Unlocking the Secrets of Materials: How Electron Microscopes Are Revolutionizing Science
Imagine a world where we could see the very atoms that make up everything around us. Well, that world is rapidly becoming a reality, thanks to advancements in electron microscopy. But it's not just about seeing; it's about understanding how materials behave at the most fundamental level. This understanding is crucial for creating new technologies that can solve some of the world's biggest problems, from energy efficiency to waste management.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the groundbreaking work of Professor Sarah Haigh, a leading expert in materials characterization at the University of Manchester. She's at the forefront of using electron microscopy to unlock the potential of 2D materials, improve catalysts, and automate the microscopy process itself. Let's hear what she has to say.
Professor Haigh, can you tell us about your role at the University of Manchester?
"I'm Sarah Haigh, and I'm a Professor of Materials Characterization here at the University of Manchester. I have the privilege of leading the Electron Microscopy Center, a large facility equipped with seven state-of-the-art transmission electron microscopes. We support a diverse group of over 500 users each year, all exploring the fascinating world of materials at the atomic scale. My particular focus is on applying electron microscopy to understand the structure and properties of 2D materials and catalysts – the unsung heroes of chemical reactions."
What is it about two-dimensional materials that makes them so captivating for researchers like yourself?
"Two-dimensional materials are consistently surprising us. The moment you reduce a material to just a few atomic layers, its properties can undergo radical transformations compared to its bulk form. Think of it like this: a single sheet of paper has different properties than a thick stack of paper.
Take graphene, for example. Compared to graphite (the stuff in your pencil), graphene is an exceptionally strong conductor and incredibly strong. And in certain clays, we've observed ion exchange rates increase by a staggering five orders of magnitude when they're atomically thin. This has huge implications for applications like fuel cells and even radioactive waste remediation. It's like discovering a hidden superpower within these materials!"
Studying these materials with electron microscopy must come with its own set of challenges. What are they, and how do you overcome them?
"That's a great question. One of the biggest hurdles is that traditional electron microscopy requires a vacuum environment. But many of the most interesting material behaviors occur in real-world conditions – in liquids, for instance. So, how do we bridge that gap? We've pioneered a technique where we use graphene layers as tiny 'windows' to encapsulate samples in liquids or at solid-liquid interfaces. This allows us to maintain atomic resolution while observing materials in their natural, realistic environments. It's like peeking into a miniature world without disturbing it."
How do Thermo Scientific electron microscopes contribute to your research efforts?
"We rely heavily on Thermo Fisher's transmission electron microscopes. They're incredibly versatile, user-friendly, and well-suited for a large, multi-user facility like ours. The design allows our users to progress from basic experiments to increasingly complex investigations seamlessly. And, of course, our team of highly skilled technical specialists is crucial for keeping these sophisticated instruments running smoothly and supporting the diverse needs of our researchers."
You've also been working on automation and scripting with Thermo Fisher. How does this benefit your research?
"Automation is a game-changer for transmission electron microscopy. It democratizes the process, making it more accessible to a wider range of researchers. With automated workflows, we can analyze more samples, faster, and with less specialized expertise required. But here's where it gets controversial... Automation also helps to eliminate bias. By automating the process of identifying regions to image, the machine achieves atomic resolution across larger regions, preventing researchers from cherry-picking data by only focusing on areas of interest. This leads to more robust and reliable results."
What are some of the real-world applications of your research?
"One particularly exciting example is our collaboration with BP on Fischer-Tropsch catalysts. These catalysts convert municipal solid waste into jet fuel, achieving an impressive 80% carbon reduction compared to traditional fossil fuel-based feedstocks. Using electron microscopy, we can study the activation process of these catalysts, which allows us to extend their lifespan and make large-scale production plants more cost-effective. It's a tangible way to contribute to a more sustainable future."
Looking ahead, what do you see as the next big step for electron microscopy in material science?
"Automation will undoubtedly continue to be key. But I'm particularly excited about the new Iliad system. It allows us to perform high-energy loss spectroscopy directly within the microscope. And this is the part most people miss... This capability could significantly reduce our reliance on synchrotron experiments, which are often time-consuming and require traveling to specialized facilities. The Iliad system would give us faster access to critical information for solving problems in catalysis and other crucial areas."
What aspects do you find most valuable about attending events like the Microscience Microscopy Congress?
"The Congress is a fantastic blend of a bustling exhibition and a strong academic program. It's one of the few UK conferences where you can connect with all the major manufacturers and be inspired by cutting-edge talks. It's a great place to discover new ideas and bring them back to the lab, fostering innovation and collaboration."
Finally, what specifically excites you about the new Iliad system?
"The Iliad offers greater accessibility, empowering us to program the microscope in innovative ways and conduct experiments that were previously impossible. Our students are especially eager to explore these opportunities and push the boundaries of what electron microscopy can achieve. It's about empowering the next generation of scientists to make even greater breakthroughs."
About Professor Sarah Haigh
Professor Sarah Haigh is a Professor of Materials Characterization at the University of Manchester, where she leads both the Electron Microscopy Center and the bp International Center for Advanced Materials.
She received her degree in Materials Science from the University of Oxford, and completed her DPhil in 2008 under the supervision of Prof Angus Kirkland. She joined the University of Manchester in 2010 after working at JEOL UK. Her research is centered around advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques, focusing on in situ TEM, electron tomography, elemental imaging, and the study of two-dimensional materials and catalysts.
Professor Haigh has authored over 200 peer-reviewed papers and several book chapters, with an impressive H-index exceeding 70. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Rosenhain Medal from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), and she was a finalist for the Blavatnik Awards in Physical Sciences.
She has also served as Chair of the EMAG group of the Institute of Physics and held leadership positions within the Royal Microscopical Society. Her ongoing work is instrumental in advancing the role of electron microscopy in addressing critical challenges in materials science, energy, and sustainability.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific – Electron Microscopy Solutions.
For more information on this source, please visit Thermo Fisher Scientific – Electron Microscopy Solutions
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited (T/A) AZoNetwork, the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and Conditions of use of this website.
Now it's your turn! Do you think automation in microscopy is a positive step towards democratizing science, or does it risk diminishing the role of expert researchers? What are your thoughts on the potential of 2D materials to revolutionize various industries? Share your opinions and insights in the comments below!
