant.In this paper, we report the formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of oleylamine (OA) on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and graphene surfaces and demonstrate the potential of using such organic SAMs to tailor the electronic properties of graphene. Molecular resolution Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) images reveal the detailed molecular ordering. The electrical measurements show that OA strongly interacts with graphene leading to n-doping effects in graphene devices. The doping levels are tunable by varying the OA deposition conditions. Importantly, neither hole nor electron mobilities are decreased by the OA modification. As a benefit from this noncovalent modification strategy, the pristine characteristics of the device are recoverable upon OA removal. From this study, one can envision the possibility to correlate the graphene-based device performance with the molecular structure and supramolecular ordering of the organic dopant. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: AFM images of self-assembled monolayers of OA on HOPG; AFM height image of the graphene surface on a SiC substrate; high resolution STM image of a self-assembled monolayer of OA on HOPG; transfer curves of a graphene FET with and without baking steps; transfer curves of a graphene FET under high vacuum conditions; transfer curves of a graphene FET and its Raman response before and after OA treatment; transfer curves of a graphene FET before and after rinsing with n-hexane. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr01255g

Evaluation of Ultrasound-Induced Damage to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by Flow Cytometry and Transmission Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Li, Jiao; Ahn, Juhee; Liu, Donghong; Chen, Shiguo; Ye, Xingqian

2016-01-01

As a nonthermal sterilization technique, ultrasound has attracted great interest in the field of food preservation. In this study, flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy were employed to investigate ultrasound-induced damage to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. For flow cytometry studies, single staining with propidium iodide (PI) or carboxyfluorescein diacetate (cFDA) revealed that ultrasound treatment caused cell death by compromising membrane integrity, inactivating intracellular esterases, and inhibiting metabolic performance. The results showed that ultrasound damage was independent of initial bacterial concentrations, while the mechanism of cellular damage differed according to the bacterial species. For the Gram-negative bacterium E. coli, ultrasound worked first on the outer membrane rather than the cytoplasmic membrane. Based on the double-staining results, we inferred that ultrasound treatment might be an all-or-nothing process: cells ruptured and disintegrated by ultrasound cannot be revived, which can be considered an advantage of ultrasound over other nonthermal techniques. Transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that the mechanism of ultrasound-induced damage was multitarget inactivation, involving the cell wall, cytoplasmic membrane, and inner structure. Understanding of the irreversible antibacterial action of ultrasound has great significance for its further utilization in the food industry. PMID:26746712

Microwave synthesis of molybdenum doped LiFePO4/C and its electrochemical studies.

PubMed

Naik, Amol; P, Sajan C

2016-05-10

A Mo-doped LiFePO4 composite was prepared successfully from an iron carbonyl complex by adopting a facile and rapid microwave assisted solid state method. The evolution of gases from the iron precursor produces a highly porous product. The formation and substitution of Mo in LiFePO4 were confirmed by X-ray diffraction; surface analysis was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties of the substituted LiFePO4 were examined by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and by recording charge-discharge cycles. It was observed that the as prepared composites consisted of a single phase orthorhombic olivine-type structure, where Mo(6+) was successfully introduced into the M2(Fe) sites. Incorporation of supervalent Mo(6+) introduced Li(+) ion vacancies in LiFePO4. The synthesized material facilitated lithium ion diffusion during charging/discharging due to the charge compensation effect and porosity. The battery performance studies showed that LiMo0.05Fe0.095PO4 exhibited a maximum capacity of 169.7 mA h g(-1) at 0.1 C current density, with admirable stability retention. Even at higher current densities, the retention of the specific capacity was exceptional.

Self-assembly preparation of SiO2@Ni-Al layered double hydroxide composites and their enhanced electrorheological characteristics

PubMed Central

Ji, Xuqiang; Zhang, Wenling; Shan, Lei; Tian, Yu; Liu, Jingquan

2015-01-01

The core-shell structured SiO2@Ni-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) composites were prepared via self-assembly of Ni-Al LDH on the surface of SiO2 spheres. Only coating a layer of ultrathin Ni-Al LDH sheet, the resulting SiO2@Ni-Al LDH composites exhibit significantly enhanced electrorheological (ER) characteristics compared to conventional bare SiO2 spheres. The monodispersed SiO2 spheres with average diameters of 260 nm were synthesized by the hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), while the shell part, Ni-Al LDH sheet was prepared by the hydrothermal procedure. The morphology of the samples was investigated via scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The structure of the samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The species and distribution of elements in samples were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDX) and elemental mapping in STEM. Subsequently, the ER characteristics of the composites dispersed in insulating oil were characterized by a rotational rheometer. The electric field-stimulated rheological performances (yield stress, viscosity, modulus, etc.) were observed under an external electric field, which is different from the Newtonian state in the free electric field. PMID:26670467

Wavelength-Controlled Photodetector Based on Single CdSSe Nanobelt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xinmin; Tan, Qiuhong; Feng, Xiaobo; Wang, Qianjin; Liu, Yingkai

2018-06-01

CdSSe nanobelts (NBs) are synthesized by thermal evaporation and then characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL), and cathodoluminescence (CL). It is found that the CdSSe NBs have a good morphology and microstructure without defects. CL is sensitive to the defects of CdSSe NBs; thus, we can select single nanobelt with homogeneous CL emission to prepare a detector. Based on it, the photodetector of single CdSSe NB was developed and its photoelectric properties were investigated in detail. It is found that under illumination of white light and at the bias voltage of 1 V, the photocurrent of a single CdSSe nanobelt device is 1.60 × 10-7 A, the dark current is 1.96 × 10-10 A, and the ratio of light current to dark one is 816. In addition, the CdSSe nanobelt detector has high photoelectric performance with spectral responsivity of 10.4 AW-1 and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 19.1%. Its rise/decay time is about 1.62/4.70 ms. This work offers a novel strategy for design wavelength-controlled photodetectors by adjusting their compositions.

Wavelength-Controlled Photodetector Based on Single CdSSe Nanobelt.

PubMed

Li, Xinmin; Tan, Qiuhong; Feng, Xiaobo; Wang, Qianjin; Liu, Yingkai

2018-06-07

CdSSe nanobelts (NBs) are synthesized by thermal evaporation and then characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL), and cathodoluminescence (CL). It is found that the CdSSe NBs have a good morphology and microstructure without defects. CL is sensitive to the defects of CdSSe NBs; thus, we can select single nanobelt with homogeneous CL emission to prepare a detector. Based on it, the photodetector of single CdSSe NB was developed and its photoelectric properties were investigated in detail. It is found that under illumination of white light and at the bias voltage of 1 V, the photocurrent of a single CdSSe nanobelt device is 1.60 × 10 -7  A, the dark current is 1.96 × 10 -10  A, and the ratio of light current to dark one is 816. In addition, the CdSSe nanobelt detector has high photoelectric performance with spectral responsivity of 10.4 AW -1 and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 19.1%. Its rise/decay time is about 1.62/4.70 ms. This work offers a novel strategy for design wavelength-controlled photodetectors by adjusting their compositions.

Synaptic Changes in the Dentate Gyrus of APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice Revealed by Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Merino-Serrais, Paula; Gonzalez, Santiago; DeFelipe, Javier

2013-01-01

Abstract Numerous studies have reported widespread synaptic dysfunction or loss in early stages of both Alzheimer disease (AD) patients and animal models; it is widely accepted that synapse loss is the major structural correlate of cognitive dysfunction. Elucidation of the changes that may affect synapses is crucial for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms underlying AD, but ultrastructural preservation of human postmortem brain tissue is often poor, and classical methods for quantification of synapses have significant technical limitations. We previously observed changes in dendritic spines in plaque-free regions of the neuropil of the dentate gyrus of double-transgenic APP/PS1 (amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1) model mice by light microscopy. Here, we used electron microscopy to examine possible synaptic alterations in this region. We used standard stereologic techniques to determine numbers of synapses per volume. We were able to reconstruct and analyze thousands of synapses and their 3-dimensional characteristics using a focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope and 3-dimensional reconstruction software (EspINA), which performs semiautomated segmentation of synapses. Our results show that both numbers of synapses per volume and synaptic morphology are affected in plaque-free regions of APP/PS1 mice. Therefore, changes in the number and morphology of synapses seem to be widespread alterations in this animal model. PMID:23584198

Self-assembly preparation of SiO2@Ni-Al layered double hydroxide composites and their enhanced electrorheological characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Xuqiang; Zhang, Wenling; Shan, Lei; Tian, Yu; Liu, Jingquan

2015-12-01

The core-shell structured SiO2@Ni-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) composites were prepared via self-assembly of Ni-Al LDH on the surface of SiO2 spheres. Only coating a layer of ultrathin Ni-Al LDH sheet, the resulting SiO2@Ni-Al LDH composites exhibit significantly enhanced electrorheological (ER) characteristics compared to conventional bare SiO2 spheres. The monodispersed SiO2 spheres with average diameters of 260 nm were synthesized by the hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), while the shell part, Ni-Al LDH sheet was prepared by the hydrothermal procedure. The morphology of the samples was investigated via scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The structure of the samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The species and distribution of elements in samples were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDX) and elemental mapping in STEM. Subsequently, the ER characteristics of the composites dispersed in insulating oil were characterized by a rotational rheometer. The electric field-stimulated rheological performances (yield stress, viscosity, modulus, etc.) were observed under an external electric field, which is different from the Newtonian state in the free electric field.

Protein 3D Structure and Electron Microscopy Map Retrieval Using 3D-SURFER2.0 and EM-SURFER.

