STEM Mode Research Articles

Characterization of extended defects in 2D materials using aperture-based dark-field STEM in SEM

Quantitative diffraction contrast analysis with defined diffraction vectors is a well-established method in TEM for studying defects in crystalline materials. A comparable transmission technique is however not available in the more widely used SEM platforms. In this work, we transfer the aperture-based dark-field imaging method from the TEM to the SEM, thus enabling quantitative diffraction contrast studies at lower voltages in SEM. This is achieved in STEM mode by inserting a custom-made aperture between the sample and the STEM detector and centering the hole on a desired reflection. To select individual reflections for dark-field imaging, we use our Low Energy Nanodiffraction (LEND) setup [Schweizer et al., Ultramicroscopy 213, 112956 (2020)], which captures transmission diffraction patterns from a fluorescent screen positioned below the sample. The aperture-based dark-field STEM method is particularly useful for studying extended defects in 2D materials, where (i) stronger diffraction at the lower voltages used in SEM is advantageous, but (ii) two-beam conditions cannot be established, making quantitative diffraction contrast analysis with standard bright-field and annular dark-field detectors impossible. We demonstrate the method by studying basal plane dislocations in bilayer graphene, which have attracted considerable research interest due to their exceptional structural and electronic properties. Direct comparison of results obtained on identical dislocations by the established TEM method and by the new aperture-based dark-field STEM method in SEM shows that a reliable Burgers vector analysis is possible by applying the well-known g·b=0 invisibility criterion. We further use the LEND setup to acquire 4D-STEM data and show that the virtual dark-field images match well with those in aperture-based dark-field STEM images for reliable Burgers vector analysis.

Extent of Radiolytic Damage from Liquid Cell TEM Experiments on Metal-Organic Frameworks via Post-Mortem 4D-STEM.

We report a systematic analysis of electron beam damage of the zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) during liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM). Our analysis reveals ZIF-8 morphology is strongly affected by solvent used (water vs dimethylformamide), electron flux applied, and imaging mode (i.e., TEM vs STEM), while ZIF-8 crystallinity is primarily affected by accumulated electron fluence. Our observations indicate that the stability of ZIF-8 morphology is higher in dimethylformamide (DMF) than in water. However, in situ electron diffraction indicates that ZIF-8 nanocrystals lose crystallinity at critical fluence of ∼80 e-Å-2 independent of the presence of solvent. Furthermore, 4D-STEM analysis as a post-mortem method reveals the extent of electron beam damage beyond the imaging area and indicates that radiolytic reactions are more pronounced in TEM mode than in STEM mode. These results illustrate the significance of radiolysis occurring while imaging ZIF-8 and present a workflow for assessing damage in LCTEM experiments.

Evaluating Gelatin-Based Films with Graphene Nanoparticles for Wound Healing Applications

In this study, gelatin-based films containing graphene nanoparticles were obtained. Nanoparticles were taken from four chosen commercial graphene nanoplatelets with different surface areas, such as 150 m2/g, 300 m2/g, 500 m2/g, and 750 m2/g, obtained in different conditions. Their morphology was observed using SEM with STEM mode; porosity, Raman spectra and elemental analysis were checked; and biological properties, such as hemolysis and cytotoxicity, were evaluated. Then, the selected biocompatible nanoparticles were used as the gelatin film modification with 10% concentration. As a result of solvent evaporation, homogeneous thin films were obtained. The surface’s properties, mechanical strength, antioxidant activity, and water vapor permeation rate were examined to select the appropriate film for biomedical applications. We found that the addition of graphene nanoplatelets had a significant effect on the properties of materials, improving surface roughness, surface free energy, antioxidant activity, tensile strength, and Young’s modulus. For the most favorable candidate for wound dressing applications, we chose a gelatin film containing nanoparticles with a surface area of 500 m2/g.

