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Catalysis research

Involved in the processing of over 80% of all manufactured products, catalysts are a critical aspect of modern industry. Heterogeneous nanoparticle catalysts, in particular, are important for a number of modern, environmentally friendly processes such as the production of hydrogen fuel and are found ubiquitously in automotive catalytic converters. As catalysts accelerate production rates and lower temperature requirements for relevant reactions, they significantly reduce the energy needed to perform a given process and/or produce a product of interest.
 

Nanoparticle catalysis

The morphology, distribution, size, and chemical composition of nanoparticles are crucial for their catalytic efficiency. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) has proven to be a valuable research tool for the direct observation and quantification of this information. Additionally, high-performance scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tools take excellent images of beam-sensitive catalyst materials under low-beam-energy and low-beam-current conditions without causing sample damage.

Thermo Fisher Scientific provides a range of instrumentation ideally suited for the characterization of catalyst nanoparticles. We also offer a suite of software tools that allow you to automate your workflow, generating high-resolution, large-area nanoparticle data for a holistic overview of your catalyst.

Platinum nanoparticles and cobalt nanoparticles, used to improve catalytic efficiency, imaged with high resolution EDS
Platinum nanoparticles and cobalt nanoparticles, used to improve catalytic efficiency, imaged with high resolution EDS
Platinum nanoparticles and cobalt nanoparticles, used to improve catalytic efficiency, imaged with high resolution EDS
Platinum nanoparticles and cobalt nanoparticles, used to improve catalytic efficiency, imaged with high resolution EDS
Platinum nanoparticles and cobalt nanoparticles, used to improve catalytic efficiency, imaged with high resolution EDS
Platinum nanoparticles and cobalt nanoparticles, used to improve catalytic efficiency, imaged with high resolution EDS
Platinum nanoparticles and cobalt nanoparticles, used to improve catalytic efficiency, imaged with high resolution EDS
Platinum nanoparticles and cobalt nanoparticles, used to improve catalytic efficiency, imaged with high resolution EDS

High-resolution EDS maps of a beam-sensitive material used for photocatalytic processes (C3N4(Co)-Pt). The catalyst uses the synergistic behavior of platinum and cobalt nanoparticles to improve catalytic efficiency. Data courtesy of Prof. ShengChun Yang, Xi’an Jiaotong University, China.


Resources

On-Demand Webinar: Spectra 200 S/TEM: A workhorse for catalyst characterisation

Watch this webinar to learn advanced catalyst characterisation methods using TEM, how tools like the Spectra 200 S/TEM are used in the catalyst industry and why Haldor Topsøe chooses the Spectra 200 S/TEM.

Watch webinar


On-Demand Webinar: Quantitative structural analysis using STEM HAADF-iDPC

This webinar will give an introduction to the relevance of materials in catalysis, the challenges in their synthesis and their characterisation at atomic level.

Watch webinar

High-resolution TEM imaging of Pt-Rh catalyst nanoparticles enabled by the Thermo Scientific Ceta 16M Camera, revealing the crystalline lattice structure of nanoparticles. Sample courtesy: Prof. B. Gorman and Prof. R. Richards, Colorado School of Mines.

On-Demand Webinar: Spectra 200 S/TEM: A workhorse for catalyst characterisation

Watch this webinar to learn advanced catalyst characterisation methods using TEM, how tools like the Spectra 200 S/TEM are used in the catalyst industry and why Haldor Topsøe chooses the Spectra 200 S/TEM.

Watch webinar


On-Demand Webinar: Quantitative structural analysis using STEM HAADF-iDPC

This webinar will give an introduction to the relevance of materials in catalysis, the challenges in their synthesis and their characterisation at atomic level.

Watch webinar

High-resolution TEM imaging of Pt-Rh catalyst nanoparticles enabled by the Thermo Scientific Ceta 16M Camera, revealing the crystalline lattice structure of nanoparticles. Sample courtesy: Prof. B. Gorman and Prof. R. Richards, Colorado School of Mines.

Applications

Process control using electron microscopy

Process control using electron microscopy

Modern industry demands high throughput with superior quality, a balance that is maintained through robust process control. SEM and TEM tools with dedicated automation software provide rapid, multi-scale information for process monitoring and improvement.

