APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:
- Electron microscopy
ADVANTAGES:
- Prevents mechanical damage of samples during transfer and use in electron microscopy
- Provides a pristine and ultra-clean graphene layer
ABSTRACT:
Researchers at the Berkeley Lab have developed a novel graphene-transfer technology in order to provide a pristine and ultra-clean alternative to the current technologies. These supported graphene films are of interest for use as electron-transparent specimen substrates and as windows in liquid cells for electron microscopy applications.
The present technology uses pre-patterned, holey films as a primary mechanical support to transfer the graphene sheets from their original substrate to a secondary substrate or frame, on which they are either used directly or are subjected to further processing before use. This support prevents wrinkling, folding, rupture, and other forms of mechanical damage to the fragile and flexible graphene during transfer and use. Therefore, it enables the preparation of samples for superior Cryo-EM imaging and the three-dimensional understanding of proteins and other macromolecules studied in university, government, and drug discovery laboratories.
This invention overcomes the limitations of existing technologies, one of which is plagued by an undesirable contaminating residue from the continuous primary support and another that results in the wrinkling, folding, and rupture of the graphene. It is advantageous because it provides, for the first time, open areas over which the graphene remains pristine and ultra-clean. In addition to holding several applications in electron microscopy, the technology has the potential to be used in a broad range of other fields.
DEVELOPMENT STAGE: Proven principle
STATUS: Patent pending. Available for licensing or collaborative research.
SEE THESE OTHER BERKELEY LAB TECHNOLOGIES IN THIS FIELD:
High-Affinity Specimen Support Film for Electron Microscopy 2015-002