Fabrication and characterization of green ZnS:Tb AC- electroluminescent devices by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

MISIM (metal-insulator-semiconductor-insulator-metal) structures of alternating current thin film electroluminescent (ACTFEL) devices were deposited on ATO/glass substrates by the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique. Zirconium oxide and terbium doped zinc sulfide were used as dielectric and semiconductor phosphor layers, respectively. A focused ion beam equipment was used to prepare a lamella of the MISIM structure, for cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy analysis in the STEM mode. Chemical analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental maps was also made for the identification of the distribution of the elements through the layers composing the MISIM structure. Characteristic Tb3+ emission bands due the 5D4 ->7FJ transitions were obtained by AC voltage application at 10 kHz with the main peak centered at 542 nm. An increase in the electroluminescent intensity and a shift of the CIE coordinates toward a purer green color with increasing the applied voltage was observed. The threshold voltage of these green electroluminescent devices was 46 Vrms, and a luminance up to 41 cd/m2 was obtained for the maximum applied voltage of 76.9 Vrms.

An Investigation of Microstructure Characteristic and Sulfide Stress Cracking Behavior of 110 ksi Cr-Mo Grade Casing Steel

The sulfide stress cracking (SSC) behavior of three micro-alloying 110 ksi grade Cr-Mo casing steels were evaluated according to the A-Method tensile test specified in the NACE TM0177 standard (NACE A-method). The fractures of SSC specimens and the micro-structures of the casing steels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the BF and STEM mode. The results show that on the premise of 110 ksi, the yield strength of Co-Mo steel was satisfactory, finer spherical carbides increased the number of irreversible traps; widened polygonised martensitic laths, lowered dislocation density, and lowered the proportion of high-angle grain boundaries and the Σ3 boundaries decreased hydrogen permeability and diffusivity. The SSC resistance of Co-Mo steel with above micro structure characteristics was enhanced.

Optimizing experimental parameters of integrated differential phase contrast (iDPC) for atomic resolution imaging

Integrated differential phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (iDPC-STEM) technique has been well developed for studying atomic structures at sub-Å resolution with the capability of simultaneously imaging heavy and light atoms even at an extremely low electron dose. As a direct phase contrast imaging technique, atomic resolution iDPC-STEM is sensitive to the imaging conditions. Although great achievements have been made both in aspect of theory and experiments, the influence of experimental parameters on the contrast of atomic resolution iDPC-STEM images has not been systematically investigated. Here, we perform the iDPC-STEM simulations on the prototypical example of SrTiO3 with respect to the routine experimental factors, including the defocus, specimen thickness, accelerating voltage, convergence angle, collection angle, sample tilt and electron dose. Through the evaluation of image contrast and atom column intensity, the parameters are discussed to improve the image contrast and the visibility of light elements. Moreover, the dose-dependent simulations demonstrate the advantage of low dose iDPC-STEM imaging over other conventional STEM modes. Our results provide a practical guideline to experimentally obtain accessible atomic resolution iDPC-STEM images.

Improving data quality for three-dimensional electron diffraction by a post-column energy filter and a new crystal tracking method.

Three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) has become an effective technique to determine the structures of submicrometre- (nanometre-)sized crystals. In this work, energy-filtered 3D ED was implemented using a post-column energy filter in both STEM mode and TEM mode [(S)TEM denoting (scanning) transmission electron microscope]. The setups for performing energy-filtered 3D ED on a Gatan imaging filter are described. The technique and protocol improve the accessibility of energy-filtered 3D ED post-column energy filters, which are available in many TEM laboratories. In addition, a crystal tracking method in STEM mode using high-angle annular dark-field imaging is proposed. This method enables the user to monitor the crystal position while collecting 3D ED data at the same time, allowing a larger tilt range without foregoing any diffraction frames or imposing extra electron dose. In order to compare the differences between energy-filtered and unfiltered 3D ED data sets, three well known crystallized inorganic samples have been studied in detail. For these samples, the final R 1 values improved by 10-30% for the energy-filtered data sets compared with the unfiltered data sets, and the structures became more chemically reasonable. Possible reasons for improvement are also discussed.

