New Approach to Electron Microscopy Imaging of Gel Nanocomposites in situ

The files in this dataset contain raw scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images, raw and ASCII files of UV-Vis absorbance, Dynamic Light Scattering and Rheometry data, images recorded during the window membrane patterning, and raw and converted surface profiling data of the patterned windows. Gatan files have a DM3 file extension and TIA files have EMI/SER file extensions. To view and process bright field TEM images, the Reader can use a Gatan free offline software called Gatan Microscopy Suite® software (GMS, Gatan Microscopy Suite® (GMS) software version 3.x - http://www.gatan.com/installation-instructions). To view the HAADF-STEM images, EMI file extension can be opened with the program Emispec ES Vision (FEI, https://www.fei.com/software/) or TIA_Reader.jar plugin from ImageJ (Image J, (https://imagej.net/Welcome ?), plug-in (https://imagej.nih.gov/ij/plugins/tia-reader.html). Dynamic Light Scattering data with file extension DTS can be viewed with the Zetasizer software 7.10 by Malvern Instruments (https://www.malvernpanalytical.com/en/support/product-support/zetasizer-range/zetasizer-nano-range/zetasizer-nano-zs90/index.html). Rheometry data files with TRI extension can be processed and viewed with the free software TRIOS from TA instruments (https://www.tainstruments.com/support/software-downloads-support/downloads/#tab-1478023717256-9-7). UV-Vis absorption spectra files with extension PDA can be opened with the software SoftMax Pro available for purchase from Molecular Devices: (https://www.moleculardevices.com/products/microplate-readers/acquisition-and-analysis-software/softmax-pro-gxp-software#Order) Sensofar 3D files with the PLUX extension, readable with a Sensofar S neox Non-contact 3D Surface Profiler spftware, have been exported as X3P file format with a .x3p file extension. To view the Sensofar X3P 3D image files offline, the Reader can request a link to the link to the SensoComp software viewer Sensofar (https://www.sensofar.com/download/sensocomp/). Alternatively, the X3P 3D image files can be viewed offline by requesting free Cadre Viewer software from openfms.org (https://www.openfmc.org). The STEM data uploaded herein are used to generate figures, linear plots, and tables associated with the data analysis in the manuscript. Supplementary Materials provide additional information on nanoparticles synthesis and characterization, rheological data of citrate-bearing gel, gel deposition schematics and fluid cell assembly, and cited references. The associated files include SI 1, SI 2, SI 3, SI 4, and SI 5.