Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) Spectroscopy

The performance of ceramic, polymeric, and carbon membranes is commonly associated with the membrane surface and cross-sectional morphology. Thus, a proper characterization on the membrane structures is crucial for the development of commercial membranes. Therefore, in this chapter, three important morphological characterization techniques, which are scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy will be discussed in detail. At the beginning part of the chapter, the operation principle of SEM, FESEM, and EDX will be established. Qualitative and quantitative findings that can be obtained from SEM, FESEM, and EDX will be addressed by giving several structure types that are normally found in ceramic, polymeric, and carbon membranes as examples. The chapter concludes by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using SEM, FESEM, and EDX as main membrane analyses.