Dear Researches
I have a some doubt,recently I am working on fabrication of PDMS-based composites. My question is when I mix MXene and SrTiO3 like particles with PDMS and make a cast film. During the EDS analysis I am unble to get MXene and SrTiO3 elemental composition. But XRD pattern shows MXene and SrTiO3 characteristic peaks. I can also differentiate the colour change.
If any one well aware of these please try to clarify. It will be great help for the resereachers. Thank you in advance.
Hi,
First, EDS is a technique which utilizes X-ray emissions from the samples to characterize elemental analysis. To cause that emission, either charge particle or X-ray beams are used to stimulate that emission. In your case, may be, if you are using e-beam as the stimulus, the electrons are probably charging the surface of the sample if it is not properly grounded due to polymer matrix which itself is non conductive. The beam may penetrate the surface but to a very small depth. At that depth the amount of the dispersed material may be very less to give any measurable signal. If the ratio of MXene and SrTiO3 like particles with PDMS, assuming uniform dispersion of the particles, if it is a small fraction, the casted film surface may not have sufficient amount of particles to produce significant signal strength in the EDS. Also, even if sample is emitting EDS signal, it may get absorb/scattered by the surrounding PDMS matrix. Give a try by steadily increasing the amount of particles dispersed in the pdms matrix. At some increased concentration value you may be able to see the EDS signal!!!
On the other hand you can still see some good signal in XRD as x-rays are EM waves!!!
Regards
Amit
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