Transmission Electron Microscopy Images Research Articles

Tuning the End Alkyl Chain of the Ether Solvent to Stabilize the Electrode/Electrolyte Interfaces in the NCM-Li Battery.

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) combined with a high-voltage nickel-rich cathode show great potential in meeting the growing need for high energy density. The lack of advanced electrolytes has been a major obstacle in the commercialization of high-voltage lithium metal batteries (LMBs), as these electrolytes need to effectively support both a stable lithium metal anode (LMA) and a high-voltage cathode (>4 V vs Li+/Li). In this work, by extending the two terminal methyl groups in DIGDME and TEGDME to n-butyl groups, we design a new weakly solvating electrolyte (2 M LIFSI+TEGDBE) that enables the stable cycling of NMC83 (LiNi0.83Co0.12Mn0.05O2) cathodes. The NMC83 cell exhibits a high and stable Coulombic efficiency (CE) of over 99%, as well as capacity retention of approximately 99.8% after 100 cycles at 0.3 C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis (XPS) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) images revealed that the anion species decomposed first, resulting in the formation of a cathode-electrolyte interface (CEI) film predominantly consisting of decomposition products from the anions on the positive electrode surface. This work links the functional group of solvents with the solvation structure and electrochemical performance of ether-based electrolytes, providing a distinctive sight to design advanced electrolytes for high-energy-density LMBs.

Hidden Impurities Generate False Positives in Single Atom Catalyst Imaging.

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are an emerging class of materials, leveraging maximum atom utilization and distinctive structural and electronic properties to bridge heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis. Direct imaging methods, such as aberration-corrected high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, are commonly applied to confirm the atomic dispersion of active sites. However, interpretations of data from these techniques can be challenging due to simultaneous contributions to intensity from impurities introduced during synthesis processes, as well as any variation in position relative to the focal plane of the electron beam. To address this matter, this paper presents a comprehensive study on two representative SACs containing isolated nickel or copper atoms. Spectroscopic techniques, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy, were employed to prove the high metal dispersion of the catalytic atoms. Employing scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging combined with single-atom-sensitive electron energy loss spectroscopy, we scrutinized thin specimens of the catalysts to provide an unambiguous chemical identification of the observed single-atom species and thereby distinguish impurities from active sites at the single-atom level. Overall, the study underscores the complexity of SACs characterization and establishes the importance of the use of spectroscopy in tandem with imaging at atomic resolution to fully and reliably characterize single-atom catalysts.

Assessment of the Effect of Surface Modification of Metal Oxides on Silver Nanoparticles: Optical Properties and Potential Toxicity.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have garnered significant interest due to their distinctive properties and potential applications. Traditional fabrication methods for nanoparticles often involve high-energy physical conditions and the use of toxic solvents. Various green synthesis approaches have been developed to circumvent these issues and produce environmentally benign nanoparticles. Our study focuses on the green synthesis of AgNPs using L-ascorbic acid and explores the modification of their properties to enhance antibacterial and anticancer effects. This is achieved by coating the nanoparticles with Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Silica oxide (SiO2), which alters their optical properties in the visible spectrum. The synthesized formulations-AgNPs, zinc oxide-silver nanoparticles (Ag@ZnO), and silica oxide-silver nanoparticles (Ag@SiO2) core/shell nanoparticles-were characterized using a suite of physicochemical techniques, including Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential measurement, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Refractive Index Measurements, and Optical Anisotropy Assessment. TEM imaging revealed particle sizes of 11 nm for AgNPs, 8 nm for Ag@ZnO, and 400 nm for Ag@SiO2. The Zeta potential values for Ag@ZnO and Ag@SiO2 were measured at -17.0 ± 5 mV and -65.0 ± 8 mV, respectively. UV-Vis absorption spectra were recorded for all formulations in the 320 nm to 600 nm wavelength range. The refractive index of AgNPs at 404.7 nm was 1.34572, with slight shifts observed for Ag@ZnO and Ag@SiO2 to 1.34326 and 1.37378, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the nanocomposites against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) was assessed using the MTT assay. The results indicated that AgNPs and Ag@ZnO exhibited potent therapeutic effects, with IC50 values of 494.00 µg/mL and 430.00 µg/mL, respectively, compared to 4247.20 µg/mL for Ag@SiO2. Additionally, the antibacterial efficacy of AgNPs was significantly enhanced under visible light irradiation. Ag@ZnO demonstrated substantial antibacterial activity both with and without light exposure, while the Ag@SiO2 nanocomposites significantly reduced the inherent antibacterial activity of silver. Conversely, the Ag@ZnO nanocomposites displayed pronounced antibacterial and anticancer activities. The findings suggest that silver-based nanocomposites, particularly Ag@ZnO, could be practical tools in water treatment and the pharmaceutical industry due to their enhanced therapeutic properties.

