Operando Transmission Electron Microscopy A New Tool for Catalysis Research

NSF REU SUPPLEMENT Project Summary The overall goal of this NSF funded project is to develop new techniques to allow simultaneous detection of atomic structure and catalysis within a transmission electron microscope (TEM) so-called Operando TEM. This will greatly improve our ability to probe atomic level structure and activity in catalytically active nanomaterials. A major challenge for accomplishing this goal is the development of novel TEM sample preparation methods that dramatically increase the amount of catalyst in the microscope so that significant quantities of product gas can be generated and detected. A secondary goal for thermal catalysis is the minimization of hot metal surfaces inside the TEM which may give rise to undesirable side reactions. The main goal of this REU proposal is to employ two undergraduate students to solve these two practical problems. One student will develop new TEM sample preparation technique and the second student will develop a mostly ceramic TEM hot stage.

Supplemental travel funds are requested for travel to the NSF 2012 CBET Grantee Conference. The NSF 2012 CBET Grantee Conference will be held from Wednesday, June 6, 2012 to Friday, June 8, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore and the Baltimore Convention Center. The NSF CBET Grantee Conference provides the opportunity for building more effective and collaborative relationships amongst the community of CBET grantees and Program Directors. The conference is designed to enable awardees to share their technical achievements with the NSF Program Directors and also to learn about current (and/or new) NSF/CBET programs, practices, and supplemental funding mechanisms. CBET Program and Cluster-specific sessions will also facilitate discussions amongst these smaller communities to address topics of specific interest. The conference agenda will provide multiple outlets for networking and interaction with program officers and other grantees in efforts to promote discussions and potential collaborations.