3D printing scanning electron microscopy sample holders: A quick and cost effective alternative for custom holder fabrication

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Author(s):	Meloni, Gabriel N. ; Bertotti, Mauro Total Authors: 2
Document type:	Journal article
Source:	PLoS One; v. 12, n. 7 JUL 28 2017.
Web of Science Citations:	6
Abstract
A simple and cost effective alternative for fabricating custom Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) sample holders using 3D printers and conductive polylactic acid filament is presented. The flexibility of the 3D printing process allowed for the fabrication of sample holders with specific features that enable the high-resolution imaging of nanoelectrodes and nano-pipettes. The precise value of the inner semi cone angle of the nanopipettes taper was extracted from the acquired images and used for calculating their radius using electrochemical methods. Because of the low electrical resistivity presented by the 3D printed holder, the imaging of non-conductive nanomaterials, such as alumina powder, was found to be possible. The fabrication time for each sample holder was under 30 minutes and the average cost was less than \$0.50 per piece. Despite being quick and economical to fabricate, the sample holders were found to be sufficiently resistant, allowing for multiple uses of the same holder. (AU)

FAPESP's process:	15/20776-9 - Fabrication of nanometric probes for the study of biochemical processes by using Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
Grantee:	Mauro Bertotti
Support Opportunities:	Regular Research Grants