Characterization and Cytotoxicity Assessment of Synthesized Palladium (II) Complex-Encapsulated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment.

The treatment of cancer often leads to a range of adverse effects. Encapsulating drugs can mitigate these effects and enhance drug efficacy by enabling a controlled release at the site of interest. This study details the successful synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) through the precipitation of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O with KOH. A Pd(II) complex drug was synthesized from a Schiff base ligand derived from 2-hydroxybenzohydrazide and (E)-1-(2-(p-tolyl)hydrazono)propan-2-one using potassium tetrachloropalladate(II). This complex was subsequently incorporated into ZnONPs. Characterization of the resulting compounds was performed using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy. TEM imaging revealed particle sizes of 160.69 ± 4.74 nm for ZnONPs and 185.28 ± 2.3 nm for the Pd(II) complex-encapsulated ZnONPs. The Zeta potential values were 6.53 mV for ZnONPs and 7.36 mV for Pd(II) complex-encapsulated ZnONPs. UV-visible spectroscopy showed an absorption peak at 360 nm for ZnONPs, while the Pd(II) complex-encapsulated ZnONPs exhibited a peak at 410 nm. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of the Pd(II) complex within the ZnONPs, as evidenced by a consistent Zn-O vibrational band at 832 cm-1 and a shift in another peak from 460 to 413 cm-1. Additionally, the detection of a C = N stretching vibration at 1548 cm-1 and a carbonyl stretch at 1626 cm-1 was observed. The Encapsulation Efficiency (E.E.) of the Pd(II) complex was 97.2%. A drug release experiment conducted at pH 7 showed a steady-state release pattern after 16 h, with a cumulative release of 44.3%. The cytotoxic effects of the Pd(II) complex and its encapsulated form in ZnONPs on the MCF-7 cell line were assessed via MTT test. The Pd(II) complex encapsulated within ZnONPs exhibited decreased toxicity relative to the unencapsulated drug, as evidenced by a higher IC50 value of 418.5 μg/ml. This suggests that the encapsulation facilitates a sustained release, which allows for targeted accumulation within cells. The elevated IC50 value indicates that the drug delivery system may be engineered to modulate the release of the drug in a more controlled manner, potentially resulting in a prolonged release profile rather than an immediate therapeutic impact.

Unveiling the enhanced optical limiting of polyaniline – Fullerene composite investigated by z-scan

The reverse saturable absorption (RSA) and optical limiting (OL) mechanisms of polyaniline (PANI) and fullerene doped PANI (PANI-C60) solutions were investigated by open-aperture z-scan studies, using a nanosecond pulsed Nd:YAG laser operating at 532 nm wavelength as the excitation source. The nonlinear absorption coefficient (β), OL threshold, and imaginary part of nonlinear susceptibility (χi(3)) of PANI and PANI-C60 solutions were determined for three different laser input pulse energies and are found to be in the order of 10−9 cm/W, 106 W/cm2, and 10−10 esu respectively. The results showed enhanced OL efficiency for the PANI-C60 solution, making it a promising candidate for applications in optoelectronics and optical limiting. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) images revealed the uniform distribution of C60 of particle size in the range of 5–10 nm in the PANI matrix. The composite formation of PANI-C60 was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The presence of C60 and its charge transfer complex (CTC) formation with PANI are responsible for the enhanced OL efficiency. The linear refractive index values were measured using UV–Visible absorption spectra and compared with the theoretical values. The investigation of the OL mechanism and the calculation of its associated NLO parameters for PANI and PANI-C60 solutions are reported for the first time.

