14: Imaging and Characterization of Materials on the Nanoscale Check Access

Chapter 14 examines methods of nanomaterial characterization, circumventing the limits of human vision via spectroscopy and imaging techniques. These methods involve bombarding matter with particles or radiation and analyzing the resulting scatter or transmission to gain structural insights. The chapter discusses overcoming the diffraction limit of light using alternative particles, employing scanning probe techniques akin to the sense of touch, and utilizing spectroscopic characterization to determine nanomaterial properties. It delves into imaging techniques to ascertain nanomaterial shapes, sizes, and arrangements, and elaborates on scanning probe microscopy and diffraction-based characterization methods. Finally, it considers future prospects in nanomaterial characterization.