The K-kit is an easy to use innovative sample holder for liquid specimens. It is a single-use sample holder with a sealable micro-channel between two silicon nitride membranes. The K-kit is made from silicon with Si3N4 membranes, using the latest MEMS technologies. Included with the K-kit is a copper aperture grid to mount the sealed wet cell. The k-kit is compatible with most standard TEM holders.
The microchannel, with two rectangular silicon nitride windows, enables imaging and analysis of nano-particles suspended in aqueous solutions. The size of the silicon nitride window is 300µm x 25µm with channel heights of 0.2 and 2µm. The inside of the microchannel is coated with Si3N4. Applications are wide ranging from, material, life, chemical and biological sciences. Nanoparticles can be imaged in their native state or in-situ dynamic physical and/or chemical reactions can be observed.
The K-kit can also be used in dry mode. The suspended particles are dried in the K-kit microchannel to avoid agglomeration which tends to occur when droplets of suspensions are dried on a support film.
Compatible with FESEM – STEM detectors. The K-kits with the 30nm Si3N4 membranes are compatible with FESEM s equipped with a STEM detector when 25 – 30kV is used for imaging. The best results are achieved in dry mode.
Features and benefits of the K-kit wet cell:
easy to use liquid TEM sample holder for aqueous suspensions
low cost alternative to very expensive in-situ liquid TEM holders
choice of two microchannels: 0.2 µm and 2 µm
compatible with STEM detectors in FESEM systems @ 25-30 kV
suitable for EDS analysis
complete set of dedicated preparation tools available
dry mode for quantitative analysis of nano-particles
Easy process with a set of dedicated tools
Unpack K-kit
Mount in holder
Touch carrier on drop
Seal ends with glue
Mount on a TEM hole grid
Process in practice
The K-kit is easy to use with a set of dedicated tools. They are designed to facilitate the complete sample preparation process. Each K-kit is packaged with a copper TEM aperture grid.
When mounted on the K-kit holder, touch the K-kit sample holder onto a droplet to draw in the liquid. The liquid sample enters the microchannel by capillary action. Turn the K-kit sample holder in a vertical position to seal the microchannel with a vacuum proof sealant (Torr Seal). After that, the K-kit sample holder is mounted in a standard 3mm copper aperture grid using vacuum compatible epoxy. After a short pump down in a vacuum chamber, the K-kit liquid sample is ready for imaging.
For dry nanoparticle imaging omit the microchannel sealing step; the liquid evaporates quickly under vacuum. View applications.
The K-Kit can be used with many solutions and solvents. The glue (Torr Seal), used to seal the microchannel, has been tested for 24 hrs and is compatible with:
NMP (N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone)
CAN (CH3CN – Acetonitrile)
DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide)
0.1N HCl (Hychloric acid)
0.1 N HNO3 (Nitric acid)
0.1 N KOH (Potassium Hydroxide)
1% NH4OH ( Ammonium Hydroxide)
The glue (Torr Seal) is not compatible with: Acetone, DCM (Dichloromethane) and THF (Tetrahydrofuran)
Ordering Information for the K-kit wet cell – liquid TEM sample chamber
*Prices without VAT, but within the EU, we have to check for valid VAT-ID.
K-kit with 0.2µm microchannel, 30nm Si3N4 membrane thickness
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-703004
pkg/4
€510,00
K-kit with 0.2µm microchannel, 30nm Si3N4 membrane thickness
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-703006
pkg/6
€765,00
K-kit with 2µm microchannel, 30nm Si3N4 membrane thickness
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-703024
pkg/4
€510,00
K-kit with 2µm microchannel, 30nm Si3N4 membrane thickness
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-703026
pkg/6
€765,00
Ordering Information for the K-kit wet cell accessories and tools
*Prices without VAT, but within the EU, we have to check for valid VAT-ID.
K-kit glue box with Torr Seal glue set and epoxy mounting glue set
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-730010
each
€25,00
K-kit accessory box with glues, liquid stage (for loading stand), needles and channel opener
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-730020
each
€50,00
K-kit starter box with glues, stirring sticks, needles and channel opener
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-730030
each
€50,00
K-kit channel opener
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-730040
each
€25,00
K-kit micro channel loading rod
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-730050
each
€80,00
K-kit sample loading stand
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-730052
each
€140,00
K-kit sample loading rod and stand set
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-730055
each
€190,00
K-kit needle pen for glue / epoxy application
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-730060
each
€160,00
K-kit gluing stand
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-730062
each
€60,00
K-kit needle pen and gluing stand set
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-730065
each
€190,00
K-kit copper aperture grids for mounting the K-kit sample holder
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-730070
pkg/10
€18,00
Glass slides
Product #
Unit
Price*
Add to Quote / Order
23-730075
pkg/6
€6,00
K-kit tool box with sample loading and gluing tools, accessory box and glass slides