PubMed

Han, Xusi; Wei, Qing; Kihara, Daisuke

2017-12-08

With the rapid growth in the number of solved protein structures stored in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and the Electron Microscopy Data Bank (EMDB), it is essential to develop tools to perform real-time structure similarity searches against the entire structure database. Since conventional structure alignment methods need to sample different orientations of proteins in the three-dimensional space, they are time consuming and unsuitable for rapid, real-time database searches. To this end, we have developed 3D-SURFER and EM-SURFER, which utilize 3D Zernike descriptors (3DZD) to conduct high-throughput protein structure comparison, visualization, and analysis. Taking an atomic structure or an electron microscopy map of a protein or a protein complex as input, the 3DZD of a query protein is computed and compared with the 3DZD of all other proteins in PDB or EMDB. In addition, local geometrical characteristics of a query protein can be analyzed using VisGrid and LIGSITE CSC in 3D-SURFER. This article describes how to use 3D-SURFER and EM-SURFER to carry out protein surface shape similarity searches, local geometric feature analysis, and interpretation of the search results. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Scanning electron microscopy of cells and tissues under fully hydrated conditions

PubMed Central

Thiberge, Stephan; Nechushtan, Amotz; Sprinzak, David; Gileadi, Opher; Behar, Vered; Zik, Ory; Chowers, Yehuda; Michaeli, Shulamit; Schlessinger, Joseph; Moses, Elisha

2004-01-01

A capability for scanning electron microscopy of wet biological specimens is presented. A membrane that is transparent to electrons protects the fully hydrated sample from the vacuum. The result is a hybrid technique combining the ease of use and ability to see into cells of optical microscopy with the higher resolution of electron microscopy. The resolution of low-contrast materials is ≈100 nm, whereas in high-contrast materials the resolution can reach 10 nm. Standard immunogold techniques and heavy-metal stains can be applied and viewed in the fluid to improve the contrast. Images present a striking combination of whole-cell morphology with a wealth of internal details. A possibility for direct inspection of tissue slices transpires, imaging only the external layer of cells. Simultaneous imaging with photons excited by the electrons incorporates data on material distribution, indicating a potential for multilabeling and specific scintillating markers. PMID:14988502

The surface topography of the choroid plexus. Environmental, low and high vacuum scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Mestres, Pedro; Pütz, Norbert; Garcia Gómez de Las Heras, Soledad; García Poblete, Eduardo; Morguet, Andrea; Laue, Michael

2011-05-01

Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) allows the examination of hydrated and dried specimens without a conductive metal coating which could be advantageous in the imaging of biological and medical objects. The aim of this study was to assess the performance and benefits of wet-mode and low vacuum ESEM in comparison to high vacuum scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using the choroid plexus of chicken embryos as a model, an organ of the brain involved in the formation of cerebrospinal fluid in vertebrates. Specimens were fixed with or without heavy metals and examined directly or after critical point drying with or without metal coating. For wet mode ESEM freshly excised specimens without any pre-treatment were also examined. Conventional high vacuum SEM revealed the characteristic morphology of the choroid plexus cells at a high resolution and served as reference. With low vacuum ESEM of dried but uncoated samples the structure appeared well preserved but charging was a problem. It could be reduced by a short beam dwell time and averaging of images or by using the backscattered electron detector instead of the gaseous secondary electron detector. However, resolution was lower than with conventional SEM. Wet mode imaging was only possible with tissue that had been stabilized by fixation. Not all surface details (e.g. microvilli) could be visualized and other structures, like the cilia, were deformed. In summary, ESEM is an additional option for the imaging of bio-medical samples but it is problematic with regard to resolution and sample stability during imaging. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Attosecond electron pulse trains and quantum state reconstruction in ultrafast transmission electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priebe, Katharina E.; Rathje, Christopher; Yalunin, Sergey V.; Hohage, Thorsten; Feist, Armin; Schäfer, Sascha; Ropers, Claus

2017-12-01

Ultrafast electron and X-ray imaging and spectroscopy are the basis for an ongoing revolution in the understanding of dynamical atomic-scale processes in matter. The underlying technology relies heavily on laser science for the generation and characterization of ever shorter pulses. Recent findings suggest that ultrafast electron microscopy with attosecond-structured wavefunctions may be feasible. However, such future technologies call for means to both prepare and fully analyse the corresponding free-electron quantum states. Here, we introduce a framework for the preparation, coherent manipulation and characterization of free-electron quantum states, experimentally demonstrating attosecond electron pulse trains. Phase-locked optical fields coherently control the electron wavefunction along the beam direction. We establish a new variant of quantum state tomography—`SQUIRRELS'—for free-electron ensembles. The ability to tailor and quantitatively map electron quantum states will promote the nanoscale study of electron-matter entanglement and new forms of ultrafast electron microscopy down to the attosecond regime.

Nanowire growth kinetics in aberration corrected environmental transmission electron microscopy

DOE PAGES

Chou, Yi -Chia; Panciera, Federico; Reuter, Mark C.; ...

2016-03-15

Here, we visualize atomic level dynamics during Si nanowire growth using aberration corrected environmental transmission electron microscopy, and compare with lower pressure results from ultra-high vacuum microscopy. We discuss the importance of higher pressure observations for understanding growth mechanisms and describe protocols to minimize effects of the higher pressure background gas.

Electronic Blending in Virtual Microscopy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maybury, Terrence S.; Farah, Camile S.

2010-01-01

Virtual microscopy (VM) is a relatively new technology that transforms the computer into a microscope. In essence, VM allows for the scanning and transfer of glass slides from light microscopy technology to the digital environment of the computer. This transition is also a function of the change from print knowledge to electronic knowledge, or as…

Structural and Ultrastructural Characteristics of Bone-Tendon Junction of the Calcaneal Tendon of Adult and Elderly Wistar Rats

PubMed Central

Cury, Diego Pulzatto; Dias, Fernando José; Miglino, Maria Angélica; Watanabe, Ii-sei

2016-01-01

Tendons are transition tissues that transfer the contractile forces generated by the muscles to the bones, allowing movement. The region where the tendon attaches to the bone is called bone-tendon junction or enthesis and may be classified as fibrous or fibrocartilaginous. This study aims to analyze the collagen fibers and the cells present in the bone-tendon junction using light microscopy and ultrastructural techniques as scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Forty male Wistar rats were used in the experiment, being 20 adult rats at 4 months-old and 20 elderly rats at 20 months-old. The hind limbs of the rats were removed, dissected and prepared to light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The aging process showed changes in the collagen fibrils, with a predominance of type III fibers in the elderly group, in addition to a decrease in the amount of the fibrocartilage cells, fewer and shorter cytoplasmic processes and a decreased synthetic capacity due to degradation of the organelles involved in synthesis. PMID:27078690

Preservation of protein fluorescence in embedded human dendritic cells for targeted 3D light and electron microscopy

PubMed Central

HÖHN, K.; FUCHS, J.; FRÖBER, A.; KIRMSE, R.; GLASS, B.; ANDERS‐ÖSSWEIN, M.; WALTHER, P.; KRÄUSSLICH, H.‐G.

2015-01-01

Summary In this study, we present a correlative microscopy workflow to combine detailed 3D fluorescence light microscopy data with ultrastructural information gained by 3D focused ion beam assisted scanning electron microscopy. The workflow is based on an optimized high pressure freezing/freeze substitution protocol that preserves good ultrastructural detail along with retaining the fluorescence signal in the resin embedded specimens. Consequently, cellular structures of interest can readily be identified and imaged by state of the art 3D confocal fluorescence microscopy and are precisely referenced with respect to an imprinted coordinate system on the surface of the resin block. This allows precise guidance of the focused ion beam assisted scanning electron microscopy and limits the volume to be imaged to the structure of interest. This, in turn, minimizes the total acquisition time necessary to conduct the time consuming ultrastructural scanning electron microscope imaging while eliminating the risk to miss parts of the target structure. We illustrate the value of this workflow for targeting virus compartments, which are formed in HIV‐pulsed mature human dendritic cells. PMID:25786567

Structural and Ultrastructural Characteristics of Bone-Tendon Junction of the Calcaneal Tendon of Adult and Elderly Wistar Rats.

PubMed

Cury, Diego Pulzatto; Dias, Fernando José; Miglino, Maria Angélica; Watanabe, Ii-sei

2016-01-01

Tendons are transition tissues that transfer the contractile forces generated by the muscles to the bones, allowing movement. The region where the tendon attaches to the bone is called bone-tendon junction or enthesis and may be classified as fibrous or fibrocartilaginous. This study aims to analyze the collagen fibers and the cells present in the bone-tendon junction using light microscopy and ultrastructural techniques as scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Forty male Wistar rats were used in the experiment, being 20 adult rats at 4 months-old and 20 elderly rats at 20 months-old. The hind limbs of the rats were removed, dissected and prepared to light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The aging process showed changes in the collagen fibrils, with a predominance of type III fibers in the elderly group, in addition to a decrease in the amount of the fibrocartilage cells, fewer and shorter cytoplasmic processes and a decreased synthetic capacity due to degradation of the organelles involved in synthesis.

Electronic cameras for low-light microscopy.

PubMed

Rasnik, Ivan; French, Todd; Jacobson, Ken; Berland, Keith

2013-01-01

This chapter introduces to electronic cameras, discusses the various parameters considered for evaluating their performance, and describes some of the key features of different camera formats. The chapter also presents the basic understanding of functioning of the electronic cameras and how these properties can be exploited to optimize image quality under low-light conditions. Although there are many types of cameras available for microscopy, the most reliable type is the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, which remains preferred for high-performance systems. If time resolution and frame rate are of no concern, slow-scan CCDs certainly offer the best available performance, both in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio and their spatial resolution. Slow-scan cameras are thus the first choice for experiments using fixed specimens such as measurements using immune fluorescence and fluorescence in situ hybridization. However, if video rate imaging is required, one need not evaluate slow-scan CCD cameras. A very basic video CCD may suffice if samples are heavily labeled or are not perturbed by high intensity illumination. When video rate imaging is required for very dim specimens, the electron multiplying CCD camera is probably the most appropriate at this technological stage. Intensified CCDs provide a unique tool for applications in which high-speed gating is required. The variable integration time video cameras are very attractive options if one needs to acquire images at video rate acquisition, as well as with longer integration times for less bright samples. This flexibility can facilitate many diverse applications with highly varied light levels. Copyright © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biological applications of phase-contrast electron microscopy.

