K-kit for Liquid TEM
MA-tek's enabling solution for liquid analysis by TEM
K-kits are sample holders designed to facilitate convenient TEM observation of liquid samples, allowing nanoobjects, aggregates, and agglomerates (NOAAs) in liquid samples to be characterized; with vacuum compatible sealing of liquids in electron-transmitting thickness, K-kits are micro reaction chambers for countless experiments in materials, chemical, and biological research.
1. Simple, quick and affordable
2. Compatible with all TEM holders
3. Available for TEM and SEM observations
4. Good resistance to chemical solvents
5. Cross-contamination free (Disposable)
6. Achievable to quantitative analysis
7. Reliable loading with viscous liquids
8. Broad temperature range -196°C to 120°C
Compatible with all kinds of TEM holders
K-kit is carried with a 3mm TEM grid so that it is compatible with all kinds of TEM holders.
Material and structural competitiveness
K-kits are Si-based microchannel devices with silicon nitride windows that allow TEM observation. The seemingly irregular shape is a result of KOH anisotropic wet etching, which is also responsible for forming the rectangular observation window in the middle of the device. The liquid channel is parallel to the window, with openings at both ends.
K-kit vs. TEM grid
| TEM image of liquid state CMP slurry with K-Kit, enabling individual particles to be clearly identified. | TEM image of dried CMP slurry on Cu grid, unable to be analyzed individual particles due to agglomeration. |
K-kit vs. in-situ TEM holder
K-kit can be the most fastest and convenient option in the market for liquid-TEM observation.
Around 90min required for 10 samples
Liquid loading and gluing for 10 K-kits (~70min) + vacuum pumping (~20min)
450min at least for 10 samples
One by one; it needs the steps including surface treatment, assembly, leakage detection, post-clean, etc. for one sample. (> 45min for each)
Good resistance to solvents
After soaking the K-kit sealing glues (Torr Seal) in those chemicals individually for 24 hours, the FTIR analysis results looked perfect.
High image quality in TEM
As shown in the TEM images of gold nanoparticles that formed from the reduction process of AuCl4 solution, the lattice lines of gold particles could be clearly observed by using Gap0.2um/ SiN30nm K-kit. (By FEI Talos TEM @ 200KV)
TEM images of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (WMCNT) that were fully dispersed in water. By using Gap2um/SiN30nm K-kit, the structures of MWCNTs could be observed clearly. (By Hitachi HT7700 TEM @100KV; WMCNTs: OD 30-80 nm, Length <10 μm, 10wt%)
Fill, Seal and Observe
The K-kit is easy. Just touch the carrier to a drop of your liquid sample to have it drawn inside by capillary force. | Seal ends with vacuum-proof Torr Seal® glue. | Mount inside a standard grid for TEM. |
Specifications
Window:
Si3N4 thickness: 30/100nm
Width: 24µm
Length: 300µm
Channel:
Width: 120µm
Channel heights available: 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5µm
Materials:
Substrate: Si wafer
Channel walls: Si3N4
Wafer bonding: SiO2
K-kit Silicon-based Micro Channel for Liquid TEM
K-kit Tool Box
The K-kit Toolbox houses a full tool set, including 1 Sample Loading Stand, 1 Holder, 1 Needle Pen, 1 Gluing Stand, 1 pack of 6 glass slides, 1 Accessory Box (contains sealing and mounting glues, stirring sticks, and miscellaneous spare parts for the tools), and 1 4-pack of single-use 0.2µm K-kit carriers.
K-kit Holder
The K-kit Holder consists of an anodized aluminum header and a stainless steel handle. The K-kit carrier fits on the header (after removing the bottom compartment). When the notch on the side of the header fits over the horizontal bar on the Loading Stage (see below), the K-kit on the carrier attached on the header will be just above the liquid sample.
Sample-loading Stage
The Loading Stage consists of an anodized aluminum body. It has a horizontal bar in a recess on the side and a hole in the middle to house the Liquid Stage, which is a removable stainless steel rod. The removable design is for easy cleaning. The horizontal bar defines the rotational axis for the K-kit Holder, which has a notch on the header to fit on the horizontal bar.
Needle Pen
The Needle Pen is designed to facilitate the K-kit gluing operation. It has a thin needle 3.0 mm long and 0.27 mm in diameter. The thin needle makes it convenient to pick just enough glue (of the order of 0.1µl(x)) for sealing the channel openings and (around 1µl(x)) for mounting the copper grid. The needle is made of stainless steel. It is strong, yet slightly flexible, suitable for the job.
Notes:
It is important to keep the needle free of residue glue. Please wipe the needle clean right after each use. It will be practically impossible to clean the needle once residue glue on it cures.
The needle is held in place in the pen by a set screw on the side of the pen. A replacement needle and a small Allen key are provided with each Needle Pen. The needle is sharp. Please handle with care.
Gluing Stand
The Gluing Stand has a stainless steel base and an anodized aluminum header, which is much like the header on the K-kit holder, without the notch on the side. The Gluing Stand keeps the K-kit carrier in place for gluing work.
Accessory Box
The Accessory Box contains essential kits and spare parts for the K-kit tool box. Includes sealing and mounting glues, stirring sticks, channel opener, spare needle for needle pen, liquid stages for sample loading stage and an Allen key for the needle pen.
Starter Box
The Starter Box contains all of the essentials for K-kit loading. It consists of sealing and mounting glues, stirring sticks, gluing needles and a channel opener.
Glue Box
The Glue Box contains sealing and mounting glues and stirring sticks.
Notes:
Glue capsules will now have a tin foil seal on the bottle mouth for shipping. Sometimes during shipping, the glue could become stained and dried on the cap or bottle mouth of the capsule.
Sometimes, the Torr Seal glue will have a thin oil-like layer on the surface. This will not affect anything and is normal. Please stir first to mix evenly.
Channel Opener
The Channel Opener is used to remove the channel tips, while the K-kit stays on the carrier. It's made of anodized aluminum with a cut-off slot design at one end.
Copper Grid
Ten pieces of Copper Grid per pack.
Slide-glass Pack
Six glass slides per pack.
| Prod# | Description | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| BN401004 | K-kit Complete Toolbox Set, includes a pack of 4 carriers, 0.2µm, 100nm | each | $980.00 |
| BN401021-100 | K-kit Height:0.2μm Thickness:100nm | 4/pack | $400.00 |
| BN401023-100 | K-kit Height: 2μm Thickness:100nm | 4/pack | $400.00 |
| BN401025--100 | K-kit Height:0.2μm Thickness:100nm | 6/pack | $600.00 |
| BN401027--100 | K-kit Height: 2μm Thickness:100nm | 6/pack | $600.00 |
| BN401021-30 | K-kit Height:0.2μm Thickness:30nm | 4/pack | $520.00 |
| BN401023-30 | K-kit Height:2μm Thickness:30nm | 4/pack | $520.00 |
| BN401025--30 | K-kit Height:0.2μm Thickness:30nm | 6/pack | $780.00 |
| BN401027--30 | K-kit Height:2μm Thickness:30nm | 6/pack | $780.00 |
| BN401006 | K-kit Holder | each | $90.00 |
| BN401007 | Sample Loading Stage | each | $140.00 |
| BN401009 | Needle Pen | each | $160.00 |
| BN401010 | Gluing Stand | each | $60.00 |
| BN401013 | Starter Box | each | $65.00 |
| BN401019 | Glue Box | each | $30.00 |
| BN401033 | K-kit Folding Grids | 10/pack | $260.00 |