Research Areas

Liquid Cell TEM
Fig 1. Schematic of the in-situ liquid cell setup for real-time atomic imaging.
01

In-situ Liquid Cell TEM Development

Conventional electron microscopy requires high vacuum, making it impossible to observe liquid-phase reactions in real-time. We are developing advanced Liquid Cell TEM (LCTEM) holders and chips that encapsulate liquid samples between electron-transparent windows (e.g., Graphene or SiN).

  • Real-time observation of electrochemical reactions.
  • High-resolution imaging of nanoparticle growth kinetics.
  • Understanding beam effects and radiolysis in liquids.
Key Publications:
Atomic Manufacturing
Fig 2. Precision control of materials at the atomic boundary for next-gen devices.
02

Atomic-scale Manufacturing

As semiconductor devices scale down to the limit, atomic precision is required. We investigate the processing of electronic materials in liquid environments at the atomic scale, utilizing the electron beam not just for imaging, but as a tool for fabrication.

Our research reveals the structure-property relationships of micro/nano electronic devices, focusing on:

  • In-situ construction of molecular junctions.
  • Defect engineering in 2D materials.
  • Dynamic evolution of devices under working conditions.
Key Publications:
High Entropy Alloys
Fig 3. Isothermal solidification processes of high-entropy alloys revealed by TEM.
03

HEAs & Interfaces

Building on Prof. Zhang's recent work in Nature, we explore the synthesis mechanism of High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs) via isothermal solidification. We aim to control the mixing entropy and phase stability to create materials with unprecedented mechanical and catalytic properties.

Additionally, we study the dynamics of electrified solid–liquid interfaces, providing visual evidence for double-layer theories.

Key Publications:

Selected Publications

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Key Capabilities & Facilities

Microscopy
  • • Themis Z (300kV)
  • • Spectra 300
  • • In-situ Liquid Holders
Fabrication
  • • FIB (Helios G4)
  • • E-beam Lithography
  • • Class 100 Cleanroom
Simulation
  • • VASP & LAMMPS
  • • High-Performance Cluster
  • • Machine Learning (MD)
Synthesis
  • • CVD Systems
  • • Glove Box Workstation
  • • Tube Furnaces

Supported By

NSFC

MoE China

Southeast University