Electron microscopic methods (TEM, SEM and energy dispersal spectroscopy)

Electron microscopic methods are powerful tools for soil chemistry investigations. This chapter introduces the fundamental principles and instrumentation of the transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersal spectroscopy (EDS). These techniques are important for the morphological characterization and analysis of the chemical composition of soil particles. The applications of these techniques in organic matter–mineral interaction and soil remediation are addressed. Moreover, electron microscope-based new technologies (e.g., scanning transmission electron microscope, cryo-electron microscope, environmental scanning electron microscope) are briefly introduced. Finally, an outlook for the application potentials of aberration corrected-electron microscope in soil chemistry is given.