 

Quality control and failure analysis using electron microscopy

Quality control and failure analysis

Quality control and assurance are essential in modern industry. We offer a range of EM and spectroscopy tools for multi-scale and multi-modal analysis of defects, allowing you to make reliable and informed decisions for process control and improvement.

Fundamental Materials Research_R&D_Thumb_274x180_144DPI

Fundamental Materials Research

Novel materials are investigated at increasingly smaller scales for maximum control of their physical and chemical properties. Electron microscopy provides researchers with key insight into a wide variety of material characteristics at the micro- to nano-scale.

 

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Techniques

(S)TEM Sample Preparation

DualBeam microscopes enable the preparation of high-quality, ultra-thin samples for (S)TEM analysis. Thanks to advanced automation, users with any experience level can obtain expert-level results for a wide range of materials.

Learn more ›

3D Materials Characterization

Development of materials often requires multi-scale 3D characterization. DualBeam instruments enable serial sectioning of large volumes and subsequent SEM imaging at nanometer scale, which can be processed into high-quality 3D reconstructions of the sample.

Learn more ›

EDS Elemental Analysis

Thermo Scientific Phenom Elemental Mapping Software provides fast and reliable information on the distribution of chemical elements within a sample.

Learn more ›

3D EDS Tomography

Modern materials research is increasingly reliant on nanoscale analysis in three dimensions. 3D characterization, including compositional data for full chemical and structural context, is possible with 3D EM and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Learn more ›

Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy

Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) collects detailed elemental information along with electron microscopy images, providing critical compositional context for EM observations. With EDS, chemical composition can be determined from quick, holistic surface scans down to individual atoms.

Learn more ›

Atomic-Scale Elemental Mapping with EDS

Atomic-resolution EDS provides unparalleled chemical context for materials analysis by differentiating the elemental identity of individual atoms. When combined with high-resolution TEM, it is possible to observe the precise organization of atoms in a sample.

Learn more ›

EDS Analysis with ChemiSEM Technology

Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for materials characterization.

Learn more ›

Imaging using HRSTEM and HRTEM

Transmission electron microscopy is invaluable for characterizing the structure of nanoparticles and nanomaterials. High-resolution STEM and TEM enable atomic-resolution data along with information on chemical composition.

Learn more ›

Differential Phase Contrast Imaging

Modern electronics research relies on nanoscale analysis of electric and magnetic properties. Differential phase contrast STEM (DPC-STEM) can image the strength and distribution of magnetic fields in a sample and display the magnetic domain structure.

Learn more ›

Imaging Hot Samples

Studying materials in real-world conditions often involves working at high temperatures. The behavior of materials as they recrystallize, melt, deform, or react in the presence of heat can be studied in situ with scanning electron microscopy or DualBeam tools.

Learn more ›

Environmental SEM (ESEM)

Environmental SEM allows materials to be imaged in their native state. This is ideally suited for academic and industrial researchers who need to test and analyze samples that are wet, dirty, reactive, outgassing or otherwise not vacuum compatible.

Learn more ›

Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy

Materials science research benefits from high-resolution EELS for a wide range of analytical applications. This includes high-throughput, high signal-to-noise-ratio elemental mapping, as well as probing of oxidation states and surface phonons.

Learn more ›

Cross-sectioning

Cross sectioning provides extra insight by revealing sub-surface information. DualBeam instruments feature superior focused ion beam columns for high-quality cross sectioning. With automation, unattended high-throughput processing of samples is possible.

Learn more ›

In Situ experimentation

Direct, real-time observation of microstructural changes with electron microscopy is necessary to understand the underlying principles of dynamic processes such as recrystallization, grain growth, and phase transformation during heating, cooling, and wetting.

Learn more ›

Particle analysis

Particle analysis plays a vital role in nanomaterials research and quality control. The nanometer-scale resolution and superior imaging of electron microscopy can be combined with specialized software for rapid characterization of powders and particles.

Learn more ›

SIMS

The TOF-SIMS (time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry) detector for focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) tools enables high-resolution analytical characterization of all elements in the periodic table, even at low concentrations.

Learn more ›

Multi-scale analysis

Novel materials must be analyzed at ever higher resolution while retaining the larger context of the sample. Multi-scale analysis allows for the correlation of various imaging tools and modalities such as X-ray microCT, DualBeam, Laser PFIB, SEM and TEM.

