Sample Cleaner ZONETEM II
The ZONETEM II Tabletop Sample Cleaner uses UV-based cleaning technology to minimize or eliminate hydrocarbon contamination for electron microscopy imaging and micrcoanalysis. The ZONETEMII offers easy-to-use cleaning for sample grid preparation and stores up to five holders to maintain optimal cleaniness, ensuring the best data from your TEM samples.
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Hydrocarbon buildup on specimens can occur during preparation, handling, or storage at atmospheric conditions. Under the influence of an electron beam these hydrocarbons can form a thick layer on the surface. Cleaning the sample surface with the ZONETEM II removes hydrocarbons and reduces available molecules for electron-beam-induced contamination. Preventing contamination from specimen surfaces is essential for true observation in electron microscopy.
ZONETEM II utilizes vacuum-controlled UV irradiation and activated oxygen to gently remove hydrocarbons from the specimen surface prior to imaging and without the use of any chemicals or reagents. With a lab-friendly footprint and intuitive touch screen, the second-generation ZONETEM II is a safe, easy-to-use addition in any laboratory.
Able to hold up to five specimen holders, the ZONETEM II provides optimized cleaning and storage of specimens. The ZONTEM II serves as an excellent desiccator to prevent holder out-gassing during inspection.
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ZONETEM II
The ZONETEM II provides optimized sample cleaning with easy-to-use controls. It provides the versatility to properly clean samples for a variety of applications including carbon-based samples, battery materials, polymers, and metals alike. With it's flexible settings, the ZONETEM II can also be used to store samples under vaccum until ready to image.
- Easy-to-use touchscreen panel
- Programmable up to 24hrs
- Variable pressure control
Sources of contamination
Interactions between hydrocarbons on the specimen surface and the irradiated electron beam generate sample contamination. Hydrocarbons are generally non-covalently attached to the specimen surface making them easy to remove by UV-based cleaning.
The Cleaning Process
The ZONETEM II uses a UV lamp with wavelengths of 185 nm and 254 nm to efficiently remove hydrocarbons. Ozone is generated from oxygen in the vacuum-controlled specimen chamber. The generated ozone is broken into oxygen and activated oxygen. Radical oxygen and UV light then breakdown hydrocarbons on the specimen surface into volatile molecules such as CO2, H2O. The exhaust pump evacuates the free molecules from the sample chamber.
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Using ZONETEM II cleaning to enhance TEM analysis
In the example below, large amounts of contamination can be observed around the red square when the sample was imaged before ZONETEM II cleaning. After cleaning, when observing the specimen in a similar area, we see no buildup of organic contamination as indicated by the blue square.
Sample: Carbon Nanotubes
Before ZONETEM II Cleaning
After ZONETEM II Cleaning
After cleaning with ZONETEM II, contrast in the image increases.
Before ZONETEM II Cleaning
After ZONETEM II Cleaning
Sample : CdSe quantum dot
Before ZONTEM II cleaning, the electron beam leaves a mark on the sample. After ZONETEM II cleaning, under the same conditions, the beam does not leave a mark.
Before ZONETEM II Cleaning
After ZONETEM II Cleaning
Sample : Carbon
