Electron Microscopy for Materials Characterization
The course provides an introduction to analytical electron microscopy (AEM) as applied to materials chemistry studies, in particular nanomaterials.
The course covers the experimental techniques of:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
- Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM).
This provides a detailed description of the electron microscope instrumentation while also teaching the fundamental physics of the image formation.
Various electron diffraction, imaging, and sample preparation techniques are presented and discussed, and the practical knowledge necessary to perform these methods and interpret the results are taught.
The course also provides a brief overview of two widely-used spectroscopy techniques: energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Emphasizing how they can be used to obtain information about the electronic structure and chemical composition on length scales ranging from micrometers (SEM) down to the atomic level (STEM).
Real-world applications of the various EM techniques for characterization of different types of sustainable materials and nanoparticles are presented in lecture and lab form.
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Course structure
Expected learning outcomes, theory
The student is expected to be able to:
• Explain the basic principles of how transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) and scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) are designed and work
• Propose suitable sample preparation methods for EM studies
• Interpret electron diffraction patterns and the contrasts of different types of EM images
• Propose appropriate EM techniques to hold structural information and chemical composition of a material.Expected learning outcomes, lab
The student is expected to be able to:
• Explain the principles of SEM, TEM, STEM, electron diffraction, EDS and EELS experiments and their sample preparation
• Report the use of SEM, TEM, STEM, electron diffraction, EDS and EELS, interpret results and draw conclusions about what structural information and / or chemical composition they provide about the studied material.Modules
Theory, 4 ETCS
Lab, 3.5 ECTS
Teaching format
The teaching consists of lectures, laboratory work and exercises.
Assessment
Theory - written exam
Lab - lab reports and presentationsExaminer
Xiaodong Zou
xiaodong.zou@mmk.su.seTom Willhammar (course coordinator)
tom.willhammar@mmk.su.se -
Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course reports
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Contact
Course coordinatorTom WillhammarResearcher
Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office- Visiting address
Arrhenius laboratory, room M345
Svante Arrhenius väg 16 A-D
- Here you will find:
Student administrator
International coordinator
Study advisor
Director of studies
- Office hours
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 09.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00
- Phone hours
Monday and Wednesday 10.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00
