High-resolution Scanning Electron Microscope with EDX

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Scanning electron microscopy with EDX is an analytical method that is nowadays indispensable in many areas of solid state chemistry and material development. In the course of the appointment of Prof. Dr. Malte Behrens to the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry at Kiel University (CAU), an application is therefore being made for a scanning electron microscope with EDX detector to replace a 25-year-old device at the institute that is no longer state of the art in any way and, due to an irreparable defect, has recently only been able to provide images with a resolution in the micrometer range. This has created a gap for the entire institute that must be filled. This device will be used mainly by the working group of the main applicant Prof. Dr. Malte Behrens, but also by the colleagues of the Inorganic Chemistry and will be available in the service mode to all other members of our university. This is especially relevant for the nano and interface sciences at CAU, which are bundled in the university-wide research focus KiNSIS (Kiel Nano Surface and Interface Science). The planned investigations, especially the characterization of nanomaterials, require the procurement of a high-resolution instrument equipped with a field emitter as well as an in-lens detector, which is state of the art in this field. For the characterization of the samples with respect to their homogeneity by analyzing the material contrast, the instrument must also have a powerful BSE detector. In addition, the procurement of a STEM detector is also necessary, as this allows a large number of investigations, for example on the pore structure, which otherwise had to be carried out using transmission electron microscopy, which is much more complex and has very limited availability. In addition, the procurement of a sensitive EDX detector is necessary for the planned extensive qualitative and quantitative analyses, especially of nanoparticles. The device must also allow measurements at higher pressures (variable pressure mode) in order to be able to investigate electrically insulating samples in detail. Finally, the procurement of an inert transfer system is necessary in order to be able to examine air-sensitive samples, such as catalysts produced after activation or after catalytic tests, but also battery materials. The equipment configuration applied for here considerably expands the experimental possibilities at the institute, within KiNSIS as well as at the entire university and is essential for the planned investigations, especially in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, but also in all other projects described in detail in the application.