Preparing samples for TEM microscopy

Before being observed with a transmission electron microscope, the samples must be prepared: they need to be thin enough for the electron beam to pass through. The preparation techniques depend not only on the sample nature and morphology (degree of hardness, biological samples, etc.), but also on the type of characterization required.

Conventional methods involve thinning samples down to a few tens of nanometers. To achieve this, the PLASSMAT platform is equipped with several polishers, saws (diamond wire and disc), an inverted microscope (Olympus GX1), an ultramicrotome (Leica EM UC7), a cross section polisher (JEOL SM 09010) and a Precison Ion Polishing System (PIPS Gatan Model 691).

JEOL IB19520 ion beam polisher: this device makes an essential contribution to scanning electron microscope observation when it comes to observing a sample from the edge. It can refine the surface to be observed so that it is flat and relief-free, even at high magnification, revealing details inaccessible with any other preparation method. It can operate on a wide variety of samples, thanks to its liquid nitrogen-cooled stage (materials sensitive to heating produced by ion bombardment) and its air-protected transfer system (air-sensitive materials such as those containing lithium). The sample holder system is compatible with direct transfer in both JEOL microscopes (only in the IT 510 for air-protected transfer).

Our sample preparation instruments

To know the rates and have access to our MET sample preparation instruments, please contact us by email:

Battery prototyping

Evaluating a component (current collector, electrode, electrolyte, separator) or a battery material (electroactive material, electronically conductive additive, polymer binder) requires integrating it into a small battery called a prototype.

A prototype battery comprises two electrodes (positive and negative), each deposited on a current collector, a separator, an electrolyte, and the whole assembled in a rigid (button cell) or flexible (pocket cell) hermetic package.

Mastering the various stages in the manufacture of a battery prototype enables you to evaluate a battery component or material in the best possible way.

Our equipment for prototyping and measuring electrochemical battery performance

Electrode manufacturing

Button cell assembly

Pocket cell assembly

Electrochemical performance measurement

Examples and applications

The manufacture of battery prototypes with reproducible performance, representative of the components that make them up, requires mastery of electrode manufacturing quality. Our equipment enables the coating of homogeneous electrodes up to A4 size (coated surface 10 cm x 30 cm). Control observations by scanning electron microscopy can be carried out to ensure the correct distribution of electrode materials within the electrode.

For prices and access to our battery prototyping equipment, please contact us by email :

Networks and collaborations

  • Collaboration with numerous industrial manufacturers of materials, components or batteries, and battery users
  • Collaboration with numerous national and international academic laboratories
  • Participation in the ALISTORE and DESTINY networks, and in various PEPR battery, PEPR recycling, ANR and European projects.
Example of negative graphite electrodes
Pocket cells
SEM observation of a graphite negative electrode

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