Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was traditionally limited to the investigation of solid-state thin-film samples. Recent instrumental developments in advanced TEM sample holders now enable the in-situ TEM imaging of ultrathin liquid layers with a broad range of applications in (photo-)electrochemistry, photochemistry and biomedical imaging [1].

In such in-situ sample holders, the liquid sample is contained between two electron transparent windows which also host further electrodes for electrochemical biasing or temperature control. Heating Range is between room temperature and 100°C. Biasing can be done between -10V and+ 10V.

In our work, we utilize a commercial sample holder fabricated by Denssolution (model stream), which incorporates microfluid channels for a reproducible and controllable flow of the investigated liquids.

Electrochemical and photoelectrochemical investigations are conducted collaboratively with the group of Prof. Dr. G. Wittstock (Univ. Oldenburg).

[1]H.-G. Liao and H. Zheng,  Liquid Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy ,  Annu. Rev. Phys. Chem 2016, 67 719-47

Figure 1: Liquid holder Denssolution

Figure 2: SEM image of a bottom chip for liquid cell holder.