Polar Bloch points in strained ferroelectric films

Topological domain structures have drawn great attention as they have potential applications in future electronic devices. As an important concept linking the quantum and classical magnetism, a magnetic Bloch point, predicted in 1960s but not observed directly so far, is a singular point around which magnetization vectors orient to nearly all directions. Here we show polar Bloch points in tensile-strained ultrathin ferroelectric PbTiO3 films, which are alternatively visualized by phase-field simulations and aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopic imaging. The phase-field simulations indicate local steady-state negative capacitance around the Bloch points. The observation of polar Bloch points and their emergent properties consequently implies novel applications in future integrated circuits and low power electronic devices.

Plant-assisted green preparation of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Dalbergia sissoo and their antioxidant, antibacterial and catalytic applications.

Plant-mediated preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is thought to be a more economical and environmentally benign process in comparison to physical and chemical synthesis methods. In the present study, the aqueous leaf extract of Dalbergia sissoo was prepared and utilized to reduce silver ion (Ag+) during the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (DL-AgNPs). The formation of DL-AgNPs was verified using UV-Vis spectra, exhibiting the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at around 450nm. FT-IR analysis revealed the kinds of phytochemicals that serve as reducing and capping agents while DL-AgNPs are being synthesized. Analysis of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) images verified the development of spherical and oval-shaped DL-AgNPs, with sizes ranging from 10 to 25nm. The stability and particle size distribution of synthesized DL-AgNPs were ensured by zeta potential and DLS (dynamic light scattering) investigations. Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of DL-AgNPs. In antioxidant experiments, DL-AgNPs demonstrated significant scavenging capacities of DPPH and ABTS radicals with EC50 values of 51.32 and 33.32μg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial activity of DL-AgNPs was shown to be significant against harmful bacteria, with a maximum zone of inhibition (21.5 ± 0.86mm) against Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, DL-AgNPs exhibited effective catalytic activity to degrade environment-polluting dyes (methylene blue, methyl orange, and Congo red) and toxic chemicals (p-nitrophenol). The results of all these studies suggested that DL-AgNPs made from the leaf extract of Dalbergia sissoo have merit for application in the environmental and biomedical fields.

Effect of carbon coating on surface structure in annealing process of high-dose implanted/annealed SiC

The effect of carbon coating on a surface structure of a high-dose implanted/annealed silicon carbide (SiC) during annealing was examined using scanning probe microscopy (SPM), deep-ultraviolet (DUV) Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In SPM, the surfaces of 500- and 30 °C-implanted/annealed SiC samples without coating exhibited a periodic-step structure and granular structure, respectively. The difference between these surfaces is attributed to the absence or presence of residual implantation damage. In contrast, surface flatness was maintained in the 500 °C-implanted/annealed SiC sample with carbon coating. However, the surface of the coated 30 °C-implanted/annealed SiC sample exhibited a geometric structure with a lattice pattern parallel to the ⟨112¯0⟩ axes. The DUV Raman spectra and TEM images indicated that the implanted layer of this sample metamorphosed into a mixture of 3C-SiC twin domains and amorphous-SiC regions. During the cooling process after annealing, the 3C-SiC region was more raised than the amorphous-SiC region owing to the difference in the thermal expansion coefficients, thus resulting in the generation of a geometric surface structure. In the metamorphosed implanted layer, the carbon coating does not completely prevent surface roughening.

Crystal structures of two new high-pressure oxynitrides with composition SnGe4N4O4, from single-crystal electron diffraction.