PubMed

Nagayama, Kuniaki

2014-01-01

Here, I review the principles and applications of phase-contrast electron microscopy using phase plates. First, I develop the principle of phase contrast based on a minimal model of microscopy, introducing a double Fourier-transform process to mathematically formulate the image formation. Next, I explain four phase-contrast (PC) schemes, defocus PC, Zernike PC, Hilbert differential contrast, and schlieren optics, as image-filtering processes in the context of the minimal model, with particular emphases on the Zernike PC and corresponding Zernike phase plates. Finally, I review applications of Zernike PC cryo-electron microscopy to biological systems such as protein molecules, virus particles, and cells, including single-particle analysis to delineate three-dimensional (3D) structures of protein and virus particles and cryo-electron tomography to reconstruct 3D images of complex protein systems and cells.

Electron microscopy investigations of nanoparticles for cancer diagnostic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koh, Ai Leen

This dissertation concerns electron microscopy characterization of magnetic (MNP) and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles for in-vitro cancer diagnostic applications. Electron microscopy is an essential characterization tool owing to its (sub) nanometer spatial resolution. Structural information about the nanoparticles can be obtained using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which can in turn be correlated to their physical characteristics. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) has excellent depth of field and can be effectively utilized to obtain high resolution information about nanoparticles binding onto cell surfaces. Part One of this thesis focuses on MNPs for bio-sensing and detection applications. As a preliminary study, chemically-synthesized, commercially-available iron oxide nanoparticles were compared against their laboratory-synthesized counterparts to assess their suitability for this application. The motivation for this initial study came about due to the lack of published data on commercially available iron oxide nanoparticles. TEM studies show that the latter are "beads" composed of multiple iron oxide cores encapsulated by a polymer shell, with large standard deviations in core diameter. Laboratory-synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles, on the other hand, are single core particles with small variations in diameter and therefore are expected to be better candidates for the required application. A key limitation in iron oxide nanoparticles is their relatively weak magnetic signals. The development of high moment Synthetic Anti-Ferromagnetic (SAF) nanoparticles aims to overcome this issue. SAFs are a novel class of MNPs fabricated using nanoimprint lithography, direct deposition of multilayer structure and final suspension into liquid medium (water). TEM analyses of cross-section specimens reveal that the SAFs possess characteristics similar to those of sputtered magnetic multilayer thin films. Their layered structure is preserved after a chemical etch. Magnetic measurements show a slight decrease in magnetic moment after ion milling. From TEM characterization, the introduction of oxygen into the copper release layer, prior the film deposition process, can effectively control the topography of the oxidized-copper grains and, consequently, lead to the production of SAF nanoparticles with flatter layers. Size distribution studies performed on SAFs fabricated using self-assembled stamps show that it is possible to produce monodisperse nanoparticles with diameters from 70 nm up. Part Two of the dissertation describes structural characterization experiments performed on Composite Organic-Inorganic Nanoparticles (COINs), which are a novel type of SERS nanoclusters formed by aggregating silver nanoparticles with Raman molecules, and then encapsulating them with an organic coating that stabilizes the aggregates and promotes subsequent functionalization with antibodies. Part Three of this dissertation focuses on the development and application of electron microscopy-based techniques to characterize the nanomaterial-biology interactions, to assess how, or indeed whether, nanoparticles are attaching to the cancer cells. The technique of negative staining was applied to simultaneously visualize inorganic nanoparticles and their biofunctionalized entities under the TEM and to verify the successful functionalization of nanoparticles with antibodies. The interpretation of the negatively-stained COINs was consistent with the EFTEM data. Next, the localization and characterization of CD54-functionalized COINs on the apicolateral portions of U937 leukemia cell lines was determined using TEM, SEM and Scanning Auger Microscopy. The analyses show that CD54 antigens are localized at a specific region on U937 leukemia cell surfaces. SEM imaging and SER spectroscopy correlation studies of different antibody-conjugated COINs attached onto different cancer cell lines show a direct correlation between the number of COINs binding to cells and the corresponding SER intensity. Finally, TEM was used to locate intra-cellularly labeled COINs and to trace the phospho-stat6 signaling pathway in U937 leukemia cells, demonstrating that COINs can be used to detect intracellular phosphorylation signaling events. These experiments demonstrate the importance of electron microscopy for analyzing the material-biology interface and for validating the attachment of nanoparticles on and in cells. Thus, electron microscope provides complementary imaging and spectroscopic information to current magnetic and SERS bio-detection technologies. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

The adsorption of L-phenylalanine on oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Piao, Lingyu; Liu, Quanrun; Li, Yongdan; Wang, Chen

2009-02-01

A simple and green approach was proceeded to obtain a stable single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs)/L-phenylalanine (Phe) solution. The oxidized SWNTs (OSWNT) were used in this work. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectrometer, Fourier transform-infrared resonance (FT-IR), Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were joined together to investigate the interaction between OSWNT and Phe. The OSWNT became soluble in the water and formed a stable solution since the Phe was adsorbed. The absorbed amount of Phe on the OSWNT is around 33 wt%. Adsorption of the Phe was mainly carried out on the OSWNT with smaller diameters. The Phe molecules were absorbed on the OSWNT by conjunct interaction of the pi-pi stacking, hydrogen bond and part of covalent bond.

Production and Structural Investigation of Polyethylene Composites with Modified Kaolin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domka, L.; Malicka, A.; Stachowiak, N.

2008-08-01

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of the filler (kaolin) modification with silane coupling agents on the properties of the polyethylene (HDPE Hostalen ACP 5831) composites. Powder mineral fillers are added to polymers to modify the properties of the latter and to reduce the cost of their production. A very important factor is the filler dispersion in the polymer matrix. Kaolin modified with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and pure kaolin were characterised by surface area, pore size, water absorbing capacity, paraffin oil absorbing capacity, bulk density, scanning electron microscopy observations and X-ray diffraction measurements. Their performance was characterised by determination of the mechanical resistance upon static stretching and tearing, and their structure was observed in scanning electron microscopy images. The results were compared to those obtained for the composites with unmodified filler and pure HDPE.

Electron Microscopy Analysis of the Nucleolus of Trypanosoma cruzi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López-Velázquez, Gabriel; Hernández, Roberto; López-Villaseñor, Imelda; Reyes-Vivas, Horacio; Segura-Valdez, María De L.; Jiménez-García, Luis F.

2005-08-01

The nucleolus is the main site for synthesis and processing of ribosomal RNA in eukaryotes. In mammals, plants, and yeast the nucleolus has been extensively characterized by electron microscopy, but in the majority of the unicellular eukaryotes no such studies have been performed. Here we used ultrastructural cytochemical and immunocytochemical techniques as well as three-dimensional reconstruction to analyze the nucleolus of Trypanosoma cruzi, which is an early divergent eukaryote of medical importance. In T. cruzi epimastigotes the nucleolus is a spherical intranuclear ribonucleoprotein organelle localized in a relatively central position within the nucleus. Dense fibrillar and granular components but not fibrillar centers were observed. In addition, nuclear bodies resembling Cajal bodies were observed associated to the nucleolus in the surrounding nucleoplasm. Our results provide additional morphological data to better understand the synthesis and processing of the ribosomal RNA in kinetoplastids.

Electron Microscopy Abrasion Analysis of Candidate Fabrics for Planetary Space Suit Protective Overgarment Application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hennessy, Mary J.

1992-01-01

The Electron Microscopy Abrasion Analysis of Candidate Fabrics for Planetary Space Suit Protective Overgarment Application is in support of the Abrasion Resistance Materials Screening Test. The fundamental assumption made for the SEM abrasion analysis was that woven fabrics to be used as the outermost layer of the protective overgarment in the design of the future, planetary space suits perform best when new. It is the goal of this study to determine which of the candidate fabrics was abraded the least in the tumble test. The sample that was abraded the least will be identified at the end of the report as the primary candidate fabric for further investigation. In addition, this analysis will determine if the abrasion seen by the laboratory tumbled samples is representative of actual EVA Apollo abrasion.

Removal of aqueous chromium and environmental CO2 by using photocatalytic TiO2 doped with tungsten.

PubMed

Trejo-Valdez, M; Hernández-Guzmán, S R; Manriquez-Ramírez, M E; Sobral, H; Martínez-Gutiérrez, H; Torres-Torres, C

2018-05-15

Removal of hexavalent chromium was accomplished by using photocatalyst materials of TiO 2 doped with tungsten oxide, environmental air as oxygen supply and white light as irradiation source. Dichromate anions in concentration ranges of 50 to 1000 μg/L were removed by means of aqueous dispersions of TiO 2 doped with tungsten. The aqueous chromium analyses were performed by Differential Pulse Voltammetry technique. Additionally, mineralization of CO 2 gas was promoted by the photocatalysis process, as was clearly shown by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analyses obtained from the TiO 2 samples recovered after photocatalytic experiments. Results of sample analyses by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spray pyrolytic deposition of α-MoO3 film and its use in dye-sensitized solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamboli, Parvin S.; Jagtap, Chaitali V.; Kadam, Vishal S.; Ingle, Ravi V.; Vhatkar, Rajiv S.; Mahajan, Smita S.; Pathan, Habib M.

