Mp. Nelson et al., Combining Raman chemical imaging and scanning electron microscopy to characterize ambient fine particulate matter, AEROS SCI T, 34(1), 2001, pp. 108-117
Raman chemical imaging and scanning electron microscopy (Raman/SEM) have be
en used in a preliminary study to determine the size, morphology, elemental
and molecular composition, and molecular structure of fine particulate mat
ter in several test samples and one ambient air sample, Raman chemical imag
ing and SEM, respectively, provide a way to spatially characterize a sample
based on its molecular and elemental makeup, When combined, Raman chemical
imaging and SEM provide detailed spatial, elemental, and molecular informa
tion for particulate matter as small as 250 nm, Initial studies demonstrate
the potential of Raman/SEM for molecular and elemental determination of or
ganic and inorganic fine particulate matter. This has been accomplished by
analyzing samples with fine particulate matter using each method independen
tly. Since both techniques are nondestructive, particles of interest can be
relocated between instruments, Practical issues such as filter substrate c
ompatibility and instrumentation compatibility are addressed, In addition,
first results showing Raman/SEM chemical images from several standard mater
ials, as well as ambient PM2.5 samples, are reported.