Gas phase EM (GP-EM) enables the visualization of dynamic processes at the nanoscale that help explain material behavior in their native gaseous environment including high temperatures and pressures. Whether you are observing chemical reactions in real-time, studying catalysts in action, or uncovering new materials science insights, GP-EM bridges the gap between traditional microscopy and the real world.
Following Cu nanoparticle growth using the Atmosphere AX system: Schoemaker, S.E. et al. (2024) ‘Balancing act: influence of Cu content in NiCu/C catalysts for methane decomposition’
The samples and reaction gasses are isolated from the column vacuum of the transmission electron microscope (TEM) using a variety of different strategies, the majority of which enclose the sample between two electron transparent membranes such as silicon nitride (SiN) or graphene. Thus, samples can react and change under observation, enabling real-time processes such as growth, degradation, and sample/gas interactions to be observed at resolutions ranging from nanometers to a few angstroms.
Protochips’ Atmosphere AX is the most trusted solution for GP-EM measurements. Patented micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), called E-chips™, are used to introduce gasses in the TEM safely. The Atmosphere AX system is one-of-a-kind:
- Unmatched Gas Flexibility: No calibrations for gases required, so use any gas, gas mixture, or vapor that is chemically compatible for a wide range of projects.
- Maximum Temperature Uniformity: Achieve precise heating up to 1000 °C with uniform temperature distribution using patented silicon carbide heaters.
- Full Experimental Control: Control each variable, such and pressure and flow, individually to truly understand environmental effects on performance.
- Integrated Residual Gas Analyzer: Designed specifically for TEM labs, offering gas detection without degrading imaging resolution.
- Real-Time Dynamic Atomic-scale Observation: Visualize processes such as nanoparticle growth, catalyst behavior, and material degradation at atomic resolution (microscope dependent).
- Stability at Every Step: AXON Synchronicity machine vision software ensures drift-free imaging for accurate, repeatable results.
Find some interesting review papers below:
- Van der Wal, L.I., Turner, S.J. and Zečević, J. (2021) ‘Developments and advances in in situ transmission electron microscopy for catalysis research’, Catalysis Science & Technology, 11, 3634–3658.
- Yaguchi, T. et al. (2024) ‘In-situ TEM study from the perspective of holders’, Microscopy, 00, 1–16
- Tao, F. (Feng) and Crozier, P.A. (2016) ‘Atomic-Scale Observations of Catalyst Structures under Reaction Conditions and during Catalysis’, Chemical Reviews, 116, 3487–3539.
