Comparisons of Techniques - Sample Preparation Topic for Transmission Electron Microscopy - page 199

Chapter 8
Comparisons of Techniques
1 Introduction
Given the different nature of the artifacts and drawbacks induced by mechanical,
chemical, or ionic techniques, or even those involving changes in physical state, it
is important to combine several techniques in order to confirm the intrinsic struc-
ture of a given material. The combination of techniques can vary, depending on
the different properties of materials, their physical or chemical state, and their
organization.
This chapter presents comparisons of at least two of the most commonly used
preparation techniques for different types of materials in materials sciences and in
biology.
2 Examples Using Fine Particle Materials
2.1 Comparison of Mechanical Preparations and Replicas
Extractive replica technique and crushing
Fine particle materials: catalyst particles
2.1.1 Crushing Technique (“Techniques” Chapter 4, Section 1) and Extractive
Replica Technique (“Techniques” Chapter 5, Section 3)
Fine particle material: 5% platinum catalyst particles on cerium oxide (CeO 2 ),
treated with H 2 at 973 K.
Comparison discussion : The crushing technique enables the conservation of the
substrate and investigating the interactions between it and the material (catalyst par-
ticles or other). In this case, Figs. 8.1 and 8.2 clearly show that platinum particles