The influence of illumination conditions in the measurement of built-in electric field at p–n junctions by 4D-STEM

Momentum resolved 4D-STEM, also called center of mass (CoM) analysis, has been used to measure the long range built-in electric field of a silicon p–n junction. The effect of different STEM modes and the trade-off between spatial resolution and electric field sensitivity are studied. Two acquisition modes are compared: nanobeam and low magnification (LM) modes. A thermal noise free Medipix3 direct electron detector with high speed acquisition has been used to study the influence of low electron beam current and millisecond dwell times on the measured electric field and standard deviation. It is shown that LM conditions can underestimate the electric field values due to a bigger probe size used but provide an improvement of almost one order of magnitude on the signal-to-noise ratio, leading to a detection limit of 0.011 MV cm−1. It is observed that the CoM results do not vary with acquisition time or electron dose as low as 24 e−/A2, showing that the electron beam does not influence the built-in electric field and that this method can be robust for studying beam sensitive materials, where a low dose is needed.

Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy in a Scanning Electron Microscope for the High-Throughput Imaging of Biological Assemblies

Electron microscopy of soft and biological materials, or "soft electron microscopy", is essential to the characterization of macromolecules. Soft microscopy is governed by enhancing contrast while maintaining low electron doses, and sample preparation and imaging methodologies are driven by the length scale of features of interest. While cryo-electron microscopy offers the highest resolution, larger structures can be characterized efficiently and with high contrast using low-voltage electron microscopy by performing scanning transmission electron microscopy in a scanning electron microscope (STEM-in-SEM). Here, STEM-in-SEM is demonstrated for a four-lobed protein assembly where the arrangement of the proteins in the construct must be examined. STEM image simulations show the theoretical contrast enhancement at SEM-level voltages for unstained structures, and experimental images with multiple STEM modes exhibit the resolution possible for negative-stained proteins. This technique can be extended to complex protein assemblies, larger structures such as cell sections, and hybrid materials, making STEM-in-SEM a valuable high-throughput imaging method.

Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Space Fillers to Enhance Volumetric Energy Density of NMC811 Cathode Material for Li-Ion Batteries

Ni-rich layered transition metal (TM) oxides are considered to be the most promising cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries because of their high electrochemical capacity, high Li+ ion (de)intercalation potential, and low cobalt content. However, such materials possess several drawbacks including relatively low volumetric energy density caused by insufficient values of tap density. Herein, we demonstrate an exceptionally rapid and energy-saving synthesis of the mixed hydroxide precursor for the LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) positive electrode (cathode) material through a microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique. The obtained material further serves as a space-filler to fill the voids between spherical agglomerates in the cathode powder prepared via a conventional co-precipitation technique boosting the tap density of the resulting mixed NMC811 by 30% up to 2.9 g/cm3. Owing to increased tap density, the volumetric energy density of the composite cathode exceeds 2100 mWh/cm3 vs. 1690 mWh/cm3 for co-precipitated samples. The crystal structure of the obtained materials was scrutinized by powder X-ray diffraction and high angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM); the cation composition and homogeneity of TM spatial distribution were investigated using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in a STEM mode (STEM-EDX). Well-crystallized NMC811 with a relatively low degree of anti-site disorder and homogeneous TM distribution in a combination with the co-precipitated material delivers a reversible discharge capacity as high as ~200 mAh/g at 0.1C current density and capacity retention of 78% after 300 charge/discharge cycles (current density 1C) within the voltage region of 2.7–4.3 V vs. Li/Li+.

Site-specific preparation of plan-view samples with large field of view for atomic resolution STEM and TEM studies of rapidly solidified multi-phase Al Cu thin films

The present work describes application of a method for site-specific plan-view sample preparation for atomic column resolution scanning transmission and transmission electron microscopy (STEM and TEM) from free-standing thin films of multi-phase Al-alloys after laser irradiation induced rapid solidification (RS). The electron-transparent multilayer thin film samples (amorphous Si3N4 substrate plus metal alloy layer) had a total initial thickness of ≈ 130–200 nm. At such large total sample thickness frequently multiple grains of the same or different phases overlap along the electron beam path in the RS microstructures of the alloys. Consequently, accurate atomic resolution images in TEM and STEM mode, and composition sensitive analytical data of the metastable microstructural features presenting in the RS microstructures cannot be obtained with confidence. Using low-energy concentrated Ar ion beam milling, locally thinned regions with thickness of 20–30 nm with large fields of view ≥ (30 μm)2 suitable for high-resolution TEM/STEM studies have been created with micron-scale site-specificity. As example application, atomic scale resolution TEM/STEM imaging has been performed of the banded grain regions of the RS microstructure established in multi-phase AlCu alloy thin films. The sample preparation strategy described here appears to be readily applicable to freestanding thin film specimens in general.

