Nanomaterial Transformations Captured by Atomic Resolution 3D Electron Microscopy

Electron tomography is a powerful tool to explore the morphology, 3D structure, and composition of a broad range of (nano)materials. Although these experiments are already at the state-of-the-art, several open questions remain. These questions are often related to the fact that 3D characterization by TEM is typically performed using the conventional conditions of a TEM: ultrahigh vacuum and room temperature. Since it is known that the morphology and consequently, the activity of nanomaterials will transform at higher temperatures or pressures, this poses a fundamental limitation. It is therefore not surprising that much effort has been devoted to monitoring nanoparticle transformations upon application of external stimuli by TEM.