ResourceLife Sciences
Beyond the naked eye: Characterizing nanomaterials with precision
Today’s demand for faster and smaller electronics is ever growing. Discover how to meet this demand using the latest nanomaterial characterization techniques
11 Jun 2023As the demand for faster, smaller, and more cost-effective electronics remains high, so does the need for researchers to innovate and develop novel solutions that deliver superior performance, speed, and reliability. These innovations are driving the development of new and exciting technologies, and part of this change is the ability for users to characterize materials with more precision than ever before.
This eBook presents some of the most advanced material characterization technologies on the market. Discover how to investigate the microscopic world using 3D X-ray imaging, and how to fully characterize powders. The guide also highlights the future of high-throughput imaging using focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) systems.
Download the eBook free today to:
- Find out more about optimizing sample preparation
- Learn how to obtain crystallographic information using diffraction contrast tomography
- Explore the latest cutting-edge technologies designed to support both academic researchers and industries in materials science, including X-ray microscopy (XRM) tools
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Atomic Absorption / Emission SpectroscopyAtomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) — also called optical emission spectroscopy (OES) — are used to detect the elemental constituents in samples. Both techniques involve the atomization of a sample. Atomic absorption spectrometers may use a flame or furnace to create an atomic vapor of the sample before irradiation with spectral light. Optical emission spectrometers may use a flame, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), microwave plasma (MP) or spark arcs to atomize and excite the sample. At higher excitation energies, electrons can be emitted instead of photons, which can be useful for samples that can’t be atomized and for surface analysis. Explore electron spectroscopy equipment such as Auger spectrometers and photoelectron spectrometers for surface elemental analysis of samples. Find the best atomic absorption, photoelectron and optical emission spectrometers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Raman SpectroscopyRaman spectroscopy is used to discern the vibrational and rotational states of molecules and hence the chemical composition of a sample by measuring the inelastic scattering of monochromatic light. Explore a range of Raman spectrometers, including handheld/portable Raman spectrometers for QC/QA labs and in situ spectrometers for processes. Conduct Raman imaging for microanalysis of mixed samples using a Raman microscope. Raman spectrographs are also available. Find the best Raman spectroscopy products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.X-Ray Diffraction and SpectroscopyX-Ray diffraction & spectroscopy are used in material characterization to discern the structure and elemental composition of a sample. X-Ray diffractometers (XRD) are superior instruments in elucidating the dimensional atomic structure of crystalline materials, including powders, thin films and single crystals. For large unit cells or ordered macromolecules, consider small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). X-ray spectroscopic techniques include X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), both providing simple and accurate methods for determining the elemental composition of a material. Energy dispersive (EDXRF) and wavelength dispersive (WDXRF) XRF spectrometers are available, as well as handheld/portable devices. High-resolution, 3D microstructure characterization of materials can be achieved with X-ray microscopes combining sub-micron resolution imaging with 3D computed tomography. Find the best XRD and XRF spectrometers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.NanotechnologyNanotechnology, or nanotech, is an engineering technique using molecular scale functional systems. Applications of nanotechnology include medicine and medical devices, electronics, air and water purification, food science and energy production.Particle CharacterizationParticle characterization instruments are used to determine particle size distribution, shape, surface area, zeta potential, density and porosity of particles and materials. Multiple tecchniques are available for determining particle size, shape and count including dynamic light scattering (DLS), laser diffraction, electrozone (Coulter technique), imaging particle analysis and single particle optical sensing. Determine the density of your material with a gas pycnometer or examine its surface area and porosity with gas adsorption analyzers and mercury porosimeters. Find the best particle characterization instruments in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Non-Destructive TechniquesNon-destructive techniques (NDT) describes a variety of analytical techniques used to evaluate the properties of a material. Common methods include ultrasonic, magnetic-particle, liquid penetrant, radiographic, remote visual inspection (RVI), and eddy-current testing. NDT is regularly used in forensic engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, aeronautical engineering, and medicine.Electron MicroscopyElectron microscopes (EM) are used to create high-resolution images of samples at the nanoscale by means of an accelerated beam of electrons as a source of illumination. Types of electron microscope include scanning electron microscopes (SEM), transmission electron microscopes (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEM) and cryo-electron microscopes. Focused ion beam (FIB) microscopes are useful for modifying or milling a sample surface with nanometer precision, as well as imaging. Find the best electron microscopes in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Atomic Force Microscopy / Scanning Tunneling MicroscopyAtomic force microscopes (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopes (STM) are high-resolution forms of scanning probe microscope (SPM) used to generate topological information of a sample down to the atomic scale. Instruments can generate an image of the surface topology, manipulate objects and reveal information on localized properties such as Young’s modulus, conductivity, and magnetism. High-quality STM and AFM probes optimized for your application are available, as well as other SPM-based instruments such as scanning ion conductance microscopes (SICM) & near-field scanning optical microscopes (NSOM). Find the best AFM and STM equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Fluorescence MicroscopyFluorescence microscopy has become an essential tool in biology, as well as in materials science. The application of many fluorochromes has made it possible to identify cells and sub-microscopic cellular components with a high degree of specificity. Using multiple fluorescence labels, different probes can simultaneously identify several target molecules.Polymeric MaterialsPolymeric materials are widely used in industries ranging from biomedical devices to packaging and electronics. Research into these materials focuses on their properties, including strength, flexibility, and degradation. Advances in polymer science have enabled the development of more sustainable and high-performance materials. Explore the best polymeric material products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.ImagingImaging techniques are essential for obtaining visual representations of samples to understand structures, processes, and function in biological, chemical, and physical research. These tools range from traditional light microscopy to advanced imaging modalities like MRI and electron microscopy, providing researchers with valuable data for diagnostics, drug discovery, and material analysis. Explore imaging solutions in our peer-reviewed product directory to compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.MicroscopyMicroscopy is a technique used to observe small objects in detail, from cells to materials, using light or electron microscopes. It enables researchers to examine structures with high resolution, aiding in fields such as biology, medicine, and materials science. With advanced microscopy techniques, scientists can gain insights into cellular processes, tissue structures, and material properties. Explore the best microscopy solutions in our peer-reviewed product directory, compare products, read customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Powder AnalysisAFMGrapheneGraphene is a two-dimensional structure that comprises of a hexagonal honeycomb lattice of carbon atoms. Graphene can conduct electricity and heat, is almost transparent and is 100x stronger than steel by weight.