Real-time electron tomography for efficient 3D characterization of functional nanomaterials.

Electron tomography has evolved into a powerful technique to study the three-dimensional (3D) structure of functional nanomaterials. However, a major drawback is the total run time that is required to obtain the necessary 2D projection images, to align them and to compute the final 3D reconstruction. Since several hours are required to study a single nanoparticle, it is impossible to obtain a large set of measurements, required to connect the structure of functional nanomaterials to their properties. The latter is of crucial importance to observe the design of nanostructures with defined functionalities and the incorporation of such structures in future nanotechnology. Here, I will reduce the run time of electron tomography by a factor of 100 using a combination of novel acquisition procedures and dedicated 3D reconstruction algorithms. By applying highthroughput electron tomography, changes in the (surface) structure of catalytic nanoparticles or battery materials can be determined. In addition, the reduced acquisition time and electron dose will allow the 3D investigation of organic materials, zeolites or metalorganic frameworks. Since quasi real-time 3D imaging with the electron microscope will be possible within a few minutes, 3D experiments can be performed in a much more efficient manner to even monitor morphology changes as a function of heating. We therefore consider this project as the next (r)evolution in the field of electron tomography.

Keywords:NANOPARTICLES, CHARACTERIZATION

Disciplines:Ceramic and glass materials, Materials science and engineering, Semiconductor materials, Other materials engineering

Project type:Collaboration project