In-Situ Studies of Copper Nanoparticles Using a Novel Tandem Ultra-High Vacuum Particle Production Chamber Transmission Electron Microscope
type: CreativeWork
description: Nanophase materials, a compaction of nano-particles, are arguably a new phase of matter whose high grain-boundary-to-volume ratio leads to new and enhanced material properties. Previously, these materials have been difficult to study because of their sensitivity to contaminating atmospheres. We have built a novel apparatus, an ultra-clean nano-particle production chamber connected directly to a ultra-high vacuum transmission electron microscope (UHVTEM), which allows in-situ TEM study of various nano-particle phenomena without exposure to contaminating atmospheres. Using this apparatus, we have shown specific contaminants' effects on copper nano-particle growth mechanics, morphology, and sintering. Our findings contribute significantly to our understanding of nano-particles and shed light on how to approach the ideal nanophase material.
abstract: Nanophase materials, a compaction of nano-particles, are arguably a new phase of matter whose high grain-boundary-to-volume ratio leads to new and enhanced material properties. Previously, these materials have been difficult to study because of their sensitivity to contaminating atmospheres. We have built a novel apparatus, an ultra-clean nano-particle production chamber connected directly to a ultra-high vacuum transmission electron microscope (UHVTEM), which allows in-situ TEM study of various nano-particle phenomena without exposure to contaminating atmospheres. Using this apparatus, we have shown specific contaminants' effects on copper nano-particle growth mechanics, morphology, and sintering. Our findings contribute significantly to our understanding of nano-particles and shed light on how to approach the ideal nanophase material.
author: Olynick, Deirdre Lynn
language: eng
keywords: Physics, Condensed Matter
date published: 2015-09-25T20:53:27Z
date modified: 2026-07-22T22:26:20Z
provider: University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

PropertyValue
property ID: Handle
value: http://hdl.handle.net/2142/82878