Issue 8, 2025

Atomic-scale secondary electron imaging for heterogeneous catalysis research

Abstract

Surface characterization at the atomic scale is essential for understanding the catalytic properties of supported metal nanoparticles. Secondary electron (SE) imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) provides three-dimensional surface topographic information, enabling the characterization of the size, morphology, and distribution of supported nanoparticles. Furthermore, real-time observation of catalyst materials in a gaseous environment would enhance the understanding of catalyst dynamics under operational conditions. Ongoing technical developments in SE-STEM and advancements in computational methods are expected to facilitate atomic-scale surface observations and enable more quantitative and statistical analyses. This progress will not only elucidate fundamental mechanisms at the atomic level but also provide comprehensive and universal insights into catalyst performances. This minireview showcases the recent advancements and research findings in surface-sensitive SE imaging in STEM for the characterization of active catalyst materials.

Graphical abstract: Atomic-scale secondary electron imaging for heterogeneous catalysis research

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
26 Dec 2024
Accepted
03 Mar 2025
First published
04 Mar 2025

Catal. Sci. Technol., 2025,15, 2450-2458

Atomic-scale secondary electron imaging for heterogeneous catalysis research

S. Hwang and J. C. Yang, Catal. Sci. Technol., 2025, 15, 2450 DOI: 10.1039/D4CY01551G

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