APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:
Study of physical, chemical and biological processes; reactions; or synthesis of nanoparticles in liquid phase and in real-time, applicable to the following fields:
- Energy storage device / battery research and development
- Electrochemical plating, corrosion, deposition and electrolysis for
- New materials
- Synthesis of nanoparticles and nanowires
Development of environmental transmission electron microscopes (TEM) and related equipment
ADVANTAGES:
- Enables high spatial resolution compared to traditional electrochemical cells used for in-situ studies
- Enables observation of nanoparticle processes in liquid phase and in real-time, especially under electric biasing conditions
ABSTRACT:
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have invented an electrochemical environmental cell with vertical, aligned electrodes that enables high spatial resolution for studying in-situ electrochemical processes in liquids using transmission electron microscopy. High spatial resolution is achieved by using conductive ultra thin carbon films as the electrodes.
Previously, electrochemical cells with lateral electrodes were made and used for in-situ studies. Lithographic patterned gold or other metal electrodes were used. But, since many electrochemical processes are initiated on the electrode, direct observation of an electrochemical process would be limited by low resolution resulted from the low transparency of the electrodes.
STATUS: Patent pending. Available for licensing and collaborative research.
DEVELOPMENT STAGE: Fully operational prototype.
SEE THESE OTHER BERKELEY LAB TECHNOLOGIES IN THIS FIELD:
Phase Plate for High Resolution and High Contrast TEM Images, JIB-2787
REFERENCE NUMBER: IB-3330