Effect of electron beam irradiation on the temperature of single AuGe nanoparticles in a TEM

Knowledge of the actual temperature of nanoparticles under electron beam irradiation is of growing demand for in situ TEM studies. In this work, we addressed the problem with an experimental study of the temperature increment of single AuGe nanoparticles in a TEM and a STEM. The two-phase hemispherical AuGe nanoparticles were formed by the dewetting of an Au/Ge film on a SiNx substrate. The nanoparticles were thermally cycled in an electron microscope in the 293–653 K temperature range, under a wide range of electron beam currents. The jump-like change of the morphology of the AuGe nanoparticles at melting was used as a temperature label. The melting-crystallization process in binary alloy nanoparticles is fully reversible, with a large temperature hysteresis. It could be repeated on the same nanoparticle, providing a simple and robust way to measure the local temperature increment induced by the electron beam. It was shown that the temperature of the AuGe nanoparticles rose linearly with the e-beam current density J, and the temperature increment reached 25 K at J ∼ 1.8 × 106 A/m2 in the TEM. Given a fully known specimen geometry, the temperature increment was calculated when using theoretical approaches and compared with the experimental observations. As a result, recommendations for the assessment of real temperature in similar configurations were provided. In the STEM mode, no change in the temperature of the nanoparticles was registered at conventional parameters of the electron beam and the raster scans, which makes this mode preferable for in situ studies of metal and alloy nanoparticles.

Improving data quality for 3D electron diffraction (3DED) by Gatan Image Filter (GIF)

3D ED is an effective technique to determine the structures of submicron- or nano-sized crystals. In this paper, we implemented energy-filtered 3D ED using a Gatan Energy Filter (GIF) in both selected area electron diffraction mode and micro/nanoprobe mode. We explained the setup in detail, which improves the accessibility of energy-filtered 3D ED experiments as more electron microscopes are equipped with a GIF than an in-column filter. We also proposed a crystal tracking method in STEM mode using live HAADF image stream. This method enables us to collect energy-filtered 3D ED datasets in STEM mode with a larger tilt range without foregoing any frames. In order to compare the differences between energy-filtered 3D ED and normal 3D ED data, three crystalline samples have been studied in detail. We observed that the final R1 will improve 20% to 30% for energy-filtered datasets compared with unfiltered datasets and the structure became more reasonable. We also discussed the possible reasons that lead to the improvement.

Abstract P-47: Analysis of Phosphorus Distribution in Giant Bacteriophage Capsid by Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy

Background: We have recently developed a method to visualize the distribution of DNA in the cytoplasm of bacteria by analytical electron microscopy (EM), using the Phosphorus signal (dsDNA contains two phosphate groups per each nucleotide pair), that was detected and mapped onto the image of the cell (Danilova et al, 2020; Loiko et al, 2020). Here we applied this technique to study much smaller objects – the DNA packing inside bacteriophage heads. We studied phiEL, giant phiKZ-like bacteriophage of the Myoviridae family that infects Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Krylov et al, 2003). We have earlier demonstrated that this phage contains an ‘inner body’ inside its capsid, which is responsible for the specific DNA packing (Sokolova et al, 2014). Methods: The phage propagation was performed as described before (Sokolova et al, 2014). A 3 ul sample of purified bacteriophage phiEL was applied to the glow-discharged carbon-coated copper grid and stained with freshly prepared ammonium Molybdate 2% aquatic solution for 30 sec. Grids were loaded into Gatan cooling holder and the temperature of the specimen was kept at -180°C. EELS spectra and phosphorus elemental maps were obtained on JEOL2100 microscope, operating at 200 kV with the Gatan GIF Quantum ER spectrometer in STEM mode. Pixel size was set to 15-20 nm. STEM drift correction was applied after each 40-50 pixels. Each spectrum was obtained at a 6.0 mrad collection angle, 0.25 eV dispersion, and 132 eV energy shift. The spectra from different pixels were aligned to carbon K-edge. Results: Phosphorus mapping inside and outside the bacteriophage capsid was performed (Fig. 1). Outside the capsid, the phosphorus signal was practically absent, which corresponds to the presence of DNA only inside the capsid. The distribution of phosphorus inside the capsid was uneven: the rectangular area in the middle of the capsid contained a weak signal, while a more intense signal was detected on the periphery. This can be explained by the presence of an ‘inner body’ inside (Fig. 1C). Conclusion: Thus, our results justify the possibility of using the analytical EM technique to study the distribution of DNA by mapping Phosphorus in biological nano-objects at relatively low content of the element.

