Nanofibers are a matter of perspective: effects of methodology and subjectivity on diameter measurements

• DOI: 10.1039/d3na00528c
• Publication Date: 2023-10-11T09:04:26Z
• Authors: Martin Wortmann; Michael Westphal; Bernhard Kaltschmidt; Michaela Klöcker; Ashley S. Layland; Bennet Brockhagen; Andreas Hütten; Natalie Frese; Andrea Ehrmann
• Keywords: Chemistry; 530

Nanofibers are currently among the most researched nanomaterials in materials science. Various high-resolution microscopy techniques used for morphological investigations, with diameter as primary characteristic. Since methodological factors influencing distribution usually ignored, numerical values can hardly be compared across different or even within single studies. Here, we investigate such technique, degree of magnification, eventual coatings, and analysts' bias image selection evaluation. We imaged a nanofiber sample using scanning electron (SEM), helium ion (HIM), atomic force (AFM), transmission (TEM). These yield significant variations between distributions. further observed strong influence subjectivity, consistent average deviation 4 analysts up to 31%. The micrographs each category was 14%, revealing considerable micrograph potential cherry picking. mean were mostly comparable results automated analysis software, which more reproducible, much faster, accurate images lower magnification. demonstrate that one frequently measured characteristics nanofibers is subject systematic fluctuations rarely if ever addressed.