"EMU-PMP: Acquisition of an ultrasensitive and ultra-fast camera with ultra-dynamic range for the structural characterization of materials using the 4D-STEM technique."

• Grant number: 23/17261-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Small Medium Sized
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Jefferson Bettini
• Grantee: Jefferson Bettini
• Host Institution: Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Elson Longo da Silva ; João Batista Souza Junior ; Mateus Borba Cardoso

Abstract

In this project, we propose the introduction in the state of São Paulo of the most advanced technique (4D-STEM) for structural characterization of inorganic and organic materials using electron microscopy. This technique (4D-STEM) has the unique ability to collect angular data (electron scattering-diffraction-imaging) and special data (resolution-mapping forming a two-dimensional image) in the same experiment in an ultra-fast way and with very high sensitivity. As a result, this technique (4D-STEM) makes it possible to achieve the highest resolution (0.02 nm) of transmission electron microscopy through the reconstruction of pure phase images (Ptychography); it makes it possible to obtain crystallographic phase maps, orientation with strain and defect analysis over an area twenty-five times larger than conventional; it makes it possible to analyze compositional (scattering intensity) and structural (angle) parameters simultaneously; allows the analysis of electron beam sensitive materials such as zeolites, MOFs, celluloses and proteins; combined with the pair distribution function allows the analysis of amorphous materials (glass and amorphous metals) spatially resolved; allows ultrafast dynamic structural analysis, induced by temperature, stress or other external factors. The advantages of this technique are not limited to those mentioned, as its use and application are still under development. To implement this technique, it is necessary to purchase a dedicated hybrid camera that is ultra-sensitive (3x higher SNR than a CCD), ultra-fast (120,000 frames/sec), and has an ultra-dynamic range (100,000,000 counts).The project has the support of four (4) associated researchers from different institutions (UFSCar, UFABC and LNNano/CNPEM and LNLS/CNPEM) and is therefore multi-institutional, working with different materials (ceramic materials, oxides, metallic nanoparticles, inorganic/organic nanoparticles, biointerfaces) and is therefore multidisciplinary. In addition, the camera will be installed at LNNano-CNPEM, which is recognized as an institution that has been managing, operating, and maintaining multi-user equipment for over 20 years, as well as working under an "open" regime. It is important to note that attending external users is the main areas of activity within the Brazilian and São Paulo scientific community. Therefore, this proposal will benefit the entire scientific community of the state of São Paulo in different areas such as physics, chemistry, materials science, materials chemistry, nanomaterials, catalysis, biointerfaces, among others. Finally, this proposal presents a solid institutional counterpart from the point of view of human resources. (AU)