LAUSR

In-situ and operando electron microscopy have opened the realm of liquids for exploration under high vacuum conditions and with high-energy electrons. Liquid-cell holders provide a technical approach that allows introduction of still and flowing water in intermediate voltage high-resolution transmission electron microscopes (IV-HRTEM), but they are yet to be proven for the study of potable water. Dried macro and micro drops of drinking water contain nanoparticles that are detectable by TEM and have properties that closely resemble those of nanoparticles found in dried lake water used as source [1]. It is important to image water in its liquid state to determine if these nanoparticles are present in the water we drink or if they are created during the drying process. Here we will report challenges faced in liquid-cell experiments and present benefits of a new approach that is enabled by advances in ionic liquids.