Experimental sample of a flow distributor of stem materials from rolls

Annotation Purpose. To create an experimental sample of the flow distributor of stem materials from rolls on the basis of the feeder type KTU-10, by development of conveyor and biter cutting working bodies of the current principle of action for small-volume separation and delivery of rolled stem forage and litter materials and the stand for laboratory researches. Methods. Analysis of existing technological schemes and technical means for grinding rolls of stem fodder. Computer programs for modeling objects of technological processes and parameters of technical means (KOMPAS 3, Mathcad, Matlab + Simulink). Results. Taking into account the shortcomings of the parameters of the existing blowers, a structural and technological scheme of the universal distributor of loose and formed into bales and rolls of stem materials was developed and an experimental sample was created on the basis of a narrow-sized KTU-10 feeder using knife sliders and sliding cutters. The equipment can grind and distribute hay and straw of any humidity in rolls, bales, and placer. The stand for laboratory researches of an experimental sample is prepared. Conclusions. The analysis of technical means for the use of rolled stem materials on cattle farms revealed that on about 1000 farms in Ukraine the distribution of stem rolled and baled materials is performed using manual labor, as special tools have high energy consumption (power – 45–95 kW), material consumption (weight – 1150–3950 kg), cost (150–450 thousand UAH) and operating costs. To solve the problem, the structural and technological scheme of the distributor of placer and rolled stem materials on the basis of the widespread KTU-10 feed distributor with the use of a new block of knife beaters of sliding cutting with inertial anti-cutting support and end feed of bales and rolls is substantiated. An experimental sample of the distributor of rolled stem materials on the basis of the small-sized distributor KTV-3.5 (KTU type) with the independent electric drive of working bodies with a power of 5.5 kW which is used for researches of laws of the updated process is developed. The stand for laboratory researches of an experimental sample is prepared. Keywords: experimental sample, rolled stem materials, working bodies, knife beaters, design and mode parameters.

Hexapole corrector for LVEM

In recent years, aberration correction has slowly become standard in high-end conventional transmission electron microscopy (50-200 kV). However, the integration of correctors to low voltage transmission systems (5-25 kV) has proved to be difficult.The hexapole corrector based on permanent magnet technology seems to be a promising solution for the correction of the primary spherical aberration. Especially if the compact dimensions and low complexity are to be preserved. However, the high importance of chromatic aberration with respect to the microscope resolution still remains a serious obstacle. It must be taken into account when the design is made.The following presented concept is intended exclusively for STEM mode to avoid additional chromatic deterioration caused by electron passage through the sample. The design of the key segment (transfer lens doublet) is discussed in detail, including its compensation systems, which guarantees proper alignment.

Fast-ADT: A fast and automated electron diffraction tomography setup for structure determination and refinement

Electron crystallography has focused in the last few years on the analyses of microcrystals, mainly organic compounds, triggered by recent publications on acquisition methods based on direct detection cameras and continuous stage tilting. However, the main capability of a transmission electron microscope is the access to features at the nanometre scale. In this context, a new acquisition method, called fast and automated diffraction tomography (Fast-ADT), has been developed in form of a general application in order to get the most of the diffraction space from a TEM. It consists of two subsequent tilt scans of the goniometric stage; one to obtain a crystal tracking file and a second one to acquire an electron diffraction tomography. This setup has been implemented on both TEM and STEM modes of the microscope, thus it can be installed on any TEM regardless of the availability of a scanning unit. BaSO4 crystals have been measured to demonstrate the validity of the technique for structure determination and refinement. A recently solved layered silicate, RUB-5, has been used to prove the method advantages for fine identification of disorder details. Last, a new polymorph of a DRED1 organic molecule has been solved ab initio and refined by X-ray powder diffraction to show the full application of the presented method.

