Towards longer, bubble-free imaging of soft materials in liquid-phase TEM

In situ TEM provides a unique combination of high spatial and temporal resolution, allowing direct observation of dynamics in liquids, with advantageous single molecule tracking capability; yet, the correct interpretation of dynamical process critically relies on careful assessments of high energy electron beam influence, especially for soft materials. Bubble formation due to water radiolysis, the direct indicator of electron beam damage in aqueous solution, is ubiquitous. It causes hydrodynamic-induced motion nearby and is desirable to suppress. Here, based on analysing the relevant free radical chemistry as well as by direct imaging of macromolecules in aqueous, we explore broadly the critical variables to effectively broaden the time window for bubble-free imaging of synthetic polymers, DNA, and lipids in solution.