Research interest in low dimensional materials has expanded immensely in the last decade. The fascinating properties of nanotubes, graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) has pushed this research toward applications in composites, (opto)-electronics and photovoltaics.

Seeing and understanding the physical and chemical structure of these nanostructures is a vital aspect of this growing research area. Using rotational tomography on low dimensional TMDCs, we reveal additional points of view that are not routine in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Bright field TEM highlights the non-uniformity of tungsten disulphide (WS₂) nanotube tips, as well as revealing structural deformities in the nanotubes as a whole. Complimentary to this, we present high-angle annular dark field (HAADF) scanning TEM tomography, which provides clearer structural interpretation through fewer Bragg scattering events being detected. 2D nanosheets are also characterised via high resolution TEM tomography, allowing for a three dimensional view of a 2D object. As the sample is rotated, further lattice and thickness information is acquired.

Having these complimentary tomographic methods available for nanomaterial characterisation will help to improve the accuracy of interpretation and results. Often, 2D TEM images lead to assumptions about the nature of these materials. Tomography at high resolution will reveal more information on the shape and structure of the studied nanomaterials (e.g., ripples) in 3D.

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EMC Abstracts - https://emc-proceedings.com/abstract/seeing-nanostructures-from-a-new-angle-tomography-in-a-transmission-electron-microscope/