Electron Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX)

In the biological field, more and more researchers are using energy spectroscopy for elemental analysis of biological materials, such as imaging samples using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and determining the elemental composition of samples using electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).

EDX, also known as EDS or EDAX, is an X-ray technique used to identify the elemental composition of a material. The EDX system is an accessory to a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or TEM instrument that identifies the sample of interest. The data generated by EDX analysis consists of spectra showing peaks corresponding to the elements that make up the true composition of the sample being analyzed, which in turn allows the researcher to perform elemental mapping and image analysis of the sample.

Figure 1. SEM and TEM EDX Microanalysis. (Scimeca, M, et al., 2018)

TEM EDX analysis can be qualitative, semi-quantitative, quantitative, and can also provide the spatial distribution of elements through mapping. TEM EDX also plays an important role in tissue analysis as part of bioanalytical studies. EDX is non-destructive, which allows researchers to examine samples of interest in situ with little or no sample preparation.

TEM EDX analysis is highly adaptable and can be followed up with complementary techniques including infrared (FTIR) microscopy, Raman microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) or time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS).

Advantages of TEM EDX analysis:

• The analysis is fast and efficient, and the entire elemental range (B to U) can be analyzed simultaneously (Can be detected with an accessory device).
• Measurements can be performed with a fine electron beam probe of 0.1 nmφ.
• In surface analysis, the spectrum of any point can be extracted and displayed for line analysis.
• It can be used for composition analysis of rough surfaces (fractures, etc.).
• It is possible to measure the composition deviation in materials.

Creative Biostructure has the knowledge and equipment to perform thorough TEM EDX analysis in laboratories in Europe and the U.S. Our experts combine TEM EDX analysis with decades of industry experience and fundamental insight to provide our customers with highly accurate, reproducible, and rigorous technical services, and we are pleased to help our customers accelerate their research progress. Please feel free to contact us. We are looking forward to cooperating with you.

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Reference

1. Scimeca, M, et al. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis: A powerful tool in biomedical research and diagnosis. European Journal of Histochemistry. 2018, 62(1): 2841.