Experimental study on local structure changes in nanomaterials induced by low-voltage electron beam

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K05948
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Inorganic industrial materials
• Research Institution: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Sato Yuta 国立研究開発法人産業技術総合研究所, 材料・化学領域, 主任研究員 (90392620)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 透過電子顕微鏡 / 電子分光 / ナノ材料 / カーボンナノチューブ / グラフェン / ナノ粒子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, atomic-scale structures of various nanomaterials such as nanocarbon and metal nanoparticles were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) operated at low electron accelerating voltages in order to verify the mechanisms of electron beam-induced structural changes. Atomic vacancies introduced into nanotubes and graphene were unambiguously visualized, and morphological changes of metal nanoparticles and nanoclusters were monitored in situ by (S)TEM. Atomic-level distribution of sulfur in polythiophene molecules supported by carbon nanotubes was also examined by electron energy loss spectroscopy combined with low-voltage STEM.

Free Research Field

ナノ材料科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究で対象とした低加速電子顕微鏡は、ナノ材料分野を中心に近年急速に普及が進みつつあるが、観察試料の電子線ダメージの低減効果に関しては検討の余地が残されている。本研究ではナノチューブやグラフェンに担持された分子や金属ナノ粒子などに注目し、低加速電子線照射下における挙動を明らかにしたが、これらの成果は、今後より広範な物質へ低加速電子顕微鏡観察を応用する上で大きな意義を持つことが見込まれる。