Structural Characterisation of Functional Nanomaterials by Electron Crystallography

The properties of functional nanomaterials are governed by their atomic structures, chemical compositions, crystal defects, interfaces and nanoscale morphologies. However, conventional diffraction methods can struggle to characterise materials that contain very small crystals, multiple phases, structural disorder or complex intergrowths. In this project, the student will apply advanced electron microscopy and electron crystallography methods to investigate functional nanomaterials developed at ANU and by external collaborators. Depending on the scientific questions and samples available, the work may include transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, three-dimensional electron diffraction/MicroED, and crystal structure determination. The student will gain practical experience in nanomaterial specimen preparation, electron microscopy, crystallographic analysis and the interpretation of structure–property relationships.