2018-04-01

Thermal decomposition of ammonium para molybdate tetrahydrate precursor has been studied to determine degradation temperatures in air atmosphere. Current work explores the synthesis of α-MoO3 films by an economical spray pyrolysis technique using ammonium para molybdate tetrahydrate precursor in the presence of compressed air. A variety of characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopy were carried out, and the studies have confirmed that orthorhombic phase formation of MoO3 takes place with spongy mesh-type structure. The study of electro-catalytic activity of α-MoO3 in titania-based dye-sensitized solar cell is also carried out by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Tafel curves to evaluate its performance as a counter electrode.

Significant enhancement in volumetric and gravimetric capacitance of Cu-TiO2/PPY composite for supercapacitor application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purty, B.; Choudhary, R. B.

2018-04-01

Copper doped titanium dioxide-polypyrrole (Cu-TiO2/PPY) composite was successfully synthesized via chemical oxidative in-situ polymerization process. The structural and morphological properties of Cu-TiO2/PPY composite were investigated using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM) techniques. The electrochemical properties of as-synthesized composite were studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) techniques. The novel Cu-TiO2/PPY composite showed enhanced volumetric capacitance ˜714 F cm-1 and gravimetric capacitance ˜674 F g-1 at 1 A g-1. In addition an excellent coulombic efficiency and comparabley low charge transfer resistance than pure PPY suggests improved supercapacitive performance of Cu-TiO2/PPY composite as an electrode material.

Carbon Coated α-Fe2O3 Photoanode Synthesized by a Facile Anodic Electrodeposition for Highly Efficient Water Oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Honglei; Li, Longzhu; Liu, Changhai; Wang, Wenchang; Liang, Penghua; Mitsuzak, Naotoshi; Chen, Zhidong

2018-05-01

This work provides a facile anodic electrodeposition method for synthesizing carbon coated α-Fe2O3 photoanode followed by annealing treatment with argon atmosphere. Compared with bare hematite photoanode, the carbon coated α-Fe2O3 photoanodes annealed at lower temperature (Fe2O3/C-L) and higher temperature (Fe2O3/C-H) have higher photocurrent density as 0.3 and 0.5 mA cm-2 (at 1.23 V vs. RHE), respectively. The excellent PEC performance is attributed to the synergistic reaction of carbon and vacancy oxygen. The morphology and properties of the sample were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectra, X-ray diffractometry, X-ray photoelectron spectra, and photoelectrical measurements.

Direct Observation of Conducting Filaments in Tungsten Oxide Based Transparent Resistive Switching Memory.

PubMed

Qian, Kai; Cai, Guofa; Nguyen, Viet Cuong; Chen, Tupei; Lee, Pooi See

2016-10-05

Transparent nonvolatile memory has great potential in integrated transparent electronics. Here, we present highly transparent resistive switching memory using stoichiometric WO 3 film produced by cathodic electrodeposition with indium tin oxide electrodes. The memory device demonstrates good optical transmittance, excellent operative uniformity, low operating voltages (+0.25 V/-0.42 V), and long retention time (>10 4 s). Conductive atomic force microscopy, ex situ transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy experiments directly confirm that the resistive switching effects occur due to the electric field-induced formation and annihilation of the tungsten-rich conductive channel between two electrodes. Information on the physical and chemical nature of conductive filaments offers insightful design strategies for resistive switching memories with excellent performances. Moreover, we demonstrate the promising applicability of the cathodic electrodeposition method for future resistive memory devices.

One-step growth of nanosheet-assembled BiOCl/BiOBr microspheres for highly efficient visible photocatalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jinfeng; Lv, Jiali; Dai, Kai; Liang, Changhao; Liu, Qi

2018-02-01

In this work, we have developed a simple synthetic approach of nanosheet-assembled BiOCl/BiOBr microspheres by an ethylene glycol (EG)-assisted hydrothermal method. The crystalline form, morphology, chemical composition, optical performance and surface area of BiOCl/BiOBr microspheres were identified using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy spectra (EDX), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) analysis, high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. BiOCl/BiOBr microspheres were nanosheet-assembled particles, which possessed visible light absorption under LED light irridation. Additionally, the methylene blue (MB) photodegradation performance of different BiOCl/BiOBr microspheres irradiated under 410 nm LED light arrays were investigated, the results exhibited that as-prepared BiOCl/BiOBr products showed higher catalytic effiency than pure BiOCl or BiOBr. By optimizing the composition ration of the BiOCl and BiOBr, up to 93% degradation rate can be obtained in the 40%BiOCl/BiOBr microspheres. Finally, the photocatalytic mechanism of BiOCl/BiOBr microspheres had been proposed.

Fabrication of high-performance supercapacitors based on transversely oriented carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markoulidis, F.; Lei, C.; Lekakou, C.

2013-04-01

High-performance supercapacitors with organic electrolyte 1 M TEABF4 (tetraethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate) in PC (propylene carbonate) were fabricated and tested, based on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) deposited by electrophoresis on three types of alternative substrates: aluminium foil, ITO (indium tin oxide) coated PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film and PET film. In all cases, SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and STEM (scanning transmission electron microscopy) micrographs demonstrated that protruding, transversely oriented MWNT structures were formed, which should increase the transverse conductivity of these MWNT electrodes. The best supercapacitor cell of MWNT electrodes deposited on aluminium foil displayed good transverse orientation of the MWNT structures as well as an in-plane MWNT network at the feet of the protruding structures, which ensured good in-plane conductivity. Capacitor cells with MWNT electrodes deposited either on ITO-coated PET film or on PET film demonstrated lower but still very good performance due to the high density of transversely oriented MWNT structures (good transverse conductivity) but some in-plane inhomogeneities. Capacitor cells with drop-printed MWNTs on aluminium foil, without any transverse orientation, had 16-30 times lower specific capacitance and 5-40 times lower power density than the capacitor cells with the electrophoretically deposited MWNT electrodes.

Two-dimensional bismuth nanosheets as prospective photo-detector with tunable optoelectronic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Hao; Ren, Xiaohui; Li, Zhongjun; Wang, Huide; Huang, Zongyu; Qiao, Hui; Tang, Pinghua; Zhao, Jinlai; Liang, Weiyuan; Ge, Yanqi; Liu, Jie; Li, Jianqing; Qi, Xiang; Zhang, Han

2018-06-01

Two dimensional Bi nanosheets have been employed to fabricate electrodes for broadband photo-detection. A series of characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy have verified that Bi nanosheets with intact lamellar structure have been obtained after facile liquid phase exfoliation. In the meanwhile, UV–vis and Raman spectra are also carried out and the inherent optical and physical properties of Bi nanosheets are confirmed. Inherited from the topological characteristics of Bi bulk counterpart, the resultant Bi nanosheet-based photo-detector exhibits preferable photo-response activity as well as environmental robustness. We then evaluate the photo-electrochemical (PEC) performance of the photodetector in 1 M NaOH and 0.5 M Na2SO4 electrolytes, and demonstrated that the as-prepared Bi nanosheets may possess a great potential as PEC-type photo-detector. Additional PEC measurements show that the current density of Bi nanosheets can reach up to 830 nA cm‑2, while an enhanced responsivity (1.8 μA W‑1) had been achieved. We anticipate that this contribution can provide feasibility towards the construction of high-performance elemental Bi nanosheets-based optoelectronic devices in the future.

Two-dimensional bismuth nanosheets as prospective photo-detector with tunable optoelectronic performance.

PubMed

Huang, Hao; Ren, Xiaohui; Li, Zhongjun; Wang, Huide; Huang, Zongyu; Qiao, Hui; Tang, Pinghua; Zhao, Jinlai; Liang, Weiyuan; Ge, Yanqi; Liu, Jie; Li, Jianqing; Qi, Xiang; Zhang, Han

2018-06-08

Two dimensional Bi nanosheets have been employed to fabricate electrodes for broadband photo-detection. A series of characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy have verified that Bi nanosheets with intact lamellar structure have been obtained after facile liquid phase exfoliation. In the meanwhile, UV-vis and Raman spectra are also carried out and the inherent optical and physical properties of Bi nanosheets are confirmed. Inherited from the topological characteristics of Bi bulk counterpart, the resultant Bi nanosheet-based photo-detector exhibits preferable photo-response activity as well as environmental robustness. We then evaluate the photo-electrochemical (PEC) performance of the photodetector in 1 M NaOH and 0.5 M Na 2 SO 4 electrolytes, and demonstrated that the as-prepared Bi nanosheets may possess a great potential as PEC-type photo-detector. Additional PEC measurements show that the current density of Bi nanosheets can reach up to 830 nA cm -2 , while an enhanced responsivity (1.8 μA W -1 ) had been achieved. We anticipate that this contribution can provide feasibility towards the construction of high-performance elemental Bi nanosheets-based optoelectronic devices in the future.

Facile fabrication of self-assembled polyaniline nanotubes doped with D-tartaric acid for high-performance supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, Jingjing; Ma, Guofu; Peng, Hui; Li, Jiajia; Sun, Kanjun; Lei, Ziqiang

2013-11-01

Polyaniline (PANI) nanotubes with outstanding electrochemical properties have been successfully synthesized via a simple chemical template-free method in the presence of D-tartaric acid (D-TA) as the dopant, and ammonium persulfate ((NH4)2S2O8) as the oxidant. The morphologies and structures of PANI-(D-TA) with different [D-TA]/[aniline] molar ratios are characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). To assess the electrochemical properties of PANI-(D-TA) materials, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charging-discharging measurements are performed. The PANI-(D-TA) nanotubes electrode, with [D-TA]/[aniline] molar ratio of 1:1, exhibits larger specific capacitance (as high as 625 F g-1 at 1 A g-1) and higher capacitance retention (77% of its initial capacitance after 500 cycles) in 1 M H2SO4 aqueous solution. The remarkable electrochemical characteristics of PANI-(D-TA) are mainly attributed to their unique nanotubular structures, which provide a high electrode/electrolyte contact area and short ions diffusion path. These novel PANI-(D-TA) nanotubes will be promising electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors.

