Recent advances in the study of colloidal nanocrystals enabled by in situ liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy

Liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy (LPTEM) has led to several advances in our understanding of nanoscale phenomena. However, the electron beam of the microscope, which allows visualization of the sample at the nanoscale, can itself interact with the liquid and change the chemical environment. This article addresses recent improvements in the understanding of electron beam-driven chemical reactions through a combination of chemical additives, advanced liquid cell holders, and complementary spectroscopic techniques that have led to the development of strategies for improved LPTEM experimental control. In parallel, the development of machine learning algorithms to analyze large and complex LPTEM data sets has accelerated the workflow of LPTEM experiment interpretation. These complementary efforts are expected to lead to more advancements in the application of LPTEM in materials science, chemistry, biology, and nanotechnology. We conclude by providing an outlook on how these efforts can be combined to make LPTEM more accessible to the scientific community.

Automated summary

This article discusses recent advancements in understanding electron beam-driven chemical reactions in liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy (LPTEM) and the development of improved experimental control strategies. Additionally, the use of machine learning algorithms to analyze LPTEM data has accelerated the interpretation process. These efforts are expected to contribute to further advancements in the application of LPTEM in materials science, chemistry, biology, and nanotechnology.