Quantitative nanostructure characterization using atomic pair distribution functions obtained from laboratory electron microscopes

Abstract

Quantitatively reliable atomic pair distribution functions (PDFs) have been obtained from nanomaterials in a straightforward way from a standard laboratory transmission electron microscope (TEM). The approach looks very promising for making electron derived PDFs (ePDFs) a routine step in the characterization of nanomaterials because of the ubiquity of such TEMs in chemistry and materials laboratories. No special attachments such as energy filters were required on the microscope. The methodology for obtaining the ePDFs is described as well as some opportunities and limitations of the method.

Atomic Pair Distribution Function: A Revolution in the Characterization of Nanostructured Pharmaceuticals

“…In another interesting development, it was recently shown that PDFs of a quality sufficient for semiquantitative analysis of nanostructure in materials could be obtained from rather standard configuration transmission electron microscopes [17]. When working with molecular materials, beam damage is an issue.…”

Local Structure of Bulk and Nanocrystalline Semiconductors Using Total Scattering Methods

“…Quantitatively reliable atomic PDFs can be obtained from nanomaterials in a straightforward way from a standard laboratory transmission electron microscope (TEM) [15,16]. The approach looks very promising for making electron-derived PDFs (ePDFs) a routine step in the characterization of nanomaterials because of the ubiquity of such TEMs in chemistry and materials laboratories.…”

“…The approach looks very promising for making electron-derived PDFs (ePDFs) a routine step in the characterization of nanomaterials because of the ubiquity of such TEMs in chemistry and materials laboratories. The methodology for obtaining the ePDFs has recently been described, as well as some opportunities and limitations of the method discussed in the work of Abeykoon et al [16]. The methodology for obtaining the ePDFs has recently been described, as well as some opportunities and limitations of the method discussed in the work of Abeykoon et al [16].…”

“…The method continues to evolve, with recent demonstrations of PDFs obtained from nanomaterials using electron diffraction [16], building on earlier work on amorphous and polycrystalline thin films [15]. Acceptance of the power of the method has led to dedicated instruments for data collection at synchrotrons and spallation neutron sources, as well as dedicated lab instruments now being marketed by instrument manufacturers.…”

Electron powder diffraction

“…Traditionally, electron diffraction data for PDF analysis are collected using energy filtering in order to exclude the inelastic scattering contribution. However, quantitative or semi-quantitative electron PDFs can be obtained without filtering (Abeykoon et al, 2012).…”