TEM and EELS characterization of Ni–Fe layered double hydroxide decompositions caused by electron beam irradiation

Abstract Electron irradiation of Ni–Fe layered double hydroxides (LDHs) was investigated in the transmission electron microscope (TEM). The initial structure possessed a flat hexagonal morphology made up crystalline domains with well-defined crystal structure. LDHs were susceptible to significant structural decompositions during irradiation. generation pores and crystallographic breakdown LDH routinely occurred. In addition, compositional change established by energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). During 300 kV irradiation, pre-peak evolution oxygen K edge highlighted transition metal oxide species. parallel, nitrogen attenuation demonstrated interlayer mass-losses. It found that TEM conditions profoundly affected decomposition behaviours. At lower acceleration voltages, an increased dehydration rate cationic layers is observed irradiaton. Moreover, situ specimen cooling revealed retention nitrates. An emphasis on dehydroxylation processes anionic mass-loss facilitation discussed.