Although transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a method of choice for the analysis of cellulose nanocrystals1 (CNC), it is still a challenging technique to use due to the low electron density and agglomeration issues associated with this material. This work presents a robust and reproducible method to perform TEM characterization of CNC, without the need for staining. It is demonstrated that low pH and hydrophilic TEM grids favored high dispersion of the sample for optimal imaging. Electron beam and voltage settings are also discussed. Three distinct types of CNC are analyzed: never-dried, freeze-dried and spray-dried CNC2. Although a few reports accounted for mushroom structures, we demonstrate herein that, regardless of sample history, this nanomaterial is always rod-shaped. By dismissing the use of heavy metal staining, multi-component systems, for instance palladium nanoparticles onto CNC4 could be imaged by TEM. In addition, 3D-imaging of the CNCs are carried out to better understand its morphology.

Imaging cellulose nanocrystals by transmission electron spectroscopy

249th National Meeting (2015)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.