Advanced Electron Microscopy Techniques in Nanomaterials Characterization at NASA Glenn Research Center

Abstract

In this chapter, the author will review several advanced microscopy techniques developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center in the last 5 years. Topical areas include: unconventional approach to investigate the fine nanoporous structure of aerogels by scanning electron microscopy, new limits for transmission electron microscopy investigation of dispersion and chirality of single-walled carbon nano-tubes within a polymer matrix, the importance of microstructure of porous tin dioxide nanostructure that lead to first time detection of methane at room temperature without doping or catalyst, in situ SEM methods to study the thermal stability of nanoparticles on Graphene/Cu based materials, electron beam irradiation effects on carbon nanotube yarns electrical properties, and nanoindentation work of multiphase thermoelectric material.