This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to the preparation of electron microscopy specimens. In one aspect, a method includes providing an electron microscopy grid. An aqueous suspension including an electron microscopy sample is deposited on the electron microscopy grid. A portion of the aqueous suspension is removed from the electron microscopy grid. A volatile surfactant is contacted to the aqueous suspension. A thickness of aqueous suspension is allowed to decrease over a period of time. The aqueous suspension is then frozen.