Visualizing reacting single atoms in chemical reactions, advancing the frontiers of materials research

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel aberration corrected environmental STEM that enables real-time visualization of single atoms in catalytic reactions, providing insights into reaction pathways at the atomic level for materials research.

Contribution

The development of a combined AC STEM instrument capable of in-situ, real-time imaging of single atoms in controlled gas and temperature environments is a significant technological advancement.

Findings

First real-time visualization of single atoms during catalysis

Insights into metastable intermediate states in reactions

Potential for environmentally friendly process development

Abstract

Heterogeneous gas and solid catalyst reactions occur at the atomic level, and understanding and controlling complex catalytic reactions at this level is crucial for the development of improved processes and materials. There are postulations that single atoms and very small clusters can act as primary active sites in chemical reactions. Early applications of our novel aberration corrected (AC) environmental scanning transmission electron microscope (ESTEM) with single atom resolution are described. This instrument combines, for the first time, controlled operating temperatures and a continuous gas environment around the sample with full AC STEM capabilities for real-time in-situ analysis and visualization of single atoms and clusters in nano particle catalysis. ESTEM imaging and analysis in controlled gas and temperature environments can provide unique insights into catalytic reaction pathways that may involve metastable intermediate states. Benefits include new knowledge and more environmentally friendly technological processes for health care and renewable energy as well as improved or replacement mainstream technologies in the chemical and energy industries.