Liquid Phase Electron Microscopy Provides Opportunities in Polymer Synthesis and Manufacturing

Liquid phase electron microscopy (LP-EM) is a rapidly developing method for imaging chemical processes in solution. A key strength of this method is that the high energy electrons can be used as both an energy and illumination source. This enables simultaneous control of the chemistry with nanoscale structural characterization. As electron beams are widely used in the manufacturing of polymeric materials, we believe that the knowledge obtained from LP-EM can directly guide industrial electron beam technologies, enabling the design, optimization, and manufacturing of nanostructured polymeric materials. In this Perspective, we outline the advances made in electron beam synthesis of polymeric materials and discuss the challenges and opportunities for utilizing LP-EM in conjunction with electron beam manufacturing technologies.

Automated summary

Liquid phase electron microscopy is a rapidly developing method for imaging chemical processes in solution, utilizing high energy electrons as both an energy and illumination source. The knowledge obtained from LP-EM has the potential to guide industrial electron beam technologies, enabling the design, optimization, and manufacturing of nanostructured polymeric materials. Challenges and opportunities for utilizing LP-EM in conjunction with electron beam manufacturing technologies are discussed in this Perspective.