Graphene liquid cells have been used to study atoms dissolved in organic solvents at atomic-scale resolution. Through a combination of smarter material choices and machine learning techniques, a team led by Sarah Haigh at the University of Manchester showed how these graphene “nano-aquariums” can work with virtually any type of solvent – offering deeper insights into the atomic-scale properties of solids left behind when solvents dry out. To understand the atomic interactions taking place at solid–liquid interfaces, researchers will often start by sandwiching liquid samples between pairs of transparent films. In most cases, they will then use transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to create atomic-scale images of these interactions. This involves irradiating the sample and films with a tightly focused electron beam. “These windows need to be as thin as possible to get the best resolution,” explains Manchester’s Nick Clark .…