Nanoscale characterization of organic-inorganic interfaces

Given that the soft (organic) component of hybrid materials has poor electron-optical image contrast and is sensitive to ionizing radiation makes studying hybrid interfaces by conventional TEM challenging. Staining, which is widely used in biological samples, could be applied to enhance the contrast of macromolecules, but it is very difficult to control and it degrades spatial resolution. The goal of our studies is to be able to image both soft and hard components of interfaces in their pristine state at the nanoscale (very often in liquid environment and ambient temperature) and to be able to understand their properties and formation mechanisms.

Figure illustrates our study of the assembly/dynamics of multi-functional hybrid polymer-magnetic nanoparticle composites in ionic liquids (ILs). By varying and optimizing the intermolecular forces between an IL and a polymer, as well as applying external magnetic fields, one can construct equilibrium hybrid nanostructure assemblies with tuneable mechanical and conductive properties. Using chemical contrast based on EDX signals, we are able to resolve the organic shell in the hybrid nanostructures in its pristine form in an IL inside a TEM at nanometer resolution, analyse different assemblies and obtain insights into the intermolecular forces driving particular types of assemblies.