EM RESOLUTIONS
supporting Electron Microscopy

Carbon support films
Coated grids- get the best from your TEM

Holey and Lacey Carbon films
Continuous carbon, Formvar/Carbon, Formvar only
Graphene oxide

EMResolutions Ltd manufactures a range of carbon support films /coated grids for various TEM applications.

Holey and Lacey Carbon support films with varying hole sizes offer a cost effective solution
where are a continuous film is not desirable. They are particularly suited for suspensionsof nano and virus like particles for cryo-TEM. Lacey Carbon supports are particularly strong
and ideal for specimens requiring more rigorous pre-treatments.
For demanding applications thin layer Graphene oxide (GO) on lacey carbon films are an ideal
alternative, for which we carefully select grids with optimum hole size for this application.
We can supply films on a wide variety of grids; Cu,Au, Ni, Al, including finder grids. Other grid types
and sizes are available on request.
Before packing all grids are checked with an optical
microscope as part of our quality process. Each boxof our support films has a batch number and datecode enabling batches to be tracked and a highlevel of quality to be maintained.
Our experience of developiing methods over 30years enables us to have greater control over theformation of the holes. We welcome feedback
from our users. If you need a particular hole size
or would prefer slightly thicker or thinner films thenplease tell us and we can modify future orders to yourrequirements.

Both Holey and Lacey carbon support films
provide a range of hole sizes

Holey carbon support film

10µm

Lacey carbon support film

10µmHandling instructions
for Carbon support films

Holey and Lacey films are always on the shiny sideof the grid.
Continuous carbon and carbon formvar are on thedull side of the grid.
The use of Dumoxel tweezers is recommended
when handling grids with support films. Their antimagnetic properties reduce the risk of damage
during handling. We particularly favour the use of
the cross-over type. Those who have not used thistype before may find them initially awkward but
persistence pays off.
It is always best to use freshly made support filmsto reduce the risk of them coming into contact withpotential sources of contamination. When not in
use we recommend that grid boxes are stored in acool, dark and dry place. Ideally they should be usedwithin 3 months of manufacturing date. Extremesof temperature should be avoided.

When assessing support films, particularly from a
new supplier there are several artefacts that one
should look out for:1. The quality of the original grid is very importantand should not have spikes on the bars that cancause films to split. These are observable in someCu and Au grids. EM Resolutions checks for this andrejects these batches.
2, Grids should be free of contamination from thegrid making process. Some grid manufacturers
use release agents to remove the grids from thebacking plate, leaving a thin film on the grid. Thiscan result in support films separating from the gridor becoming unstable when viewed in the TEM.

3. Contamination can result from insufficient
removal of the polymer support film after
carbon coatingor from carbon
contamination
The most popular mesh sizes are 200, 300 and 400. during the coatingprocess. EMDuring manufacture some grid squares may split.
Resolutions uses
This is an inherent yet manageable issue in theturbo molecularprocess. For support films on 200 mesh grids apumps in ourmaximum of 5 split grid squares is deemed to becoating systems
acceptable. For a 400 mesh grid 10-12 split grid
to minimise thesquares is tolerable.

Support films are also available on Finder grids

EM Resolutions Ltd offers a choice of grid boxes.
White grid boxes are the most popular as it iseasier to see the grids in the box. They are alsopreferable for longer term storage as they are lessprone to volatile components from the polymer
contaminating the grids.

Holey & Lacey Carbon Films
Support Film

Ordering information

Holey Carbon

Lacey Carbon

Grids

200 mesh

300 mesh

400 mesh

Copper

HC200Cu

HC300Cu

HC400CuGold

HC200Au

HC300Au

HC400Au

NickelHC200Ni

HC300Ni

HC400Ni

Copper

LC200Cu

LC300Cu

LC400CuGold

LC200Au

LC300Au

LC400Au

Nickel

LC200Ni

LC300Ni

LC400Ni

Formvar/Carbon & Carbon Films
Support Film
Formvar/Carbon

CarbonGrids

200 mesh

300 mesh

400 mesh

Copper

FC200Cu

FC300Cu

FC400Cu

GoldFC200Au

FC300AuFC400Au

NickelFC200Ni

FC300Ni

FC400Ni

Copper

C200CuC300CuC400CuGoldC200Au

C300AuC400AuNickelC200Ni

C300Ni

C400Ni

Formvar Only Films
Support Film
Formvar

Grids

200 mesh

300 mesh

400 mesh

Copper

F200CuF300CuF400CuGold

F200AuF300AuF400AuNickel

F200Ni

F300Ni

F400Ni

Please note: The above part numbers are for packs of 50. If you require a pack of 25 or 100 please add thequantity after the part code e.g. F200Cu100, HC300Ni25.

EM RESOLUTIONS
supporting Electron Microscopy

EMResolutions Ltd was founded in 2012and has been supplying high quality
TEM support films and calibration standards toEM laboratories and consumables companies
throughout the UK and the rest of Europe. Our
technical staff have over 50 years combined
experience, learned under the expert guidanceof Alan Agar, one of the pioneers of consumables
and accessories for electron microscopy.
EM Resolutions Ltd, Business and Technology Centre, Chroma House, Shire Hill,Saffron Walden. Essex CB11 3AQ. United Kingdom

w: www.emresolutions.com e: info@emresolutions.com t: +44 (0)1799 522500