Electron Microscopy Transfer System to Protect Atmosphere‐Sensitive Materials for Scanning Electron Microscopy Characterization
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Atmosphere‐ and/or moisture‐sensitive materials can be challenging to characterize using electron microscopy techniques due to sample preparation workflows that generally require exposure to ambient conditions. Here, we describe a novel preparation method that uses aluminum foil in combination with a commercial cryo‐EM transfer system to circumvent undesired exposure to the atmosphere. First, hygroscopic MgCl 2 was used as a model material, and prepared samples (both protected and unprotected) were placed in a controlled‐humidity environment (> 80% relative humidity) for various exposure lengths (circa seconds to hours). Following this, the effectiveness of the sample preparation method was determined by comparing qualitative photos and quantitative X‐ray diffraction patterns between the two sample subsets. The combined results of these experiments suggest that the outlined preparation method effectively protects MgCl 2 from atmospheric contamination compared to MgCl 2 samples that had no protective measures taken. Finally, the preparation method was utilized to protect a highly hygroscopic crystalline BaO thin film for characterization via scanning electron microscopy, thereby demonstrating a functional application of the outlined preparation technique and an additional use for the commercial cryo‐EM transfer system beyond its intended application.
DOI: 10.1002/jemt.70107
Institution: University of Minnesota
Language: English
Subfield: Structural Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,250
Funders: Office of the Vice President for Research, University of Minnesota, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, University of Minnesota, Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy, Office of Science, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Advanced Research Projects Agency, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Harvard University, Division of Materials Research, Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems, Basic Energy Sciences, Office of Energy Efficiency
Awards: G1016422070, LOW-ENERGY, RADICAL-BASED APPROACHES FOR METAL OXIDES OF “STUBBORN” METALS, G1801249269, G259601046, MRI: Acquisition of a High Resolution Cryo Scanning Electron Microscope System, G310967942, G336716348, G403942265, CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY CATALYSIS (CSEC), RAPID ADVANCEMENT IN PROCESS INTENSIFICATION DEPLOYMENT (RAPID), G4470453470, G4548338348, G4849758522, G4850134045, G5220807831, REFUEL
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - TWIN CITIES
CONTROL NUMBER 1562-1584, G6995829561, G7245116212, G743970376, G7573957695, G80606473, University of Minnesota Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, NNCI: Midwest Nano Infrastructure Corridor (MINIC), G8967740431
OpenAlex ID: W7117645856