Novel flame synthesis of nanostructured α-Fe2O3 electrode as high-performance anode for lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yang; Roller, Justin; Maric, Radenka

2018-02-01

Nanostructured electrodes have significant potential for enhancing the kinetics of lithium storage in secondary batteries. A simple and economical manufacturing approach of these electrodes is crucial to the development and application of the next generation lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries. In this study, nanostructured α-Fe2O3 electrode is fabricated by a novel one-step flame combustion synthesis method, namely Reactive Spray Deposition Technology (RSDT). This process possesses the merits of simplicity and low cost. The structure and morphology of the electrode are investigated with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Electrochemical performance of the nanostructured α-Fe2O3 electrodes as the anodes for Li-ion batteries is evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in coin-type half-cells. The as-prepared electrodes demonstrate superior cyclic performance at high current rate, which delivers a high reversible capacity of 1239.2 mAh g-1 at 1 C after 500 cycles. In addition, a discharge capacity of 513.3 mAh g-1 can be achieved at 10 C.

Fast Preparation of Porous MnO/C Microspheres as Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

PubMed Central

Su, Jing; Liang, Hao; Gong, Xian-Nian; Lv, Xiao-Yan; Long, Yun-Fei; Wen, Yan-Xuan

2017-01-01

Porous MnO/C microspheres have been successfully fabricated by a fast co-precipitation method in a T-shaped microchannel reactor. The structures, compositions, and electrochemical performances of the obtained MnO/C microspheres are characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, charge-discharge testing, cyclic voltammograms, and electrochemical impedance spectra. Experimental results reveal that the as-prepared MnO/C, with a specific surface area of 96.66 m2·g−1 and average pore size of 24.37 nm, exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, with a discharge capacity of 655.4 mAh·g−1 after cycling 50 times at 1 C and capacities of 808.3, 743.7, 642.6, 450.1, and 803.1 mAh·g−1 at 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 0.2 C, respectively. Moreover, the controlled method of using a microchannel reactor, which can produce larger specific surface area porous MnO/C with improved cycling performance by shortening lithium-ion diffusion distances, can be easily applied in real production on a large scale. PMID:28587120

Fast electron microscopy via compressive sensing

DOEpatents

Larson, Kurt W; Anderson, Hyrum S; Wheeler, Jason W

2014-12-09

Various technologies described herein pertain to compressive sensing electron microscopy. A compressive sensing electron microscope includes a multi-beam generator and a detector. The multi-beam generator emits a sequence of electron patterns over time. Each of the electron patterns can include a plurality of electron beams, where the plurality of electron beams is configured to impart a spatially varying electron density on a sample. Further, the spatially varying electron density varies between each of the electron patterns in the sequence. Moreover, the detector collects signals respectively corresponding to interactions between the sample and each of the electron patterns in the sequence.

Connecting quantum dots and bionanoparticles in hybrid nanoscale ultra-thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tangirala, Ravisubhash; Hu, Yunxia; Zhang, Qingling; He, Jinbo; Russell, Thomas; Emrick, Todd

2008-03-01

Aldehyde-functionalized CdSe quantum dots and nanorods, and horse spleen ferritin bionanoparticles, were co-assembled at an oil-water interface. Reaction of the aldehydes with the surface-available amines on the ferritin particles enabled cross-linking at the interface, converting the assembled nanoparticles into robust ultra-thin films. The cross-linked capsules and sheets thus made by aldehyde-amine conjugation could be disrupted by addition of acid. Reductive amination chemistry could be performed to convert these degradable capsules and sheets into structures with irreversible cross-linking. Fluorescence confocal microscopy, scanning force microscopy and pendant drop tensiometry were used to characterize these hybrid nanoparticle-based materials, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the presence of both the synthetic and naturally derived nanoparticles.

Photon gating in four-dimensional ultrafast electron microscopy.

PubMed

Hassan, Mohammed T; Liu, Haihua; Baskin, John Spencer; Zewail, Ahmed H

2015-10-20

Ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM) is a pivotal tool for imaging of nanoscale structural dynamics with subparticle resolution on the time scale of atomic motion. Photon-induced near-field electron microscopy (PINEM), a key UEM technique, involves the detection of electrons that have gained energy from a femtosecond optical pulse via photon-electron coupling on nanostructures. PINEM has been applied in various fields of study, from materials science to biological imaging, exploiting the unique spatial, energy, and temporal characteristics of the PINEM electrons gained by interaction with a "single" light pulse. The further potential of photon-gated PINEM electrons in probing ultrafast dynamics of matter and the optical gating of electrons by invoking a "second" optical pulse has previously been proposed and examined theoretically in our group. Here, we experimentally demonstrate this photon-gating technique, and, through diffraction, visualize the phase transition dynamics in vanadium dioxide nanoparticles. With optical gating of PINEM electrons, imaging temporal resolution was improved by a factor of 3 or better, being limited only by the optical pulse widths. This work enables the combination of the high spatial resolution of electron microscopy and the ultrafast temporal response of the optical pulses, which provides a promising approach to attain the resolution of few femtoseconds and attoseconds in UEM.

Photon gating in four-dimensional ultrafast electron microscopy

PubMed Central

Hassan, Mohammed T.; Liu, Haihua; Baskin, John Spencer; Zewail, Ahmed H.

2015-01-01

Ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM) is a pivotal tool for imaging of nanoscale structural dynamics with subparticle resolution on the time scale of atomic motion. Photon-induced near-field electron microscopy (PINEM), a key UEM technique, involves the detection of electrons that have gained energy from a femtosecond optical pulse via photon–electron coupling on nanostructures. PINEM has been applied in various fields of study, from materials science to biological imaging, exploiting the unique spatial, energy, and temporal characteristics of the PINEM electrons gained by interaction with a “single” light pulse. The further potential of photon-gated PINEM electrons in probing ultrafast dynamics of matter and the optical gating of electrons by invoking a “second” optical pulse has previously been proposed and examined theoretically in our group. Here, we experimentally demonstrate this photon-gating technique, and, through diffraction, visualize the phase transition dynamics in vanadium dioxide nanoparticles. With optical gating of PINEM electrons, imaging temporal resolution was improved by a factor of 3 or better, being limited only by the optical pulse widths. This work enables the combination of the high spatial resolution of electron microscopy and the ultrafast temporal response of the optical pulses, which provides a promising approach to attain the resolution of few femtoseconds and attoseconds in UEM. PMID:26438835

Study of Etching Pits in a Large-grain Single Cell Bulk Niobium Cavity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, Xin; Ciovati, Gianluigi; Reece, Charles E.

2009-11-01

Performance of SRF cavities are limited by non-linear localized effects. The variation of local material characters between "hot" and "cold" spots is thus of intense interest. Such locations were identified in a BCP-etched large-grain single-cell cavity and removed for examination by high resolution electron microscopy (SEM), electron-back scattering diffraction microscopy (EBSD), optical microscopy, and 3D profilometry. Pits with clearly discernable crystal facets were observed in both "hotspot" and "coldspot" specimens. The pits were found in-grain, at bi-crystal boundaries, and on tri-crystal junctions. They are interpreted as etch pits induced by surface crystal defects (e.g. dislocations). All "coldspots" examined had qualitativelymore » low density of etching pits or very shallow tri-crystal boundary junction. EBSD revealed crystal structure surrounding the pits via crystal phase orientation mapping, while 3D profilometry gave information on the depth and size of the pits. In addition, a survey of the samples by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) did not show any significant contamination of the samples surface.« less

Nanostructured tin oxide films: Physical synthesis, characterization, and gas sensing properties.

PubMed

Ingole, S M; Navale, S T; Navale, Y H; Bandgar, D K; Stadler, F J; Mane, R S; Ramgir, N S; Gupta, S K; Aswal, D K; Patil, V B

2017-05-01

Nanostructured tin oxide (SnO 2 ) films are synthesized using physical method i.e. thermal evaporation and are further characterized with X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy measurement techniques for confirming its structure and morphology. The chemiresistive properties of SnO 2 films are studied towards different oxidizing and reducing gases where these films have demonstrated considerable selectivity towards oxidizing nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) gas with a maximum response of 403% to 100ppm @200°C, and fast response and recovery times of 4s and 210s, respectively, than other test gases. In addition, SnO 2 films are enabling to detect as low as 1ppm NO 2 gas concentration @200°C with 23% response enhancement. Chemiresistive performances of SnO 2 films are carried out in the range of 1-100ppm and reported. Finally, plausible adsorption and desorption reaction mechanism of NO 2 gas molecules with SnO 2 film surface has been thoroughly discussed by means of an impedance spectroscopy analysis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Enhanced dispersion of multiwall carbon nanotubes in natural rubber latex nanocomposites by surfactants bearing phenyl groups.

PubMed

Mohamed, Azmi; Anas, Argo Khoirul; Bakar, Suriani Abu; Ardyani, Tretya; Zin, Wan Manshol W; Ibrahim, Sofian; Sagisaka, Masanobu; Brown, Paul; Eastoe, Julian

2015-10-01

Here is presented a systematic study of the dispersibility of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in natural rubber latex (NR-latex) assisted by a series of single-, double-, and triple-sulfosuccinate anionic surfactants containing phenyl ring moieties. Optical polarising microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy have been performed to obtain the dispersion-level profiles of the MWCNTs in the nanocomposites. Interestingly, a triple-chain, phenyl-containing surfactant, namely sodium 1,5-dioxo-1,5-bis(3-phenylpropoxy)-3-((3-phenylpropoxy)carbonyl) pentane-2-sulfonate (TCPh), has a greater capacity the stabilisation of MWCNTs than a commercially available single-chain sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) surfactant. TCPh provides significant enhancements in the electrical conductivity of nanocomposites, up to ∼10(-2) S cm(-1), as measured by a four-point probe instrument. These results have allowed compilation of a road map for the design of surfactant architectures capable of providing the homogeneous dispersion of MWCNTs required for the next generation of polymer-carbon-nanotube materials, specifically those used in aerospace technology. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hydrodynamic liver gene transfer mechanism involves transient sinusoidal blood stasis and massive hepatocyte endocytic vesicles.

