Liquid cell electron microscopy enables
direct in situ imaging of processes in liquids and
objects suspended in liquids
with nanoscale resolution. However, the irradiating electrons affect
the chemistry of the suspending medium, typically an aqueous solution,
producing molecular and radical products such as hydrogen, oxygen,
and hydrated (solvated) electrons. These may impact the imaged structures
and phenomena. A good understanding of the interactions between the
electrons and the irradiated medium is necessary to correctly interpret
experiments, minimize artifacts, and take advantage of the irradiation.
We predict the composition of water subjected to electron irradiation
in the electron microscope. We reinterpret available experimental
data, such as beam-induced variations in pH and colloid aggregation,
in light of our predictions and show new observations of crystallization
and etching as functions of dose rate, resolving conflicting reports
in the scientific literature. We make our computer code available
to readers. Our predictive model is useful for designing experiments
that minimize unwanted beam effects, extending liquid cell microscopy
to new applications, taking advantage of beam effects for nanomanufacturing
such as the patterning of nanostructures, and correctly interpreting
experimental observations. Additionally, our results indicate that
liquid cells provide a new tool to study radiolysis effects on materials
and processes.
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