Learn more ›

X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) enables surface analysis, providing elemental composition as well as the chemical and electronic state of the top 10 nm of a material. With depth profiling, XPS analysis extends to compositional insight of layers.

Learn more ›

Automated Particle Workflow

The Automated NanoParticle Workflow (APW) is a transmission electron microscope workflow for nanoparticle analysis, offering large area, high resolution imaging and data acquisition at the nanoscale, with on-the-fly processing.

Learn more ›

(S)TEM Sample Preparation

DualBeam microscopes enable the preparation of high-quality, ultra-thin samples for (S)TEM analysis. Thanks to advanced automation, users with any experience level can obtain expert-level results for a wide range of materials.

Learn more ›

3D Materials Characterization

Development of materials often requires multi-scale 3D characterization. DualBeam instruments enable serial sectioning of large volumes and subsequent SEM imaging at nanometer scale, which can be processed into high-quality 3D reconstructions of the sample.

Learn more ›

EDS Elemental Analysis

Thermo Scientific Phenom Elemental Mapping Software provides fast and reliable information on the distribution of chemical elements within a sample.

Learn more ›

3D EDS Tomography

Modern materials research is increasingly reliant on nanoscale analysis in three dimensions. 3D characterization, including compositional data for full chemical and structural context, is possible with 3D EM and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Learn more ›

Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy

Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) collects detailed elemental information along with electron microscopy images, providing critical compositional context for EM observations. With EDS, chemical composition can be determined from quick, holistic surface scans down to individual atoms.

Learn more ›

Atomic-Scale Elemental Mapping with EDS

Atomic-resolution EDS provides unparalleled chemical context for materials analysis by differentiating the elemental identity of individual atoms. When combined with high-resolution TEM, it is possible to observe the precise organization of atoms in a sample.

Learn more ›

EDS Analysis with ChemiSEM Technology

Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for materials characterization.

Learn more ›

Imaging using HRSTEM and HRTEM

Transmission electron microscopy is invaluable for characterizing the structure of nanoparticles and nanomaterials. High-resolution STEM and TEM enable atomic-resolution data along with information on chemical composition.

Learn more ›

Differential Phase Contrast Imaging

Modern electronics research relies on nanoscale analysis of electric and magnetic properties. Differential phase contrast STEM (DPC-STEM) can image the strength and distribution of magnetic fields in a sample and display the magnetic domain structure.

Learn more ›

Imaging Hot Samples

Studying materials in real-world conditions often involves working at high temperatures. The behavior of materials as they recrystallize, melt, deform, or react in the presence of heat can be studied in situ with scanning electron microscopy or DualBeam tools.

Learn more ›

Environmental SEM (ESEM)

Environmental SEM allows materials to be imaged in their native state. This is ideally suited for academic and industrial researchers who need to test and analyze samples that are wet, dirty, reactive, outgassing or otherwise not vacuum compatible.

Learn more ›

Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy

Materials science research benefits from high-resolution EELS for a wide range of analytical applications. This includes high-throughput, high signal-to-noise-ratio elemental mapping, as well as probing of oxidation states and surface phonons.

Learn more ›

Cross-sectioning

Cross sectioning provides extra insight by revealing sub-surface information. DualBeam instruments feature superior focused ion beam columns for high-quality cross sectioning. With automation, unattended high-throughput processing of samples is possible.

Learn more ›

In Situ experimentation

Direct, real-time observation of microstructural changes with electron microscopy is necessary to understand the underlying principles of dynamic processes such as recrystallization, grain growth, and phase transformation during heating, cooling, and wetting.

Learn more ›

Particle analysis

Particle analysis plays a vital role in nanomaterials research and quality control. The nanometer-scale resolution and superior imaging of electron microscopy can be combined with specialized software for rapid characterization of powders and particles.

Learn more ›

SIMS

The TOF-SIMS (time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry) detector for focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) tools enables high-resolution analytical characterization of all elements in the periodic table, even at low concentrations.

Learn more ›

Multi-scale analysis

Novel materials must be analyzed at ever higher resolution while retaining the larger context of the sample. Multi-scale analysis allows for the correlation of various imaging tools and modalities such as X-ray microCT, DualBeam, Laser PFIB, SEM and TEM.

