Protochips Events on September 22, 2023

Jennifer McConnell
Jennifer McConnell

Seminar

Using Machine Vision to Drive Nanoscale Discoveries That Solve Real-World Problems

Jennifer McConnell

Senior Manager of Marketing & Product Management, Protochips

1 p.m. in ChemSci 102, Zoom available.

Lunch and Learn—In situ TEM

Minerals and Materials 607

Session 1 Corrosion: 11:15 a.m.–12 p.m.

Corrosion is a $2.6 trillion dollar problem that accounts for 3.4% of the global GDP, therefore it is well understood that testing and developing better materials to increase the durability of infrastructure such as bridges and ships could save $375-$875 billion annually. To develop resistant materials and corrosion-effective mitigation strategies, a deeper understanding of materials used, and the corrosion processes must first be elucidated.

Using the in-situ TEM systems from Protochips such as the Atmosphere AX (gas cell) and Poseidon AX (liquid cell), researchers can directly observe corrosion processes such as initiation and progression at the nanoscale in real time and under relevant conditions. By introducing corrosive environments while simultaneously monitoring material responses, valuable insights into the kinetics of corrosion reactions can be observed at the nanoscale.

Session 2 Catalysis: 12:15–1 p.m.

To combat climate change and the release of harmful chemicals in the environment, highly efficient catalysts must be developed. Using Atmosphere AX, the in-situ gas cell system from Protochips, researchers can investigate the morphology and atomic structure of catalyst materials, including nanoparticles, nanowires, and other nanostructures to develop more stable and sustainable catalytic systems. Moreover, in-situ TEM allows researchers to perform nanostructure characterization of catalyst-substrate interactions at high spatial resolutions to better understand catalytic processes including formation and evolution of reaction intermediates, surface restructuring, and catalyst deactivation in real time and under relevant catalytic conditions.

Register to attend once per session.

ESEM Down

September 13, 2023

I’m pleased to report that the ESEM repairs will be completed today and the instrument is available as soon as tomorrow morning.

September 8, 2023

Unfortunately, the power supply did not fix this issue. I’ve done as much remote troubleshooting as possible. We will have a service technician on campus next week to look into the issue.

If anyone has any urgent samples, please contact me and we can make other arrangements.

September 7, 2023

Just a quick update. It looks like the filament is not the issue. I have been working with SEMTech to diagnose the problem. They are overnighting me a power supply. We are going to replace it tomorrow. I will have an update at that point.

I know many of you are eager to get back on the instrument. I thank you for your patience.

September 6, 2023

The ESEM is down due to an issue with the filament. We are working on this and hope to have the issue resolved by tomorrow.

ACMAL Update: Liz and Erico Out of the Office Next Week

Dear ACMAL Users,

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to inform you that I will be out of town from July 20th – July 31st. Erico will also be out of the office for the Microscopy Conference (July 24-28th). 

During this period, if you encounter any issues or have any questions, please reach out to the following contacts:

  • For X-ray Facility questions, please contact
  • For Electron Optics Facility questions or sample preparation, please contact
  • For Scanning Probe Microscopy (AFM) & Surface Analysis (XPS) Facilities questions, please reach out to
  • For Confocal Imaging Facility questions, please contact
  • In case of an emergency, call public safety by dialing 911.

These individuals, as experts in their respective areas, will be able to assist you promptly. However, please note that for general inquiries or matters not specific to a particular area, it is best to contact me upon my return.

I have complete confidence in the ACMAL team’s abilities to handle any issues that may arise during my absence. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I will be sure to get back to you promptly upon my return on July 31st.

Wishing you all continued success with your research.

Best regards,

Liz