Preparation of Nanotubes for Cross-sectional Observation

The observation of the cross-sectional structure of nanotubes is essential for a differentiation between scrolls of layers and concentric layers building up the tube walls. For this purpose, the NTs are deposited on a Si wafer; they lay flat on it, and, after fabricating a sandwich and using common preparation methods, there is a good chance to find NTs in the looked-for orientation.

Vanadium oxide nanotubes in cross-sectional projection

Selected publications

A Simple and Fast Preparation Method for the TEM Investigation of Plate-like, Needle-shaped and Tubular Materials in Direction of the Extensive Axis
E. Müller and F. Krumeich, Ultramicroscopy 84 (2000) 143-147 DOI

The Cross-Sectional Structure of Vanadium Oxide Nanotubes Studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy and Electron Spectroscopic Imaging
F. Krumeich, H.-J. Muhr, M. Niederberger, F. Bieri, and R. Nesper, Z. anorg. allg. Chem. 626 (2000) 2208-2216 DOI

TEM Preparation of Nanotubes for longitudinal Observation