SnGe4N4O4 was synthesized at high pressure (16 and 20 GPa) and high temperature (1200 and 1500°C) in a large-volume press. Powder X-ray diffraction experiments using synchrotron radiation indicate that the derived samples are mixtures of known and unknown phases. However, the powder X-ray diffraction patterns are not sufficient for structural characterization. Transmission electron microscopy studies reveal crystals of several hundreds of nanometres in size with different chemical composition. Among them, crystals of a previously unknown phase with stoichiometry SnGe4N4O4 were detected and investigated using automated diffraction tomography (ADT), a three-dimensional electron diffraction method. Via ADT, the crystal structure could be determined from single nanocrystals in space group P63mc, exhibiting a nolanite-type structure. This was confirmed by density functional theory calculations and atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy images. In one of the syntheses runs a rhombohedral 6R polytype of SnGe4N4O4 could be found together with the nolanite-type SnGe4N4O4. The structure of this polymorph was solved as well using ADT.

Aminated nanocellulose-mediated synthesis of polyaniline/nanocellulose hybrid materials for sustainable conductive and supercapacitors nanopapers

Diamine-functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (DamCNCs) prepared by periodate oxidation and reductive amination were used as a scaffold for the in-situ oxidative polymerization of polyaniline (PANI). Unlike unmodified CNCs, the hybrid PANI/DamCNC particles formed a stable colloidal suspension over a large pH domain, PANI particles having nucleated and grown from the nanocrystals. The hybridization of PANI was validated by transmission electron microscopy images, along with Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, and UV–Vis spectra. By taking advantage of the colloidal stability of the PANI/DamCNC nanohybrids, flexible and freestanding thin nanopapers were prepared, with different contents in PANI/DamCNCs, using cationic or anionic cellulose nanofibrils (CCNFs or ACNFs, respectively). Conductive nanopapers were obtained by mixing CCNFs with PANI/DamCNCs at a content higher than 20 wt%, exhibiting high flexibility, mechanical integrity, transparency, and stability over time. This work proposes a simple process to fabricate a novel class of biobased conductive hybrid nanofiller based on PANI grafted on DamCNCs, stable in water, that may be used as an additive in nanocellulose suspensions to produce green flexible thin nanopapers, with potential use in different types of electronic devices such as electronic displays, smart packaging, or paper-based supercapacitors for energy storage.

Synthesis of core-shell nanoparticles with liquid core using magnetron sputtering and capacitively coupled dusty plasmas

Abstract We succeeded in depositing amorphous carbon films around tin nanodroplets retained in a capacitively coupled plasma (CCP). High-pressure magnetron sputtering was used for synthesizing tin nanoparticles at the top of a vacuum chamber. Tin nanoparticles were transported to CCP at the bottom of the chamber, and they were trapped in the sheath above an rf electrode. Tin nanoparticles were heated above the melting point by ion bombardment in CCP. We introduced methane into CCP to deposit amorphous carbon films around melted tin nanoparticles. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of core-shell nanoparticles showed completely spherical cores. We observed the melting of cores at the melting point of metal tin when we heated core-shell nanoparticles in TEM, suggesting that the amorphous carbon films protected cores from the oxidation. In addition, the amorphous carbon films were robust against the volume expansion of the cores due to melting.

Optical tunability with superlattice hyperbolic metamaterial coatings

Optical tunability is demonstrated with multi-metal hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM) structures on varying substrate surfaces. A systematic uniaxial modeling methodology is adapted from classical approaches to extract the anisotropic permittivity of the films to identify epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) behavior over a wide range of metal volume fractions (φ). The anisotropic model accuracy is quantified by a mean squared error (MSE) with the presented modeling routine resulting in a MSE < 35 for all samples. The optical model thicknesses were verified with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging and measurements. This study also demonstrates the ability to tune the optical responses in the visible-to-infrared frequencies with surface microtexturing and applied strain with HMM coatings on flexible Kapton substrates. Furthermore, the structured films and modeling procedure lay the groundwork for future studies on coupling the anisotropic optical and thermal properties for control over advanced multifunctional thin-film coatings.

FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT AND IN VITRO PENETRATION TEST OF ETHOSOME OF CHROMOLAENA ODORATA LEAVES EXTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to develop and assess ethosome preparation using extracts derived from the leaves of Chromolaena odorata. Methods: The study started by obtaining Chromolaena odorata leaf extracts. Furthermore, Ethosome formulations were produced using a thermal technique. Ethosome variants were created, each with distinct compositions: Formulation F1, containing 10 ml of ethanol without the extract; Formulation F2, consisting of 0.5 grams of the extract mixed with 10 ml of ethanol; Formulation F3, combining 1 gram of the extract with 20 ml of ethanol; and Formulation F4, incorporating 1.5 grams of the extract with 30 ml of ethanol. The ethosomal systems were thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques, such as organoleptic analysis, quantification of particle dimensions, zeta potential evaluation, pH metric analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging, and in vitro permeability assessment using the Franz Diffusion Cell apparatus. Results: The findings indicated that the optimized F4 formulation showed 161.2±32.0 nm particle size measurement and a+34.33±0.58 mV zeta potential. All formula possess a pH range of 4.5-6.5, within which the skin can acclimate to preparations. It is evident from all formulations that the pH decreased after the addition of the extract at an acidic pH of 4.11. Following the 12-week storage period, the pH of all treatments exhibited a modest reduction; however, it remained within the acceptable range for skin pH. Furthermore, the F4 formula also had a higher level of penetration activity. Conclusion: The optimized ethosomal formulations of Chromolaena odorata have promising applications in enhancing the permeability and efficacy of plant-derived therapeutic agents.

Synthesis, characterisation and in vitro anticancer activity of conjugated protease inhibitor-silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-PI) against human breast MCF-7 and prostate PC-3 cancer cell lines.

The conjugated silver nanoparticles using biomolecules have attracted great attention of researchers because physical dimensions and surface chemistry play important roles in toxicity and biocompatibility of AgNPs. Hence, in the current study, synthesis of bio-conjugated AgNPs with protein protease inhibitor (PI) isolated from Streptomyces spp. is reported. UV-visible spectra of PI and AgNPs showed stronger peaks at 280 and 405nm, confirming the synthesis of conjugated AgNPs-PI. TEM and SEM images of AgNPs-PI showed spherical-shaped nanoparticles with a slight increase in particle size and thin amorphous layer around the surface of silver nanomaterial. Circular dichroism, FT-IR and fluorescence spectral studies confirmed AgNPs-PI conjugation. Conjugated AgNPs-PI showed excellent anticancer potential than AgNPs and protease inhibitor separately on human breast MCF-7 and prostate PC-3 cell lines. The findings revealed that surface modification of AgNPs with protein protease inhibitor stabilised the nanomaterial and increased its anticancer activity.

Bayesian inference of atomic column positions in scanning transmission electron microscopy images

Abstract Atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with 2D Gaussian fitting enables the accurate and precise identification of atomic column positions within a few picometers. The measurement performance significantly depends on the signal-to-noise ratio of the atomic columns. In areas with low signal-to-noise ratios, such as near surfaces, the measurement performance was lower than that of the bulk. However, previous studies evaluated the accuracy and precision only in bulk areas, underscoring the need for a method that quantitatively evaluates the accuracy and precision of each atomic column position with various signal-to-noise ratios. This study introduced Bayesian inference to assess the accuracy and precision of determining individual atomic column positions under various signals. We applied this method to simulated and experimental images and demonstrated its effectiveness in identifying statistically significant displacements, particularly near surfaces with signal degradation. The use of vector maps and kernel density estimate plots obtained from Bayesian inference provided a probabilistic understanding of the atom displacement. Therefore, this study highlighted the potential benefits of Bayesian inference in high-resolution imaging to reveal material properties.

