Electron microscopic study of fine particles of beryllium

It is demonstrated that nanometre-sized particles of beryllium may be readily generatedin situ by the electron-beam induced decomposition of BeH2 within a transmission electron microscope. The particles, to a first approximation, are distributed around two well-defined sizes, each size with its own distinct morphology: the first are hexagonal plates (approximately 1.5 μm) and the second are slightly polygonized spheres of dimensions between 1 and 5 nm. The morphological form of these particles is presented and discussed as well as the electron energy loss spectrum and some high-resolution lattice images. The results are compared with those obtained for other metal hydrides.