Hi,
We have performed SEM images of a polymer layer with silver nanoparticles. But, the images were blurred because the surface was not conducted.
So , I ask who is familiarized with SEM technique. How much we should deposit gold to enhance the surface conductivity with less influence on the morphologie. This is important because our goal is to visualize the silver and differentiating by contrast comparing to the polymer matrix.
Is it enough 5 nm of gold to enhance the conductivity? Or less it is better?
Thanks in advance.
The thickness of the films used and the morphological characteristics are paramount in deciding the thickness of the conducting layer. Mostly 7-10 nm of conductive layer is deposited (if the film thickness is upto ~100 um) and is sufficient. A thicker layer can hide your morphological features. You can also use Pt as the conductive layer.
How big are your nanoparticles and what kind of features are you tyring to see?
I have been able to get away imaging polymer samples with as low as 2 nm of Pt coating by adjusting the imaging voltage to below 1 kV. When I had access to a Zeiss Supra I would also frequently use the variable pressure mode for polymer samples. It does lower your resolution but you can image without coating.
Aditya Chauhan
The nanoparticules average is around 10-20nm.
Thanks for your respond.
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