PubMed

Crespo, A; Peydró, A; Dasí, F; Benet, M; Calvete, J J; Revert, F; Aliño, S F

2005-06-01

The present study contributes to clarify the mechanism underlying the high efficacy of hepatocyte gene transfer mediated by hydrodynamic injection. Gene transfer experiments were performed employing the hAAT gene, and the efficacy and differential identification in mouse plasma of human transgene versus mouse gene was assessed by ELISA and proteomic procedures, respectively. By applying different experimental strategies such as cumulative dose-response efficacy, hemodynamic changes reflected by venous pressures, intravital microscopy, and morphological changes established by transmission electron microscopy, we found that: (a) cumulative multiple doses of transgene by hydrodynamic injection are efficient and well tolerated, resulting in therapeutic plasma levels of hAAT; (b) hydrodynamic injection mediates a transient inversion of intrahepatic blood flow, with circulatory stasis for a few minutes mainly in pericentral vein sinusoids; (c) transmission electron microscopy shows hydrodynamic injection to promote massive megafluid endocytic vesicles among hepatocytes around the central vein but not in hepatocytes around the periportal vein. We suggest that the mechanism of hydrodynamic liver gene transfer involves transient inversion of intrahepatic flow, sinusoidal blood stasis, and massive fluid endocytic vesicles in pericentral vein hepatocytes.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carreras, Alejo C., E-mail: acarreras@famaf.unc.edu.ar; Cangiano, María de los A.; Ojeda, Manuel W.

The influence of the amount of complexing agent added to the starting solution on the physicochemical properties of Cu–Ni nanostructured alloys obtained through a chemical route, was studied. For this purpose, three Cu–Ni nanoalloy samples were synthesized by a previously developed procedure, starting from solutions with citric acid to metal molar ratios (C/Me) of 0.73, 1.00 and 1.50. The synthesis technique consisted in preparing a precursor via the citrate-gel method, and carrying out subsequent thermal treatments in controlled atmospheres. Sample characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray nanoanalysis and electron diffraction. Inmore » the three cases, copper and nickel formed a solid solution with a Cu/Ni atomic ratio close to 50/50, and free of impurities inside the crystal structure. The citric acid content of the starting solution proved to have an important influence on the morphology, size distribution, porosity, and crystallinity of the Cu–Ni alloy microparticles obtained, but a lesser influence on their chemical composition. The molar ratio C/Me = 1.00 resulted in the alloy with the Cu/Ni atomic ratio closest to 50/50. - Highlights: • We synthesize Cu–Ni nanoalloys by a chemical route based on the citrate-gel method. • We study the influence of the complexing agent content of the starting solution. • We characterize the samples by electron microscopy and X-ray techniques. • Citric acid influences the shape, size, porosity and crystallinity of the alloys.« less

Characterization of the NEXT Hollow Cathode Inserts After Long-Duration Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mackey, J.; Shastry, R.; Soulas, G.

2017-01-01

Hollow dispenser cathode inserts are a critical element of electric propulsion systems, and should therefore be well understood during long term operation to ensure reliable system performance. This work destructively investigated cathode inserts from the NEXT long-duration test which demonstrated 51,184 hours of high-voltage operation, 918 kg of propellant throughput, and 35.5 MN-s of total impulse. The characterization methods used include scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Microscopy analysis has been performed on fractured surfaces, emission surfaces, and metallographically polished cross-sections of post-test inserts and unused inserts. Impregnate distribution, etch region thickness, impregnate chemical content, emission surface topography, and emission surface phase identification are the primary factors investigated.

Conductive atomic force microscopy measurements of nanopillar magnetic tunnel junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evarts, E. R.; Hogg, C.; Bain, J. A.; Majetich, S. A.

2009-03-01

Magnetic tunnel junctions have been studied extensively for their magnetoresistance and potential uses in magnetic logic and data storage devices, but little is known about how their performance will scale with size. Here we examined the electronic behavior of 12 nm diameter magnetic tunnel junctions fabricated by a novel nanomasking process. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated feature diameter of 12 nm, and atomic force microscopy showed a height of 5 nm suggesting that unmasked regions have been milled on average to the oxide barrier layer, and areas should have the remnants of the free layer exposed with no remaining nanoparticle. Electrical contact was made to individual nanopillars using a doped-diamond-coated atomic force microscopy probe with a 40 nm radius of curvature at the tip. Off pillar we observed a resistance of 8.1 x 10^5 φ, while on pillar we found a resistance of 2.85 x 10^6 φ. Based on the RA product for this film, 120 φ-μm^2, a 12 nm diameter cylinder with perfect contact would have a resistance of 1.06 x 10^6 φ. The larger experimental value is consistent with a smaller contact area due to damaging the pillar during the ion milling process. The magnetoresistance characteristics of these magnetic tunnel junctions will be discussed.

Fungus-mediated biological synthesis of gold nanoparticles: potential in detection of liver cancer

PubMed Central

Chauhan, Arun; Zubair, Swaleha; Tufail, Saba; Sherwani, Asif; Sajid, Mohammad; Raman, Suri C; Azam, Amir; Owais, Mohammad

2011-01-01

Background Nanomaterials are considered to be the pre-eminent component of the rapidly advancing field of nanotechnology. However, developments in the biologically inspired synthesis of nanoparticles are still in their infancy and consequently attracting the attention of material scientists throughout the world. Keeping in mind the fact that microorganism-assisted synthesis of nanoparticles is a safe and economically viable prospect, in the current study we report Candida albicans-mediated biological synthesis of gold nanoparticles. Methods and results Transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and various spectrophotometric analyses were performed to characterize the gold nanoparticles. The morphology of the synthesized gold particles depended on the abundance of C. albicans cytosolic extract. Transmission electron microscopy, nanophox particle analysis, and atomic force microscopy revealed the size of spherical gold nanoparticles to be in the range of 20–40 nm and nonspherical gold particles were found to be 60–80 nm. We also evaluated the potential of biogenic gold nanoparticles to probe liver cancer cells by conjugating them with liver cancer cell surface-specific antibodies. The antibody-conjugated gold particles were found to bind specifically to the surface antigens of the cancer cells. Conclusion The antibody-conjugated gold particles synthesized in this study could successfully differentiate normal cell populations from cancerous cells. PMID:22072868

Isolation and characterization of nanocrystalline cellulose from roselle-derived microcrystalline cellulose.

PubMed

Kian, Lau Kia; Jawaid, Mohammad; Ariffin, Hidayah; Karim, Zoheb

2018-07-15

Roselle fiber is a renewable and sustainable agricultural waste enriched with cellulose polysaccharides. The isolation of Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) from roselle-derived microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is an alternative approach to recover the agricultural roselle plant residue. In the present study, acid hydrolysis with different reaction time was carried out to degrade the roselle-derived MCC to form NCC. The characterizations of isolated NCC were conducted through Fourier Transform Infrared Ray (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). As evaluated from the performed morphological investigations, the needle-like shape NCC nanostructures were observed under TEM and AFM microscopy studies, while irregular rod-like shape of NCC was observed under FESEM analysis. With 60min hydrolysis time, XRD analysis demonstrated the highest NCC crystallinity degree with 79.5%. In thermal analysis by TGA and DSC, the shorter hydrolysis time tended to produce NCC with higher thermal stability. Thus, the isolated NCC from roselle-derived MCC has high potential to be used in application of pharmaceutical and biomedical fields for nanocomposite fabrication. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An endolithic microbial community in dolomite rock in central Switzerland: characterization by reflection spectroscopy, pigment analyses, scanning electron microscopy, and laser scanning microscopy.

PubMed

Horath, T; Neu, T R; Bachofen, R

2006-04-01

A community of endolithic microorganisms dominated by phototrophs was found as a distinct band a few millimeters below the surface of bare exposed dolomite rocks in the Piora Valley in the Alps. Using in situ reflectance spectroscopy, we detected chlorophyll a (Chl a), phycobilins, carotenoids, and an unknown type of bacteriochlorophyll-like pigment absorbing in vivo at about 720 nm. In cross sections, the data indicated a defined distribution of different groups of organisms perpendicular to the rock surface. High-performance liquid chromatography analyses of pigments extracted with organic solvents confirmed the presence of two types of bacteriochlorophylls besides chlorophylls and various carotenoids. Spherical organisms of varying sizes and small filaments were observed in situ with scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy (one- and two-photon technique). The latter allowed visualization of the distribution of phototrophic microorganisms by the autofluorescence of their pigments within the rock. Coccoid cyanobacteria of various sizes predominated over filamentous ones. Application of fluorescence-labeled lectins demonstrated that most cyanobacteria were embedded in an exopolymeric matrix. Nucleic acid stains revealed a wide distribution of small heterotrophs. Some biological structures emitting a green autofluorescence remain to be identified.

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS): A light and electron microscopy study in human liver.

