Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is a powerful tool for topological, morphological, and chemical analysis of a broad range of samples. Applications in chemistry and ​​material science are ​​looked at more closely in this article.

Figure 1. Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) and EDX mapping provided an integrative study of the distribution and combination of silver nanoparticles with chitin nanowhiskers after incorporation into the poly(ethylene-vinyl-alcohol) nanofibers. a) Confocal microscopy image correlated with b) the backscattered scanning electron image of the same region. c) Silver and carbon elemental map of this position on the sample also identified and indicated the location of the elements of interest using EDX and selective colour overlay. 

Figure 2. STEM images of micellar particles using a) HAADF and b) BF detectors using the MERLIN. Sample was prepared by placing a TEM copper grid into a droplet of the sample for a few minute, then rinsing it in a droplet of distilled water and placing it into a droplet of Uranyl Acetate stain for further few minutes. The grid is then stored safely and allowed to air-dry before mounting it onto a STEM sample holder for analysis. 

Figure 3. SEM image of electrospun fibers using MERLIN, InLens detector. Sample was prepared by mounting a small piece of the fibermat onto a adhesive double-sided carbon tape and coating with 10nm layer of Gold (Au), allowing the samples to be conductive under the electron beam. 

Figure 4. Nanostructure shown by using MERLIN, SE2 detector for enhanced topological information. Samples were prepared by air-drying a droplet of the sample solution directly onto aluminum stub overnight and coating the sample with a 10 nm layer of Gold (Au).

Figure 5. EDX elemental map of nanofibers showing contaminants in color overlay (MERLIN, BSD detector). Sample was prepared by mounting a small piece of the fibermat onto a adhesive double-sided carbon tape and coating with 10nm layer of Gold (Au). It is important to note that carbon should only be used if the list elements of interest does not contain carbon.

Figure 6. SEM image of a textile sample. Sample was prepared by mounting a small piece of the textile sample onto a adhesive double-sided carbon tape and coating with 10nm layer of Gold (Au).

Figure 7. SEM images of nanocrystals. Sample was prepared by mounting a small piece of the sample onto an adhesive double-sided carbon tape and coating with 10nm layer of Gold (Au).

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