Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) continues to gain prominence in materials science, particularly in battery research where it has enabled high-resolution, multimodal characterization of electrode materials and interfaces that otherwise degrade quickly under electron beam irradiation. But as anyone who has attempted cryo-EM techniques knows, freezing comes at a cost; cryo-EM experiments are time-consuming, highly sensitive, and carry an increased risk of artifacts due to issues such as frost contamination. Thus, when planning new characterization of battery materials or other beam-sensitive samples, it is critical to consider whether (and which) cryo-EM techniques are appropriate, based on study goals and an understanding of electron beam-sample interactions. Here we review such considerations for battery materials to elucidate the questions of when, why, and how to freeze to achieve high-quality characterization. Graphical abstract
Source: MRS Communications
Authors: Nikita S. Dutta, Hyeongjun Koh
Language: English
Subfield: Structural Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,390
Awards: G1285306620, G14908310, G241279073, G3262563802, G357145406, G3620693782, G3883580859, FMRG: Eco: Sustainable Route to 3D Solid-State Sodium-ion Battery by Direct Ink Writing and Capillary Rise Infiltration, G5765906131, G7021897321, G7463374569, G8142658735, G834333836, G847654844, G872144517, G944719100
OpenAlex ID: W7160830075