PubMed

Vreuls, C P H; Driessen, A; Olde Damink, S W M; Koek, G H; Duimel, H; van den Broek, M A J; Dejong, C H C; Braet, F; Wisse, E

2016-05-01

Oxaliplatin is an important chemotherapeutic agent, used in the treatment of hepatic colorectal metastases, and known to induce the sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS). Pathophysiological knowledge concerning SOS is based on a rat model. Therefore, the aim was to perform a comprehensive study of the features of human SOS, using both light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (EM). Included were all patients of whom wedge liver biopsies were collected during a partial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases, in a 4-year period. The wedge biopsy were perfusion fixated and processed for LM and EM. The SOS lesions were selected by LM and details were studied using EM. Material was available of 30 patients, of whom 28 patients received neo-adjuvant oxaliplatin. Eighteen (64%) of the 28 patients showed SOS lesions, based on microscopy. The lesions consisted of sinusoidal endothelial cell detachment from the space of Disse on EM. In the enlarged space of Disse a variable amount of erythrocytes were located. Sinusoidal endothelial cell detachment was present in human SOS, accompanied by enlargement of the space of Disse and erythrocytes in this area. These findings, originally described in a rat model, were now for the first time confirmed in human livers under clinically relevant settings. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of scanning electron microscopy and microanalysis to determine chloride content of concrete and raw materials.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-02-01

Standard sample sets of cement and mortar formulations with known levels of Cl as well as concrete samples subject to Cl diffusion were all prepared for and analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron microprobe (EPMA). Using x-ray ...

Collaborative Research and Development (CR&D). Delivery Order 0051: Atomic Scale Transmission Electron Microscope Image Modeling and Application to Semiconductor Heterointerface Characterization

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE (DD...microscopy ( AEM ), to characterize a variety of III-V semiconductor thin films. The materials investigated include superlattices based on the InAs- GaSb...technique. TEM observations were performed using a Philips-CM 200 FEG transmission electron microscope equipped with a field emission gun, operated at an

Experimental approaches to well controlled studies of thin-film nucleation and growth.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poppa, H.; Moorhead, R. D.; Heinemann, K.

1972-01-01

Particular features and the performance of two experimental systems are described for quantitative studies of thin-film nucleation and growth processes including epitaxial depositions. System I consists of a modified LEED-Auger instrument combined with high-resolution electron microscopy. System II is a UHV electron microscope adapted for in-situ deposition studies. The two systems complement each other ideally, and the combined use of both can result in a comprehensive investigation of vapor deposition processes not obtainable with any other known method.

Mineralogy of chondritic interplanetary dust particle impact residues from LDEF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barrett, R. A.; Zolensky, M. E.; Bernhard, R.

1993-01-01

A detailed structural and compositional analysis of several impactor residues was performed utilizing transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and electron diffraction. Residues from the interior of several craters in gold surfaces were removed with a tungsten needle, mounted in EMBED-812 epoxy, and ultramicrotomed. The presence in these residues of equilibrated ferromagnesian minerals, recrystallization textures, glass, and melted metal and sulfide bodies decorating grain boundaries is indicative of varying degrees of shock metamorphism in all impact residues we have characterized.

Comparative morphology of zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga (Dreissena bugensis) mussel sperm: Light and electron microscopy

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walker, G.K.; Black, M.G.; Edwards, C.A.

1996-01-01

Adult zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga (Dreissena bugensis) mussels were induced to release large quantities of live spermatozoa by the administration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). Sperm were photographed alive using phase-contrast microscopy and were fixed subsequently with glutaraldehyde followed by osmium tetroxide for eventual examination by transmission or scanning electron microscopy. The sperm of both genera are of the ect-aquasperm type. Their overall dimensions and shape allow for easy discrimination at the light and scanning electron microscopy level. Transmission electron microscopy of the cells reveals a barrel-shaped nucleus in zebra mussel sperm and an elongated nucleus in quagga mussel sperm. In both species, an acrosome is cradled in a nuclear fossa. The ultrastructure of the acrosome and axial body, however, is distinctive for each species. The structures of the midpiece are shown, including a unique mitochondrial "skirt" that includes densely packed parallel cristae and extends in a narrow sheet from the mitochondria.

Microchemical Analysis Of Space Operation Debris

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cummings, Virginia J.; Kim, Hae Soo

1995-01-01

Report discusses techniques used in analyzing debris relative to space shuttle operations. Debris collected from space shuttle, expendable launch vehicles, payloads carried by space shuttle, and payloads carried by expendable launch vehicles. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry, analytical electron microscopy with wavelength-dispersive spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction chosen as techniques used in examining samples of debris.

Peptide nanoparticles (PNPs) modified disposable platform for sensitive electrochemical cytosensing of DLD-1 cancer cells.

PubMed

Yaman, Yesim Tugce; Akbal, Öznur; Bolat, Gulcin; Bozdogan, Betul; Denkbas, Emir Baki; Abaci, Serdar

2018-05-01

A novel diphenylalaninamid (FFA) based peptide nanoparticles (PNPs) modified pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs) for construction of electrochemical cytosensor was demonstrated for the first time in this study. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed the spherical nanostructure of the synthesized FFA based PNPs while attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra provided information about the structure and conformation of proteins in their structure. Self-assembly of PNPs on PGE surface and adhesion of DLD-1 cancer cells on this surface was also characterized by electrochemical measurements. PNP/PGEs acted as a sensitive platform for simple and rapid quantification of low concentration of DLD-1 cancer cells in early diagnosis using the electrochemical impedance method (EIS). The offered cytosensor demonstrated outstanding performance for the detection of DLD-1 cells by the EIS method. The impedance of electronic transduction was associated with the amount of the immobilized cells ranging from 2 × 10 2 to 2.0 × 10 5 cellsmL -1 with a limit of detection of 100 cellsmL -1 . The efficient performance of the cytosensor was attributed to the well-defined nanostructure and biocompability of PNPs on the substrate. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Changes Induced by Exposure of the Human Lung to Glass Fiber–Reinforced Plastic

PubMed Central

Abbate, Carmelo; Giorgianni, Concetto; Brecciaroli, Renato; Giacobbe, Giovanni; Costa, Chiara; Cavallari, Vittorio; Albiero, Francesca; Catania, Stefania; Tringali, Maria Antonietta; Martino, Lucia Barbaro; Abbate, Simona

2006-01-01

The inhalation of glass dusts mixed in resin, generally known as glass fiber–reinforced plastic (GRP), represents a little-studied occupational hazard. The few studies performed have highlighted nonspecific lung disorders in animals and in humans. In the present study we evaluated the alteration of the respiratory system and the pathogenic mechanisms causing the changes in a group of working men employed in different GRP processing operations and exposed to production dusts. The study was conducted on a sample of 29 male subjects whose mean age was 37 years and mean length of service 11 years. All of the subjects were submitted to a clinical check-up, basic tests, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL); microscopic studies and biochemical analysis were performed on the BAL fluid. Tests of respiratory function showed a large number of obstructive syndromes; scanning electron microscopy highlighted qualitative and quantitative alterations of the alveolar macrophages; and transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of electron-dense cytoplasmatic inclusions indicating intense and active phlogosis (external inflammation). Biochemical analyses highlighted an increase in protein content associated with alterations of the lung oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis. Inhalation of GRP, independent of environmental concentration, causes alterations of the cellular and humoral components of pulmonary interstitium; these alterations are identified microscopically as acute alveolitis. PMID:17107859

A hot tip: imaging phenomena using in situ multi-stimulus probes at high temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nonnenmann, Stephen S.

2016-02-01

Accurate high temperature characterization of materials remains a critical challenge to the continued advancement of various important energy, nuclear, electronic, and aerospace applications. Future experimental studies must assist these communities to progress past empiricism and derive deliberate, predictable designs of material classes functioning within active, extreme environments. Successful realization of systems ranging from fuel cells and batteries to electromechanical nanogenerators and turbines requires a dynamic understanding of the excitation, surface-mediated, and charge transfer phenomena which occur at heterophase interfaces (i.e. vapor-solid, liquid-solid, solid-solid) and impact overall performance. Advancing these frontiers therefore necessitates in situ (operando) characterization methods capable of resolving, both spatially and functionally, the coherence between these complex, collective excitations, and their respective response dynamics, through studies within the operating regime. This review highlights recent developments in scanning probe microscopy in performing in situ imaging at high elevated temperatures. The influence of and evolution from vacuum-based electron and tunneling microscopy are briefly summarized and discussed. The scope includes the use of high temperature imaging to directly observe critical phase transition, electronic, and electrochemical behavior under dynamic temperature settings, thus providing key physical parameters. Finally, both challenges and directions in combined instrumentation are proposed and discussed towards the end.

Microstructural analysis of laser weld fusion zone in Haynes 282 superalloy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Osoba, L.O.; Ding, R.G.; Ojo, O.A., E-mail: ojo@cc.umanitoba.ca

Analytical electron microscopy and spectroscopy analyses of the fusion zone (FZ) microstructure in autogenous laser beam welded Haynes 282 (HY 282) superalloy were performed. The micro-segregation patterns observed in the FZ indicate that Co, Cr and Al exhibited a nearly uniform distribution between the dendrite core and interdendritic regions while Ti and Mo were rejected into the interdendritic liquid during the weld solidification. Transmission electron diffraction analysis and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis revealed the second phase particles formed along the FZ interdendritic region to be Ti-Mo rich MC-type carbide particles. Weld FZ solidification cracking, which is sometimes associated with themore » formation of {gamma}-{gamma}' eutectic in {gamma}' precipitation strengthened nickel-base superalloys, was not observed in the HY 282 superalloy. Modified primary solidification path due to carbon addition in the newly developed superalloy is used to explain preclusion of weld FZ solidification cracking in the material. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A newly developed superalloy was welded by CO{sub 2} laser beam joining technique. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Electron microscopy characterization of the weld microstructure was performed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Identified interdendritic microconstituents consist of MC-type carbides. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Modification of primary solidification path is used to explain cracking resistance.« less

Synthesis and photocatalytic performance of reduced graphene oxide-TiO2 nanocomposites for orange II degradation under UV light irradiation.

