Hi all,
I have recently encountered a problem when I was operating TEM for my nanoparticle characterization. The thing is previously I did not ever observe anything else than my particles under TEM but now there were some bulky white particulates occurring. (See attached image). My friend suggested that the grids might be stored too long so the coated membrane started to peel off. Yet, I googled and found that some published images also got this stuff. Although they claim these are the grids, I personally do not like this interference. Any suggestions for this issue? (Note that I used the same brand of grid over time (so with the sample preparation), so I assume that the grid I use should confer me with a good and clear image as it did in the past. )
Many thanks to all!
Hi Zhuoran Wu,
This could be due to:
1.The increase of magnification and beam light in TEM. Try to reduce them and and this would reduce this problem.
2. Quick movement from area to area within the grid during the experiment could increase the chances of peeling off the grid .
3. Also, drying the grid after phosphotungstic acid (PTA) application might help as well.
Best,
Mansour
Dear Mansour,
Thanks for your input! After your reply, I thought through and I do agree with you that the membrane on the grid might have been peeled off for some unknown reasons. As the price for TEM is a bit expensive, I decided to buy a new box of grid to avoid such issue. Hopefully will work when the grid arrives.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Psychology