Evaluating Plasma Cleaning with Holey Carbon Grids provides a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of the Henniker HPT-100 plasma cleaner when tested using TEM analysis. This work shows the effectiveness of the plasma treatment capability of the Henniker Plasma cleaner at different times and power levels.
Examination of Effectiveness of Henniker Plasma Cleaner using a Holey Carbon Film by TEM
Plasma Cleaning Method
Henniker HPT-100 Plasma Cleaner with Jeol TEM sample holder adapter.Continuously variable power output from 0-100W and dual digital MFC gas mixing. Samples were introduced via the front feedthrough adapter and cleaned with Ar:O2 95:5 mixture at low power (20W and 50W) in 30sec time steps. Results for accumulated treatment time are presented.
Fig 1. Henniker Plasma with TEM Adapter.
Preparation and Examination Methods
A holey carbon-coated Cu TEM grid.
The samples were examined in the JEM 2800 (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscope using the following instrumental conditions: Voltage (kV) 200; C2 aperture (um) 70 and 40;
Bright-field imaging mode using CCD High magnification lattice resolution imaging mode using CCD
Fig 2&3. Analysis Region 50μm & 2μm
Cleaning progression for selected thinned analysis region showing gradual loss of carbon from the region followed by gradual loss from thicker wall regions.
Industry Application
Plasma cleaning of carbon grids is widely applied in materials science, nanotechnology, and medical diagnostics, where high-resolution electron imaging is critical. Ensuring clean, contaminant-free supports is essential for reliable analysis in these fields.
Conclusion
This work shows the effectiveness of the plasma treatment capability of the Henniker Plasma cleaner at different times and power levels. The images taken from an identical location using a finder holey carbon grid showed a gradual loss of carbon from a small thinned area of carbon. First, the thinned carbon was removed (or eaten away). Then the thick walls were observed to lose carbon from the edges.
Dr Dogan Ozkaya (Johnson Matthey Technology Centre);
“In conclusion, the Henniker HPT plasma cleaner was observed to be suitable for TEM preparation purposes because it offers amazing control over how much carbon is removed from samples. It is suitable for catalyst samples on carbon for hydrocarbon contamination cleaning in the TEM.”
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the work of Dr Dogan Ozkaya and the talented Microscopy group members of Johnson Matthey Technology Centre who provided the detailed analyses presented in this note.
Download the application note here
REQUEST A QUOTATION OR FURTHER INFORMATION
FAQs
Q: Why plasma clean holey carbon films before TEM?
A: Plasma removes hydrocarbon contaminants, improving image clarity and ensuring uniform electron transparency across the grid.
Q: What system is used for plasma cleaning in this study?
A: The HPT-100 Plasma Cleaner with a JEOL-compatible sample holder was used for precise carbon grid cleaning.
Q: Can plasma treatment damage delicate TEM supports?
A: No. Plasma cleaning is dry, gentle, and safe for thin carbon films, preserving structure while improving surface cleanliness.
