Hello every one
Recently in my lab, I'm working on scanning electron microscope (Quanta 450, FEI), i imaged many ready samples , but i have no idea how to prepare nanotube and nano particles powder for SEM imaging .
please , I need any protocol or method to prepare nano powders for SEM .
Regards ....
Hi Hayder,
I would suggest to prepare some thin films of the nanotubes/nanoparticles to obtain SEM images. You may try to disperse nanotubes/nanoparticles in a solution and spin/drop cast the solution into solid films.
See our SEM images in the paper:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287977790_Simultaneous_shunt_protection_and_back_contact_formation_for_CdTe_solar_cells_with_single_wall_carbon_nanotube_layers
Article Simultaneous shunt protection and back contact formation for...
Disperse the nanopowder in a volatile solvent to prepare a very very dilution dispersion. Then drop coat or spin coat on a conducting substrate (should not use the same material, say Au NPs on Au substrate, unless you want to quantify). Dry the coating under ambient and perform the microscopy.
Hi,
The best way is to disperse the nanotubes in a solution (Dichlorobenzene or Chlorobenzene) and use casting method to have a film.
You need also a conductive substrate such as ITO or any metal coated glass substrate
Hi, preparing CNT sample for SEM is quite simple but it depends on what you want to observe. For example just put a small piece of graphite tape on the sample holder and then add a small sample of CNT on it. You can press with the spatula in a section of your sample, thus you will have a normal view and a flat one. That's all. I have never used a solution or more complicated preparation to observe my CNT's and our images have the same properties than Zhaoning Song shows in his publication. Best regards.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Nano