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Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) scans electron beam over a surface to create an
image. The electrons in the beam interact with the sample producing various signals that can be
https://www.nanoscience.com/techniques/scanning-electron-microscopy/
SEM’s consist of many components such as electron source, thermionic gun, field
emission gun, electromagnetic/ electrostatic lenses, vacuum chamber, sample chamber and stage,
backscatter detector (EBSD) and X ray detector (EDS). In addition, it requires a stable power
supply, vacuum and cooling system, vibration free space and need to be placed in an area that
pattern with an electron beam. The process begins with an electron gun generating a beam of
energetic electrons down the column and onto a series of electromagnetic lenses. The coils are
adjusted to focus the incident electron beam onto the sample. These adjustments cause
fluctuations in the voltage, increasing or decreasing the speed in which the electrons come in
contact with the specimen surface. It is controlled via computer and the operator can adjust the
beam to control magnification as well as determine the surface area to be scanned. The beam is
focused onto the stage where a solid sample is placed. Most samples require some preparation
before being placed in the vacuum chamber. The two most commonly used prior to SEM
analysis are sputter coating for non-conductive samples and dehydration of most biological
specimens.
In addition, all samples need to be able to handle the low pressure inside the vacuum
chamber. The interaction between the incident electrons and the surface of the sample is
determined by the acceleration rate of incident electrons, which carry significant amounts of
kinetic energy before focused onto the sample. When the incident electrons come in contact with
the sample, energetic electrons are released from the surface of the sample. The scatter patterns
made by the interaction yields information on size, shape, texture and composition of the sample.
A variety of detectors are used to attract different types of scattered electrons which includes
Backscatter electrons are incidental electrons reflected backwards. The images provide
composition data related to element and compound detection. Although topographic information
can be obtained using a backscatter detection, it is not accurate as SED. Diffracted backscatter
electrons determine the crystalline structures as well as the orientation of minerals and micro-
fabrics. X rays emitted from beneath the sample surface can provide an element and mineral
formation. SEM produces black and white, three dimensional images. Image magnification can
interactions takes place on the surface of the specimen provide a greater depth of view, higher
SEM’s have a variety of applications in a number of scientific and industry related fields
imaging, versatile information gathered from different detectors, easy to operate, works fast and
https://www.microscopemaster.com/scanning-electron-microscope.html
Ahmed et. al (2013), used scanning electron microscope (SEM) for the surface
Figure 1). Via this instrument, the α-Fe3O4 nanoparticles were observed (See Figure 1a). Also,
the α-Fe3O4 and chitosan nanocomposite can be seen and looks like a tiny particle hanging on it
(See Figure 1b) which shows the embedding and incorporation of the α-Fe3O4 nanoparticles in
chitosan film that represents the formation of α-Fe3O4/chitosan nanocomposite. The net shaped
may be attributed to electrostatic interactions between cationic chitosan and the surface charge α-
Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Thus, pure chitosan film changes the net morphology to homogenous and
regular form (See Figure 1c). In this case, α-Fe3O4 nanoparticles increases the
electroactivesurface area of the chitosan as the fold increases and change net which provides a
Application for the Determination of Heavy Metals from Different Aqueous Media]
Kim et. al (2010) demonstrated scanning electron microscope (SEM) for bacterial
cellulose/chitosan nanocomposite (See Figure 2). Images of freeze dried bacterial cellulose and
bacterial cellulose/chitosan nanocomposite were observed. It was reported that the mean
diameter of the nanofibrils was 40nm. Multiple layers structure can be seen from cross sectional
images with high aspect ratio and a well organized 3D network structure was determined. The
surface morphology of bacterial cellulose was changed after treating by chitosan. Due to the
presence of a thick layer of chitosan, bacterial cellulose nanofibrils was not observed and the
pore size becomes bigger. Chitosan molecules can penetrate into bacterial cellulose and forms
layers of bacterial cellulose/chitosan composite from cross sectional image. Lastly, bacterial
cellulose/ chitosan composite promotes cellular ingrowth when used as tissue engineering
scaffolds.
Fig. 2 SEM images of bacterial cellulose (a. surface morphology, c. cross section morphology) and chitosan and
[Preparation and Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose and Chitosan Composite for Potential
Buiomedical Application]
Rahmi et. al (2017) analyzed the texture and morphology of materials with the use of
scanning electron microscope (SEM) (See Figure 3). The results showed chitosan film smooth
structure (See Figure 3a) and the cellulose particles extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunch
has an average particle size with a range of 5 to 15 µm (See Figure 3b). The image of the surface
of chitosan/cellulose composite film were observed to be homogenous (See Figure 3c). This
homogenous structure attributed to the reinforcement of composite film but the surface became
[Preparation of Chitosan Composite Film Reinforced with Cellulose Isolated from il Plam Empty
Fruit Bunch and Application in Cadmium ions Removal from Aqueous Solutions]
Lin et. al (2012) metalized the surface of the chitosan/cellulose blend films (CS/BC) with
gold through sputtering within 20 s. All of the films showed a homogenous structure without the
separation of the phase between chitosan (CS) and cellulose blend films (BS). A porous structure
and a well organized network were also observed. It was said that the pore formation was caused
through the leaching of Zn(OH)2 precipitate while washing. The mechanism can be described via
the interaction of or zinc ions with hydroxide and precipitate in the solution. Also, the precipitate
is leached during washing process in tap water and deionized water which resulted in pore in
films. Blending with chitosan, chitosan/cellulose blend film (CS/BS) becomes denser than RBC
film. Also, the densities of chitosan/cellulose blend film (CS/BS) increases as the chitosan
content increases.
Figure 4. SEM images of RBC and blend films.
Solvent]