Study of solvent effect on the synthesis of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers based on ultrasound probe: Application for sulfonamide detection.

In this work, a comparative study of the effect of various solvents on the synthesis of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) based on the use of high-power ultrasound probe is reported for the first time. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF), ethanol, acetonitrile and acetone were studied as solvents for the synthesis of MMIPs. Several crucial experimental conditions such as the time of synthesis and the applied amplitude were investigated. DMSO, DMF and ethanol were successfully used for ultrasound-assisted synthesis of MMIPs. However, for the polymerization performed using acetonitrile and acetone, no significant conversion to product was observed. Under optimal conditions for each solvent tested, the synthesized MMIPs were characterized using several techniques such as Scanning/Transmission Electron Microscopy (SEM and STEM modes), X-Ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer system. The study of adsorption time of MMIPs showed that fast adsorption occurred due to the presence of specific imprinted sites on the surface. Moreover, isotherm study showed that the experimental equilibrium data fitted well with Freundlich model. The results of selectivity study indicated that MMIPs could selectively recognize the target molecule. Due to its high adsorption properties and easiness of preparation, MMIP-DMSO was used successfully as adsorbent material in solid-phase extraction coupled to a colorimetric method for sulfamethoxazole (SMX). After optimizing analytical conditions, a calibration plot was performed in the concentration range from 0.2 to 5 µg·mL-1 with limits of detection and quantitation of 0.06 and 0.2 µg·mL-1, respectively. The developed procedure was applied successfully for SMX determination in spiked tap and mineral waters showing satisfactory recoveries. Besides, reusability study demonstrated that MMIP could be reused at least 8 times keeping good binding capacity.

Radiation nanotechnology for selective modifications of atomic composition and properties of thin film materials

We have demonstrated using of ion beam irradiation to control the atomic composition and properties of thin film materials by three different ways. Selective removal of atoms (SRA) technique allows us to transform Co3O4 to Co. By EELS on cross-section samples in STEM mode it was shown that target depth recovery profile has no monotonic character that proved the radiation nature of SRA process. Selective displacement of Atoms (SDA) technique under oxygen ion irradiation was used to control the critical current of ultrathin superconductive NbN film that can have an implementation during new cryogenic logic device design.

Fast route for the synthesis of decorated nanostructured magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers using an ultrasound probe

In this paper, we report for the first time a novel, simple and fast method for the synthesis of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (Mag-MIPs) based on high-energy ultrasound probe. Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) was used as template molecule, methacrylic acid as functional monomer, ethylene glycole dimethacrylate as crosslinking agent and magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) as the supporting core. The effects of time (5, 7.5 and 10 min) and the applied amplitude (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60%) using the ultrasound probe for the synthesis of Mag-MIPs were studied and optimized. By applying the proposed synthesis method, the US-magMIPs synthesis time was satisfactorily reduced from several hours to a few minutes (7.5 min) in a simple way. For comparison purposes, the Mag-MIP and the non imprinted polymer (MagNIP) were also synthesized employing an ultrasound bath assisted approach (2 h, 65 °C).Magnetic NPs and US-magMIPs synthesized by both ways were investigated by means of several characterization techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning/Transmission electron microscopy (SEM and STEM modes), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The results obtained confirms clearly the formation of magnetic NPs and their successful decoration by the imprinted polymer in both synthesis ways.The sulfonamide binding efficiency of US-magMIPs synthesized by the ultrasound probe and ultrasound bath were investigated according to the adsorption isotherm. The obtained results showed that the US-magMIP synthesized with the probe has more binding capacity compared to the one synthesized with US bath. The adsorption time was studied and both synthesized US-magMIPs reached the maximum adsorption capacity toward SMX after 1 h and the US-magMIP probe tends to have more easiness to bind SMX in less time. The selectivity studies of the synthesized US-magMIPs based on probe and bath showed a high affinity for SMX compared to its structural analogues such as sulfadiazine, sulfamerazine and sulfacetamide.