Effectiveness of reducing the influence of CTAB at the surface of metal nanoparticles during in situ heating studies by TEM

Correlating structure, morphology and properties of metal nanostructures by combining single-particle optical spectroscopy and electron microscopy

“…However, it was shown that the current methods used to remove the surface ligands are still not fully satisfactory. 109 Where possible we therefore recommend to do any optical property characterization before exposing the sample to the electron beam. In this regard, atomic force microscopy (beyond the scope of this Minireview) is an alternative to EM to investigate morphology of electron-beam sensitive samples when there are no strong constraints on spatial resolution.…”

“…[106][107][108] Especially in situ experiments are affected by electron-beam induced changes and one should be careful when comparing experimental results with theoretical calculations. 107,109 For example, the interaction of the electron beam with the ligands on the metal NSs was proven to irreversibly modify their plasmon resonances as they get generally transformed into amorphous carbonaceous material. 106,107 The consequent modest red-shift and broadening of the resonance peaks observed for individual metal NSs upon carbon contamination becomes dramatic for coupled asymmetric NS dimers, which consequently exhibited Fano resonances.…”

“…106,107 The consequent modest red-shift and broadening of the resonance peaks observed for individual metal NSs upon carbon contamination becomes dramatic for coupled asymmetric NS dimers, which consequently exhibited Fano resonances. 106 Using a lower energy electron beam and reducing the presence of contaminants, by for instance plasma cleaning, 109 can be explored as ways to reduce this effect. However, it was shown that the current methods used to remove the surface ligands are still not fully satisfactory.…”