Microscopy Conference 2023

Microscopy escorting the process from polymer synthesis to membranes fabrication

MS 5: Functional organic materials

The revival of polymers, organic molecular/carbon-rich materials and composites thereof is not only due to the development of high-efficiency (semi)conductors and their enhanced environmental stability. Basic reactants appear unlimited prospectively yielding sustainable products at globally needed amounts. Those materials already contribute to the global energy revolution and facilitate a vast variety of applications such as energy conversion/storage, (flexible) printed electronics, catalysis, rapid prototyping, lightweight construction as well as drug delivery. The serious issue of microplastics in the environment needs to be addressed, e.g., by means of biodegradable material design.
This session will cover novel micro- and nanocharacterization techniques (like 4D-STEM, UHR-EELS, cryo-EM, X-ray micro-spectroscopy, fluorescence OM) and modern sample preparation (like plasma-FIB cross-sectioning, (cryo-)ultramicrotomy, plunge freezing) to investigate individual materials (molecules, thin films, particles, fibers), composites and complex devices for understanding structure formation, function, and degradation. It includes modern in situ methodology stressing strategies to minimize electron-beam induced alterations.


Volker Abetz

Further involvements