At the atomic level, chemistry is an intricate dance of particles, but our understanding of this dynamic world has largely been limited to static observations. Traditionally, scientists have inferred the nuances of chemical reactions through still images, experimental data, and simulations, often missing the real-time changes occurring at the atomic scale.

In a groundbreaking initiative, researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and partner institutions are pioneering new electron microscopy techniques that promise to revolutionize our perception of chemical reactions. This innovative project, named the Center for Multimodal Observations for Single Atom Imaging of Chemistry (MOSAIC), has been awarded a substantial $1.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). UIC’s share of this funding amounts to $270,000.

The MOSAIC collaboration is a significant part of the NSF Centers for Chemical Innovation program, aimed at developing advanced methodologies for observing chemical processes. One of the key innovations will be the creation of specialized “liquid cells” that will enable researchers to set up, control, and measure chemical reactions under a microscope in unprecedented ways.

Using state-of-the-art electron microscopes at UIC, scientists will be able to capture these reactions in real-time, providing invaluable insights into atomic and molecular dynamics. Robert Klie, a professor and head of the physics department at UIC, and the associate director of MOSAIC, emphasized the importance of this research. “We are trying to develop electron microscopy sample environments that will allow us to observe chemistry at the very earliest stages of matter formation,” Klie stated. “We could potentially understand how organic molecules form and interact with different environments, which is the ultimate holy grail for chemistry and materials science.”

Electron microscopes are capable of visualizing matter down to the level of individual atoms by directing a high-energy beam of electrons through a sample. However, this process can alter or even destroy the sample, limiting scientists to capturing only a single image at a time. Often, they resort to freezing samples at critical moments in a chemical reaction to document essential steps.

The advent of graphene in the early 2000s provided a breakthrough. Graphene, a remarkable material composed of a single layer of carbon atoms, can be employed to protect liquid samples from the electron beam and other external interferences. This method allows for more accurate observations without compromising the integrity of the sample. Klie was among the first to utilize this innovative approach in 2014 while investigating ferritin, a protein crucial for iron storage.

“The goal of this method is we want to observe chemistry in a microscope and not cause it,” Klie explained. “We want to know that what you actually observe is the chemistry that would naturally occur, and not what you cause by shining such a high-energy beam on it.”

The implications of this research extend beyond mere observation. By enabling scientists to witness chemical reactions as they happen, this technology could lead to significant advancements in various fields, including materials science, biology, and nanotechnology. Understanding the processes that govern molecular interactions at such a fundamental level could unlock new pathways for innovation in drug development, energy storage, and the creation of novel materials.

As the MOSAIC project progresses, researchers anticipate that the insights gained will not only enhance our understanding of chemical reactions but also inspire new methodologies and technologies across multiple scientific disciplines. The ability to visualize and analyze chemical processes in real-time represents a paradigm shift in the field of chemistry, potentially transforming both research and practical applications.

This initiative highlights the importance of collaboration in scientific advancement, bringing together experts from various institutions to tackle complex challenges. The integration of advanced microscopy techniques with cutting-edge research in chemistry offers a promising future for both academic inquiry and industrial application.

In summary, the MOSAIC project stands as a testament to the potential of modern science to unveil the hidden intricacies of the atomic world. By bridging the gap between observation and reality, researchers are poised to make significant strides in our understanding of chemical dynamics, paving the way for innovations that could reshape our technological landscape.