I want to take FESEM of Mxene. So, how do I see the layer format of MXenes in FESEM?
Should I take a top view of the image or do a cross-section?
What is the best way to observe the MXene layer?
Is drop-casting the sample onto the substrate required? If so, which substrate is best for seeing MXene layers?
Hello Shruti,
For viewing a single layer or a few layers you need to take a simple FESEM image. No need for cross-section.
For preparing the sample the spray coating is the best option otherwise you drop caste the very diluted solution of Mxene on the Si wafer (Ozone treated).
Hope it finds you helpful.
Regards
Yusuf Khan if I use MXene powder instead of a drop-casted diluted sample, is it possible to obtain FESEM of the MXene layer using powder? Is it mandatory to dilute the sample solution for FESEM? Is the diluted sample in DI water or ethanol?
If MXene is on a substrate (be it drop cast or any other method), and you mount the sample horizontally, it will show the top surface quite easily unless the sample is charging. In case sample is charging, you may have to do some gold coating to capture top surface. Now, say you want to measure the thickness of layer/ layers, you have to do cross-sectional SEM.
If you are interested in doing SEM of MXene powder, directly put it on carbon tape (most commonly used) and acquire SEM images. No sample preparation is required. However in this case you can't call it a layer.
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