Strategies for high performance characterization of nanomaterials using in situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy

Abstract

With advances in liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM), it is possible to real-time characterize nanomaterials at atomic resolution in a liquid environment. This provides a key tool for understanding the underlying mechanisms of various of (bio)chemical processes. In this review, various of strategies employed in high performance LCTEM characterization are introduced. It presents the structure and manufacturing processes of different liquid cells, and summarizes the methods to improve the spatial resolution and reduce the irradiation damage of LCTEM. It also describes the liquid cells integration with external energy field for observing the dynamic response of nanomaterials under electrical, thermal or irradiating stimuli. Then recent advances in LCTEM images and data automated analysis by machine learning are highlighted. Finally, we present a perspective on the challenges and future directions for the development of in situ LCTEM.