Electron-beam-driven chemical processes during liquid phase transmission electron microscopy

Abstract

Liquid phase (or liquid cell) transmission electron microscopy (LP-TEM) has been established as a powerful tool for observing dynamic processes in liquids at nanometer to atomic length scales. However, the simple act of observation using electrons irreversibly alters the nature of the sample. A clear understanding of electron beam-driven processes during LP-TEM is required to interpret in situ observations and utilize the electron beam as a stimulus to drive nanoscale dynamic processes. In this review, we discuss recent advances toward understanding, quantifying, mitigating, and harnessing electron beam-driven chemical processes occurring during LP-TEM. We will highlight progress in several research areas, including modeling electron beam-induced radiolysis near interfaces, electron beam-induced nanocrystal formation, and radiation damage of soft materials and biomolecules.