FF1 F1/F2 Coordinate TEM Grids with Carbon, Formvar, Pure Carbon & Microgrid Films

Coordinate TEM Grids with Carbon, Formvar, Pure Carbon & Microgrid Films

Ultrathin Carbon Film

Ultrathin carbon film is a type of support film consisting of an
additional very thin carbon layer deposited over a microgrid support.
The carbon layer is generally 3–5 nm thick.

The purpose of the ultrathin carbon layer is to cover the micropores.
It is mainly intended for well-dispersed nanomaterials, especially
samples smaller than 10 nm.

When a microgrid is used alone, very small particles may pass through
the micropores. Particles located near the edges of the holes may also
be more difficult to observe because of the thicker support area.

Ultrathin carbon film therefore provides better observation results
for these specimens. Available grid materials include copper,
nickel, molybdenum and gold.

Microgrid Carbon Support Film

Microgrid carbon film is a type of support film with micropores
intentionally formed in the film during preparation. It is therefore
also called a microgrid support film.

The support film is carbon coated and generally has a film thickness
of 15–20 nm. Its main purpose is to allow specimens to be supported
at the edges of the micropores so that areas of the sample can be
observed without an underlying film.

This film-free observation area helps improve image contrast.
Microgrid support films are commonly used for observing tubular,
rod-shaped and nanoparticle aggregate specimens and are particularly
useful for high-resolution imaging.

Carbon film thickness can be customized according to the application.
For specimen particles smaller than 10 nm, ultrathin carbon film
is recommended.

Carbon Support Film

Carbon support film is a specimen carrier used for transmission
electron microscopy (TEM). It consists of a carbon layer deposited
over an organic Formvar film.

During TEM observation, the grid support film may accumulate
electrical charge under electron-beam irradiation. This can cause
specimen charging, drift, movement or support-film cracking.

Carbon coating improves the electrical conductivity of the support
film and helps provide better observation results.

This carbon-coated grid support film is commonly referred to as a
carbon support film and generally has a film thickness of 7–10 nm.

The support film is mainly composed of an organic layer with a thin
carbon coating, so background interference is generally low.
Samples are commonly dispersed in water or ethanol, and the support
film is generally resistant to corrosion.

Double-Grid Carbon Support Film

Double-grid carbon support film is designed specifically for magnetic
specimens. Magnetic samples may contaminate the electron microscope,
so carbon films are mounted on both grids and the specimen is enclosed
between them for protection.

The double-grid carbon support film is simple to use and is handled
similarly to a conventional single-grid carbon support film.
The dispersed specimen is placed on one grid and the second grid
is then attached over it.

This reduces the complicated conventional preparation procedure
for magnetic specimens and significantly shortens specimen preparation
time, making it a suitable option for magnetic samples.