PubMed

Li, Tengfei; Wang, Tiecheng; Qu, Guangzhou; Liang, Dongli; Hu, Shibin

2017-05-01

To enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 , reduced graphene oxide-TiO 2 (RGO-TiO 2 ) composites with sandwich-like structure were synthesized using a simple solvothermal method. The morphology, crystalline information, and structural property of the photocatalyst were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performances of the RGO-TiO 2 composites were evaluated by the degradation of orange II (AO7) in water under UV light irradiation. The results showed that the RGO-TiO 2 composites exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than TiO 2 and that the removal efficiency of AO7 could reach above 95% only after 20 min of UV light irradiation under the optimum condition. The improved photocatalytic activity might be attributed to the improved charge transfer and significant separation of the photoinduced electrons and holes in the presence of a two-dimensional graphene network. The results of recycling experiments show that RGO-TiO 2 composites have a high photostability, which is expected in the practical application. Radical trapping experiments indicated that ·OH plays a crucial role in the process of AO7 degradation.

Changes induced by exposure of the human lung to glass fiber-reinforced plastic.

PubMed

Abbate, Carmelo; Giorgianni, Concetto; Brecciaroli, Renato; Giacobbe, Giovanni; Costa, Chiara; Cavallari, Vittorio; Albiero, Francesca; Catania, Stefania; Tringali, Maria Antonietta; Martino, Lucia Barbaro; Abbate, Simona

2006-11-01

The inhalation of glass dusts mixed in resin, generally known as glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GRP), represents a little-studied occupational hazard. The few studies performed have highlighted nonspecific lung disorders in animals and in humans. In the present study we evaluated the alteration of the respiratory system and the pathogenic mechanisms causing the changes in a group of working men employed in different GRP processing operations and exposed to production dusts. The study was conducted on a sample of 29 male subjects whose mean age was 37 years and mean length of service 11 years. All of the subjects were submitted to a clinical check-up, basic tests, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL); microscopic studies and biochemical analysis were performed on the BAL fluid. Tests of respiratory function showed a large number of obstructive syndromes; scanning electron microscopy highlighted qualitative and quantitative alterations of the alveolar macrophages; and transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of electron-dense cytoplasmatic inclusions indicating intense and active phlogosis (external inflammation). Biochemical analyses highlighted an increase in protein content associated with alterations of the lung oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis. Inhalation of GRP, independent of environmental concentration, causes alterations of the cellular and humoral components of pulmonary interstitium; these alterations are identified microscopically as acute alveolitis.

Publications - GMC 357 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

Science.gov Websites

DGGS GMC 357 Publication Details Title: Thin Section and Scanning Electron Microscopy summary Laboratories, Inc., 2008, Thin Section and Scanning Electron Microscopy summary photographs from plugs taken

Electron microscopy of electromagnetic waveforms.

PubMed

Ryabov, A; Baum, P

2016-07-22

Rapidly changing electromagnetic fields are the basis of almost any photonic or electronic device operation. We report how electron microscopy can measure collective carrier motion and fields with subcycle and subwavelength resolution. A collimated beam of femtosecond electron pulses passes through a metamaterial resonator that is previously excited with a single-cycle electromagnetic pulse. If the probing electrons are shorter in duration than half a field cycle, then time-frozen Lorentz forces distort the images quasi-classically and with subcycle time resolution. A pump-probe sequence reveals in a movie the sample's oscillating electromagnetic field vectors with time, phase, amplitude, and polarization information. This waveform electron microscopy can be used to visualize electrodynamic phenomena in devices as small and fast as available. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Murphy's law-if anything can go wrong, it will: Problems in phage electron microscopy.

PubMed

Ackermann, Hans-W; Tiekotter, Kenneth L

2012-04-01

The quality of bacteriophage electron microscopy appears to be on a downward course since the 1980s. This coincides with the introduction of digital electron microscopes and a general lowering of standards, possibly due to the disappearance of several world-class electron microscopists The most important problem seems to be poor contrast. Positive staining is frequently not recognized as an undesirable artifact. Phage parts, bacterial debris, and aberrant or damaged phage particles may be misdiagnosed as bacterial viruses. Digital electron microscopes often seem to be operated without magnification control because this is difficult and inconvenient. In summary, most phage electron microscopy problems may be attributed to human failure. Journals are a last-ditch defense and have a heavy responsibility in selecting competent reviewers and rejecting, or not, unsatisfactory articles.

Denoising time-resolved microscopy image sequences with singular value thresholding.

PubMed

Furnival, Tom; Leary, Rowan K; Midgley, Paul A

2017-07-01

Time-resolved imaging in microscopy is important for the direct observation of a range of dynamic processes in both the physical and life sciences. However, the image sequences are often corrupted by noise, either as a result of high frame rates or a need to limit the radiation dose received by the sample. Here we exploit both spatial and temporal correlations using low-rank matrix recovery methods to denoise microscopy image sequences. We also make use of an unbiased risk estimator to address the issue of how much thresholding to apply in a robust and automated manner. The performance of the technique is demonstrated using simulated image sequences, as well as experimental scanning transmission electron microscopy data, where surface adatom motion and nanoparticle structural dynamics are recovered at rates of up to 32 frames per second. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study of nanoscale structural biology using advanced particle beam microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boseman, Adam J.

This work investigates developmental and structural biology at the nanoscale using current advancements in particle beam microscopy. Typically the examination of micro- and nanoscale features is performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), but in order to decrease surface charging, and increase resolution, an obscuring conductive layer is applied to the sample surface. As magnification increases, this layer begins to limit the ability to identify nanoscale surface structures. A new technology, Helium Ion Microscopy (HIM), is used to examine uncoated surface structures on the cuticle of wild type and mutant fruit flies. Corneal nanostructures observed with HIM are further investigated by FIB/SEM to provide detailed three dimensional information about internal events occurring during early structural development. These techniques are also used to reconstruct a mosquito germarium in order to characterize unknown events in early oogenesis. Findings from these studies, and many more like them, will soon unravel many of the mysteries surrounding the world of developmental biology.

Bulk sensitive hard x-ray photoemission electron microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Patt, M., E-mail: m.patt@fz-juelich.de; Wiemann, C.; Weber, N.

Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) has now matured into a well-established technique as a bulk sensitive probe of the electronic structure due to the larger escape depth of the highly energetic electrons. In order to enable HAXPES studies with high lateral resolution, we have set up a dedicated energy-filtered hard x-ray photoemission electron microscope (HAXPEEM) working with electron kinetic energies up to 10 keV. It is based on the NanoESCA design and also preserves the performance of the instrument in the low and medium energy range. In this way, spectromicroscopy can be performed from threshold to hard x-ray photoemission. Themore » high potential of the HAXPEEM approach for the investigation of buried layers and structures has been shown already on a layered and structured SrTiO{sub 3} sample. Here, we present results of experiments with test structures to elaborate the imaging and spectroscopic performance of the instrument and show the capabilities of the method to image bulk properties. Additionally, we introduce a method to determine the effective attenuation length of photoelectrons in a direct photoemission experiment.« less

75 FR 34096 - Application(s) for Duty-Free Entry of Scientific Instruments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-16

... dynamin, using negative stain nad cryo-electron microscopy methods. Justification for Duty-Free Entry..., using negative stain nad cryo-electron microscopy methods. Justification for Duty-Free Entry: There are...

Understanding materials challenges for rechargeable ion batteries with in situ transmission electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Yifei; Amine, Khalil; Lu, Jun; Shahbazian-Yassar, Reza

2017-08-01

An in-depth understanding of material behaviours under complex electrochemical environment is critical for the development of advanced materials for the next-generation rechargeable ion batteries. The dynamic conditions inside a working battery had not been intensively explored until the advent of various in situ characterization techniques. Real-time transmission electron microscopy of electrochemical reactions is one of the most significant breakthroughs poised to enable radical shift in our knowledge on how materials behave in the electrochemical environment. This review, therefore, summarizes the scientific discoveries enabled by in situ transmission electron microscopy, and specifically emphasizes the applicability of this technique to address the critical challenges in the rechargeable ion battery electrodes, electrolyte and their interfaces. New electrochemical systems such as lithium-oxygen, lithium-sulfur and sodium ion batteries are included, considering the rapidly increasing application of in situ transmission electron microscopy in these areas. A systematic comparison between lithium ion-based electrochemistry and sodium ion-based electrochemistry is also given in terms of their thermodynamic and kinetic differences. The effect of the electron beam on the validity of in situ observation is also covered. This review concludes by providing a renewed perspective for the future directions of in situ transmission electron microscopy in rechargeable ion batteries.

Understanding materials challenges for rechargeable ion batteries with in situ transmission electron microscopy

PubMed Central

Yuan, Yifei; Amine, Khalil; Lu, Jun; Shahbazian-Yassar, Reza

2017-01-01

An in-depth understanding of material behaviours under complex electrochemical environment is critical for the development of advanced materials for the next-generation rechargeable ion batteries. The dynamic conditions inside a working battery had not been intensively explored until the advent of various in situ characterization techniques. Real-time transmission electron microscopy of electrochemical reactions is one of the most significant breakthroughs poised to enable radical shift in our knowledge on how materials behave in the electrochemical environment. This review, therefore, summarizes the scientific discoveries enabled by in situ transmission electron microscopy, and specifically emphasizes the applicability of this technique to address the critical challenges in the rechargeable ion battery electrodes, electrolyte and their interfaces. New electrochemical systems such as lithium–oxygen, lithium–sulfur and sodium ion batteries are included, considering the rapidly increasing application of in situ transmission electron microscopy in these areas. A systematic comparison between lithium ion-based electrochemistry and sodium ion-based electrochemistry is also given in terms of their thermodynamic and kinetic differences. The effect of the electron beam on the validity of in situ observation is also covered. This review concludes by providing a renewed perspective for the future directions of in situ transmission electron microscopy in rechargeable ion batteries.