Learn more ›

X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) enables surface analysis, providing elemental composition as well as the chemical and electronic state of the top 10 nm of a material. With depth profiling, XPS analysis extends to compositional insight of layers.

Learn more ›

Automated Particle Workflow

The Automated NanoParticle Workflow (APW) is a transmission electron microscope workflow for nanoparticle analysis, offering large area, high resolution imaging and data acquisition at the nanoscale, with on-the-fly processing.

Learn more ›

Products

Style Sheet for Instrument Cards Original

STEM Sample Holder

  • Delivers high contrast under low voltage
  • Accommodates a range of materials
  • Includes BF, DF, and HAADF imaging modes

Spectra 300

  • Highest-resolution structural and chemical information at the atomic level
  • Flexible high-tension range from 30-300 kV
  • Three lens condenser system

Spectra 200

  • High-resolution and contrast imaging for accelerating voltages from 30-200 kV
  • Symmetric S-TWIN/X-TWIN objective lens with wide-gap pole piece design of 5.4 mm
  • Sub-Angstrom STEM imaging resolution from 60 kV-200 kV
Thermo Scientific Talos L120C transmission electron microscope (TEM)

Talos L120C TEM

  • High versatility and stability
  • 4k x 4k Ceta CMOS camera for speed and large FOV
  • TEM magnification range of 25X to 650kX
  • EDS and STEM options for compositional analyses
Thermo Scientific Talos F200C transmission electron microscope (TEM)

Talos F200C TEM

  • High-contrast and high-quality TEM and STEM imaging
  • 4k x 4k Ceta CMOS camera options for large FOV and high read-out speeds
  • Large pole piece gap and multiple in situ options

Talos F200i TEM

  • Compact design with X-TWIN objective lens
  • Available with S-FEG, X-FEG, and X-CFEG
  • Flexible and fast EDS options for comprehensive elemental analysis

Talos F200S TEM

  • Intuitive and easy-to-use automation software
  • Available with Super-X EDS for rapid quantitative chemical analysis
  • High-throughput with simultaneous multi-signal acquisition

Talos F200X TEM

  • High-resolution, EDS cleanliness, and quality in 2D as well as 3D
  • X-FEG and X-CFEG available for the highest brightness and energy resolution
  • High accuracy and repeatable results with integrated Thermo Scientific Velox Software
Thermo Scientific Helios Hydra plasma focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (DualBeam)

Helios Hydra DualBeam

  • 4 fast switchable ion species (Xe, Ar, O, N) for optimized PFIB processing of a widest range of materials
  • Ga-free TEM sample preparation
  • Extreme high resolution SEM imaging

Helios 5 PFIB DualBeam

  • Gallium-free STEM and TEM sample preparation
  • Multi-modal subsurface and 3D information
  • Next-generation 2.5 μA xenon plasma FIB column

Helios 5 HX/Helios 5 UX/Helios 5 FX DualBeam

  • Fully automated, high-quality, ultra-thin TEM sample preparation
  • High throughput, high resolution subsurface and 3D characterization
  • Rapid nanoprototyping capabilities
Thermo Scientific Scios 2 plasma focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (DualBeam)

Scios 2 DualBeam

  • Full support of magnetic and non-conductive samples
  • High throughput subsurface and 3D characterization
  • Advanced ease of use and automation capabilities
Thermo Scientific Verios 5 XHR scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Verios 5 XHR SEM

  • Monochromated SEM for sub-nanometer resolution over the full 1 keV to 30 keV energy range
  • Easy access to beam landing energies as low as 20 eV
  • Excellent stability with piezo stage as standard
Thermo Scientific Quattro E scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Quattro ESEM

  • Ultra-versatile high-resolution FEG SEM with unique environmental capability (ESEM)
  • Observe all information from all samples with simultaneous SE and BSE imaging in every mode of operation
Thermo Scientific Apreo 2 scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Apreo 2 SEM

  • High-performance SEM for all-round nanometer or sub-nanometer resolution
  • In-column T1 backscatter detector for sensitive, TV-rate materials contrast
  • Excellent performance at long working distance (10 mm)
Thermo Scientific Prisma E scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Prisma E SEM

  • Entry-level SEM with excellent image quality
  • Easy and quick sample loading and navigation for multiple samples
  • Compatible with a wide range of materials thanks to dedicated vacuum modes

