Nanoparticles: SEM and EDX Analysis

This lecture covers the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for measuring particle size, visualizing surface topology, and characterizing chemical composition with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX). It explains the detection of backscattered and secondary electrons, as well as Auger electrons, in SEM. The lecture also discusses Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for sizing nanoparticles, determining crystal structure, and visualizing block-copolymer arrangements. It explores the assembly of colloidal crystals, the Marangoni effect in particle assembly, and the coffee ring effect. Additionally, it delves into the formation of colloidal crystals, maximum packing density, and agglomeration of particles through depletion forces and diffusion-limited processes.

About this result

This page is automatically generated and may contain information that is not correct, complete, up-to-date, or relevant to your search query. The same applies to every other page on this website. Please make sure to verify the information with EPFL's official sources.

Related lectures (43)

Related concepts (42)

MSE-425: Soft matter

The first part of the course is devoted to the self-assembly of molecules. In the second part we discuss basic physical chemical principles of polymers in solutions, at interfaces, and in bulk. Finall

Nanoparticle

A nanoparticle or ultrafine particle is usually defined as a particle of matter that is between 1 and 100 nanometres (nm) in diameter. The term is sometimes used for larger particles, up to 500 nm, or fibers and tubes that are less than 100 nm in only two directions. At the lowest range, metal particles smaller than 1 nm are usually called atom clusters instead.

Transmission electron cryomicroscopy

Transmission electron cryomicroscopy (CryoTEM), commonly known as cryo-EM, is a form of cryogenic electron microscopy, more specifically a type of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) where the sample is studied at cryogenic temperatures (generally liquid-nitrogen temperatures). Cryo-EM is gaining popularity in structural biology. The utility of transmission electron cryomicroscopy stems from the fact that it allows the observation of specimens that have not been stained or fixed in any way, showing them in their native environment.

Self-assembly

Self-assembly is a process in which a disordered system of pre-existing components forms an organized structure or pattern as a consequence of specific, local interactions among the components themselves, without external direction. When the constitutive components are molecules, the process is termed molecular self-assembly. Self-assembly can be classified as either static or dynamic. In static self-assembly, the ordered state forms as a system approaches equilibrium, reducing its free energy.

Transmission electron microscopy

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a microscopy technique in which a beam of electrons is transmitted through a specimen to form an image. The specimen is most often an ultrathin section less than 100 nm thick or a suspension on a grid. An image is formed from the interaction of the electrons with the sample as the beam is transmitted through the specimen. The image is then magnified and focused onto an imaging device, such as a fluorescent screen, a layer of photographic film, or a sensor such as a scintillator attached to a charge-coupled device.

Scanning electron microscope

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a type of electron microscope that produces images of a sample by scanning the surface with a focused beam of electrons. The electrons interact with atoms in the sample, producing various signals that contain information about the surface topography and composition of the sample. The electron beam is scanned in a raster scan pattern, and the position of the beam is combined with the intensity of the detected signal to produce an image.

Beam-Matter Interactions CH-410: Physical and chemical analyses of materials

Explores beam-matter interactions, thermal effects, chemical effects, atomic displacements, and matter emission mechanisms in electron microscopy.

Chemistry: Atomic Structure and Thermodynamics MSE-101(a): Materials:from chemistry to properties

Covers atomic structure, thermodynamics, material properties, and ideal gas law.

Introduction and Interaction with Radiation-Matter MSE-352: Introduction to microscopy + Laboratory work

Introduces electron microscopy, covering practical organization, sample preparation, radiation-matter interaction, and detector mechanisms.

Protein Fibrillar Aggregation

Explores cryo-EM techniques for studying protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on a-synuclein.

Quantum Mechanics: Energy Levels CH-244: Quantum chemistry

Explores quantum mechanics, energy quantization, and wave-particle duality in microscopic systems.