ABSTRACT
Understanding the structure of a material system is often the key to uncovering, controlling, and improving its properties. Full characterization requires direct information, namely images. In most cases this information is on the supramolecular level, describing how molecules arrange to form clusters ofvarious sizes and shapes. Cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) refers to direct imaging of a fluid specimen thermally fixed into a solid or quasi-solid state. This is potentially one of the most useful techniques in the study of microstructured fluid systems, as it provides direct high-resolution images of the assemblies making up the system; thus the interpretation of data is not model dependent. Today, cryo-TEM is applied in the study of a wide variety of complex fluid systems in academia and industry. In fact, some companies use the technique not only for research but also for quality control and production-related troubleshooting.
