Cryogenic electron microscopy for emerging materials research: From quantum materials to energy applications

Renewed interest in cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) for physical and materials science research has emerged in recent years after being awarded the Nobel Prize in 2017 for its success in structural biology. In this perspective, the recent advancement in cryo-TEM techniques and its applications in the research of emerging materials for quantum information sciences and clean energy technologies are summarized and discussed in relevant topical areas. Cryo-TEM for quantum materials is specifically focused on exotic electronic states in strongly correlated systems and novel topological spin textures in spintronic materials. For energy-related application, the focus is mainly towards the cryo-TEM characterization of electron radiation sensitive materials, including alkali metals and compounds in batteries, highly porous metal-organic frameworks, and hybrid halide perovskites in photovoltaic solar cells. The challenges and outlook on the future cryo-TEM developments are also provided.