Fabrication and characterization of rubidium ferrites by the solution‐based combustion method using diverse organic fuels

Fabrication and characterization of rubidium ferrites by the solution‐based combustion method using diverse organic fuels

Synthesis and Characterization of (CdO- CuOCo3O4) Mixed Metal Oxides Nanocomposite

Synthesis and Characterization of (CdO- CuOCo3O4) Mixed Metal Oxides Nanocomposite

DFT-Assisted Investigation of the Electric Field and Charge Density Distribution of Pristine and Defective 2D WSe2 by Differential Phase Contrast Imaging.

Most properties of solid materials are defined by their internal electric field and charge density distributions which so far are difficult to measure with high spatial resolution. Especially for 2D materials, the atomic electric fields influence the optoelectronic properties. In this study, the atomic-scale electric field and charge density distribution of WSe2 bi- and trilayers are revealed using an emerging microscopy technique, differential phase contrast (DPC) imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). For pristine material, a higher positive charge density located at the selenium atomic columns compared to the tungsten atomic columns is obtained and tentatively explained by a coherent scattering effect. Furthermore, the change in the electric field distribution induced by a missing selenium atomic column is investigated. A characteristic electric field distribution in the vicinity of the defect with locally reduced magnitudes compared to the pristine lattice is observed. This effect is accompanied by a considerable inward relaxation of the surrounding lattice, which according to first principles DFT calculation is fully compatible with a missing column of Se atoms. This shows that DPC imaging, as an electric field sensitive technique, provides additional and remarkable information to the otherwise only structural analysis obtained with conventional STEM imaging.

Effectiveness of Ag@NiO@g-C3N4 photocatalysts: Green fabrication and superior photocatalysis capability

A novel nanocomposite material, Ag@NiO@g-C3N4, was synthesized using ultrasonic irradiation with Ag@NiO as precursor materials. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of g-C3N4 and anatase Ag@NiO phases within the nanocomposite. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging revealed the deposition of Ag@NiO nanoparticles onto g-C3N4 layers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) verified the presence of C, N, O, Ni, and Ag in the nanocomposite. The synthesized nanocomposite exhibited a significantly increased surface area of 94.705 m2/g and a reduced energy band gap of 3.07 eV. The photocatalytic activity of NiO nanoparticles, Ag@NiO nanoparticles, g-C3N4 nanosheets, and the Ag@NiO@g-C3N4 nanocomposite was evaluated under visible light irradiation. The Ag@NiO@g-C3N4 nanocomposite demonstrated superior photocatalytic performance compared to the individual components. The photocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine (IC) dye was used to assess the photocatalytic activity, and the Ag@NiO@g-C3N4 nanocomposite exhibited exceptional efficacy exhibited a significantly higher reaction rate, estimated to be approximately 100 times faster than the unmodified process. This observation implies that the Ag@NiO@g-C3N4 nanocomposite exhibits potential as a viable material for various environmental applications.

Investigating the temperature dependence of helium bubble dynamics in plasma exposed tungsten via in-situ TEM annealing

In-situ TEM annealing and imaging were performed on tungsten samples pre-exposed at either 573 K or 1013 K in a pure helium plasma to a fluence of 1025 m−2. To investigate the thermal evolution of helium bubbles, the samples were imaged for annealing temperatures up to 998 K in steps of 100 K. It is found that annealing temperatures had little effect on the bubble dynamics for the lower temperature exposure of 573 K. Elongated bubble structures remained in the sample throughout the annealing process and there is minimal change in both the average bubble size and cross-sectional number density. However, annealing had a significant effect on the higher temperature exposure of 1013 K. Bubbles were found to be trapped in large clusters and increasing annealing temperature caused a significant increase in the average bubble size accompanied by a decrease in the cross-sectional bubble number density. The experimental observations are supported by theoretical calculations that show a simultaneous increase in the average number of He atoms per bubble in the higher exposure temperature sample but an overall decrease in He atoms retained within bubbles as the annealing temperature increased. These trends in bubble dynamics with annealing temperature suggest that Ostwald ripening dominates, whereby bubble growth is determined by the different pressures of different bubble sizes, rather than through bubble migration and coalescence.