Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast Episode 109: Operando Transmission Electron Microscopy
Aug 26, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Patricia Kooyman, a Professor at the University of Cape Town and a pioneer in transmission electron microscopy, dives into the groundbreaking world of operando TEM. She illustrates how this technique allows researchers to witness real-time material reactions, transforming our understanding of catalysis. The discussion also highlights the challenges of integrating complex environments like gas flows, handling vast data from microscopy, and the future innovations that promise to reshape the field.
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Why TEM Needs Vacuum
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) uses high-energy electrons to achieve near-atomic resolution, down to ~1 Ångstrom.
- Conventional TEM requires high vacuum because gas molecules scatter electrons and blur images.
Building The First Nanoreactor
- Kooyman described developing a closed nanoreactor to flow gases and heat catalysts inside a TEM.
- The device required gas lines and electrodes routed through a custom sample holder to allow real catalytic conditions.
Choose Window Material Carefully
- Use electron-transparent, thin support windows (tens of nanometers) like silicon nitride or graphene for operando TEM.
- Balance window thickness: thicker windows are robust but add imaging background noise.