Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a support for receiving a biological sample, the support comprising at least one support member, and including graphene attached to the support member. The graphene is partially hydrogenated graphene. Some embodiments are also directed to use of a partially hydrogenated graphene surface to support a biological molecule for electron microscopy. Some other embodiments are also directed to a method for making a partially hydrogenated graphene. The method includes applying a hydrogen ion or hydrogen atom to the surface of graphene. The hydrogen ion or hydrogen atom is applied at an energy in the range 1 to 21 eV. A sensor comprising a surface capable of adsorbing a biological molecule thereto is also disclosed, wherein said surface includes partially hydrogenated graphene.

Abstract: An electron microscopy sample support comprises: a support member; and a metal foil comprising a porous region. The support member is configured to give structural stability to the metal foil, and the porous region of the metal foil is configured to receive an electron microscopy sample. Also provided is a method of manufacturing such an electron microscopy sample support, a method of imaging using such an electron microscopy sample support and an apparatus operable to perform such imaging. An electron microscopy specimen support in accordance with aspects and embodiments may reduce particle motion and/or sample char ging in electron microscopy, and thus improve information content available from electron micrographs. Appropriately designed and constructed supports may lead to an increased resolution per particle and increased accuracy of angular assignments in 3D reconstructions of for example, biological specimens.