VolumeScope 2 SEM

  • Isotropic 3D data from large volumes
  • High contrast and resolution in high and low vacuum modes
  • Simple switch between normal SEM use and serial block-face imaging

Phenom ProX G6 Desktop SEM

  • High performance desktop SEM with integrated EDS detector
  • Resolution <6 nm (SE) and <8 nm (BSE); magnification up to 350,000x
  • Optional SE detector

Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM

  • For large samples (100x100 mm) and ideal for automation
  • <10 nm resolution and up to 200,000x magnification; 4.8 kV up to 20 kV acceleration voltage
  • Optional fully integrated EDS and BSE detector

Phenom Pharos G2 Desktop FEG-SEM

  • FEG source with 1 – 20 kV acceleration voltage range
  • <2.0 nm (SE) and 3.0 nm (BSE) resolution @ 20 kV
  • Optional fully integrated EDS and SE detector

Phenom Pro G6 Desktop SEM

  • High performance desktop SEM
  • Resolution <6 nm (SE) and <8 nm (BSE); magnification up to 350,000x
  • Optional SE detector

Phenom Pure G6 Desktop SEM

  • Entry level desktop SEM
  • Resolution <15 nm; magnification up to 175,000x
  • Longlife CeB6 source

Nexsa G2 XPS

  • Micro-focus X-ray sources
  • Unique multi-technique options
  • Dual-mode ion source for monoatomic & cluster ion depth profiling

K-Alpha XPS

  • High resolution XPS
  • Fast, efficient, automated workflow
  • Ion source for depth profiling

ESCALAB QXi XPS

  • High spectral resolution
  • Multi-technique surface analysis
  • Extensive sample preparation and expansion options
Thermo Scientific Auto Slice and View 4.0 serial section electron microscopy software

Auto Slice and View 4.0 Software

  • Automated serial sectioning for DualBeam
  • Multi-modal data acquisition (SEM, EDS, EBSD)
  • On-the-fly editing capabilities
  • Edge based cut placement

Avizo Software
Materials Science

  • Support for multi-data/multi-view, multi-channel, time series, very large data
  • Advanced multi-mode 2D/3D automatic registration
  • Artifact reduction algorithms
Thermo Scientific Inspect 3D tomography software

Inspect 3D Software

  • Image processing tools and filters for cross-correlation
  • Feature tracking for image alignment
  • Algebraic reconstruction technique for iterative projection comparison
Thermo Scientific Maps electron microscopy software

Maps Software

  • Acquire high-resolution images over large areas
  • Easily find regions of interest
  • Automate image acquisition process
  • Correlate data from different sources

PoroMetric

  • Correlate pore features such as area, aspect ratio, major and minor axis
  • Acquire images directly from the Desktop SEM
  • Statistical data with high-quality images

ParticleMetric

  • Integrated software in ProSuite for online and offline analysis
  • Correlating particle features such as diameter, circularity, aspect ratio and convexity
  • Creating image datasets with Automated Image Mapping

Elemental Mapping

  • Fast and reliable information on the distribution of elements within the sample or the selected line
  • Easily exported and reported results

3D Reconstruction

  • Intuitive user interface, maximum employability
  • Intuitive fully automated user interface
  • Based on 'shape from shading' technology, no stage tilt required

FiberMetric

  • Save time by automated measurements
  • Fast and automated collection of all statistical data
  • View and measure micro and nano fibers with unmatched accuracy

μHeater

  • Ultra-fast heating solution for in situ high resolution imaging
  • Fully integrated
  • Temperatures up to 1200 °C

Standard Sample Holder

  • Compact stage allowing analysis of samples of up to 100 mm x 100 mm
  • Can be extended with 3 types of resin or metallurgical mount inserts
  • Used with Phenom Desktop SEM

Eucentric Sample Holder

  • Eucentric tilting and compucentric rotation on a desktop SEM
  • Fast time-to-image with sample loading < 1 minute
  • Real-time 3D sample visualization module

Tensile Sample Holder

  • Determine batch quality
  • Determine manufacturing consistencies
  • Aid the design process

Resin Mount Inserts

  • A unique sample holder concept
  • Available in 3 models for supporting standard sized samples of 25 mm (~1 inch), 32 mm (~1 ¼ inch) and 40 mm (~1 ½ inch) diameter
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