Characterisation of Supramolecules by TEM

In recent years, much progress has been made in the fabrication of various functional molecular assemblies. These include organic polymer composites, CNT composites and C60 composites. In the past, they have been studied mainly with spectroscopy and diffractometors. However, the power of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has improved greatly and is now capable of providing nano-scale and nanoscopic resolution. Aimed at both newcomers and scientists already working in the field, this book describes the application of TEM to characterize supramolecules. It starts with a brief history of the topic before introducing the use of TEM for characterizing 1D, 2D and 3D materials. Imaging methods, diffraction and spectroscopy are also carefully explained. In the chapter on molecular assemblies, examples of materials studied using TEM are described according to their structural parameters. The following section on polymer assemblies details the creation of 1D nanomaterials using various polymers as building blocks. In particular, it focuses on how to build 2D or 3D hierarchical nanoarchitectures in a supramolecular manner. Potential applications as functional nanomaterials are also discussed. In the next chapter, inorganic nanoparticles and their assembly into supramolecular materials is reviewed. These materials have attracted considerable interest as functional materials and their characterization by TEM is described in comparison with that of organic materials. The book finishes with a conclusions section which brings all the areas previously discussed together and looks forward to future developments.