Techniques for Studying Nanoparticle Sintering by Plan-View In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy

We discuss various techniques for the characterization of supported nanoparticles by in situ plan-view transmission electron microscopy. In particular, we discuss here mechanisms of image contrast formation by particles undergoing reorientation on the surface of a single crystal substrate. We consider reorientation by a variety of mechanisms including rotation, sintering and grain growth, and surface diffusion. Experimental observations are presented and the data compared with theoretical predictions.