Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nan Liu, Yi Cao, Yun-Long Tang, Yin-Lian Zhu, Yu-Jia Wang, Jia-Qi Liu, Heng Zhang, Chang-Ji Li, Si-Rui Zhang, Bing Yang, Hai-Ning Li, Xiu-Liang Ma
Summary: Engineering regular crystallographic facet arrays on a large scale is useful for optimizing photophysical properties of optoelectronic materials. In this study, textured BLFO film surfaces with nanosquare arrays composed of {001} and {110} crystallographic facets were achieved using a thermal etching method. The faceted samples exhibited significantly enhanced photocurrent signals, and the {110} surface showed highly dispersive electronic structure, indicating better carrier transport.
SCRIPTA MATERIALIA
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Chunlei Yang, Tianhui Su, Yanbo Hua, Liming Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the latest results of electrochemical scanning probe microscopy techniques in studying the interfacial properties of electrocatalysts and photoelectrodes, and offers some perspectives on future research directions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenlong Yao, Qin Ling, Qing Dai, Shuyan Fang, Cheng Yang, Like Huang, Xiaohui Liu, Houcheng Zhang, Jing Zhang, Yuejin Zhu, Ziyang Hu
Summary: This paper systematically examines the degradation mechanisms of all-inorganic perovskite CsPbI2Br under a humid environment. It is found that the level of relative humidity (RH) is important for the degradation process and it initiates at the grain boundaries and extends toward the grain interiors.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wan-Ci Liao, Bernard Haochih Liu, Ching-Chich Leu
Summary: This study conducted in-situ observation of degradation-induced local elastic modulus variation in CH3NH3PbI3 polycrystalline film using continuous scanning by scanning probe microscopy and found the degradation to be a photo-excited process. The degradation rate was accelerated by light illumination, particularly in humid air, O-2, dry air, and N-2 atmosphere. The analysis showed that several hours in N-2 is enough for MAPbI3 film to undergo red light degradation.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zachary T. Gossage, Nanako Ito, Tomooki Hosaka, Ryoichi Tatara, Shinichi Komaba
Summary: This study provides a deeper understanding of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) that occurs in highly concentrated water-insalt electrolytes (WISEs). The research shows that SEI in aqueous batteries exhibits similar passivating structures and slow electron transfer rates to that found in lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, the properties of SEI change when the electrolyte becomes more concentrated.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ashfaq Ali, Naveed Ullah, Asim Ahmad Riaz, Muhammad Zeeshan Zahir, Zuhaib Ali Khan, S. Shaukat Ali Shah, Muftooh Ur Rehman Siddiqi, Muhammad Tahir Hassan
Summary: Quartz Tuning Fork (QTF) based sensors are crucial for Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPM), especially for near-field scanning optical microscopy. Tungsten (W) tips with larger cone angles and smaller tip diameters are preferred for SPM over platinum and iridium (Pt/Ir) tips due to their high-quality factor, conductivity, mechanical stability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The study aims to chemically etch tungsten to achieve the smallest possible tip apex diameters and produce tips with greater cone angles using custom etching procedures for high-quality results.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Georg H. Simon, Christopher S. Kley, Beatriz Roldan Cuenya
Summary: Electrochemical AFM is an effective tool for real-space characterization of catalysts under CO2RR conditions, revealing the complex interplay between morphology, structure, defect density, applied potential, and electrolyte in copper CO2RR catalysts. The study showed distinct nanoscale surface morphologies and their potential-dependent transformations during CO2RR on a Cu(100) model surface in 0.1 m KHCO3. In situ atomic-scale imaging identified specific adsorption at different cathodic potentials impacting the catalyst structure.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Prachi Ghoderao, Sanjay Sahare, Shern-Long Lee, Prashant Sonar
Summary: Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is a powerful technique that allows for the observation and analysis of nanoscale materials and biological molecules through the use of sharp probes that scan the sample surface. This method, which includes scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), provides valuable insights into the properties and behavior of these materials at a molecular level. This review highlights the applications of SPM in biomolecule imaging and the study of physiological processes, as well as the challenges and potential solutions in biological sample preparation. It also discusses the recent advancements in STM and AFM applications on biomolecules, such as DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates, and their potential applications in fields like drug delivery and biosensors.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yuji Nashimoto, Minori Abe, Ryota Fujii, Noriko Taira, Hiroki Ida, Yasufumi Takahashi, Kosuke Ino, Javier Ramon-Azcon, Hitoshi Shiku
Summary: This study evaluates the role of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) as an analytical tool for microphysiological systems (MPS), providing a new solution for real-time high spatial resolution imaging. A simple vascular model was used for permeability and topographical analysis, paving the way for the application of SPM technology in MPS.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Yu-Chen Liu, Meng-Xun Xie, Yu-Huai Li, Sheng-Zhu Ho, Chin-Han Huang, Min-Yuan Huang, Chun-Wei Huang, Yi Chou, Chih-Yen Chen, Yi-Chia Chou, Yi-Chun Chen, Heng-Jui Liu, Jan-Chi Yang
Summary: Thin film engineering allows researchers to modify physical properties, phase stability, and domain architectures in functional materials. This study reveals a naturally formed superdomain architecture in tetragonal Pb(Zr,Ti)O-3 epitaxial film, showing unique domain connections and piezoresponse characteristics.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicolas Neel, Joerg Kroeger
Summary: The study revealed that the formation of a chemical bond between a CO molecule and a Cu(111) surface is accompanied by bending of the molecular probe due to van der Waals attraction and Pauli repulsion, resulting in characteristic changes in the vertical force between CO and Cu(111) as a function of molecule-surface distance. Experimental data were successfully reproduced by model calculations, shedding new light on vertical-force extrema in scanning probe experiments.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mahmoud Behzadirad, Stephan Mecholdt, John N. Randall, Joshua B. Ballard, James Owen, Ashwin K. Rishinaramangalam, Alexander Reum, Teodor Gotszalk, Daniel F. Feezell, Ivo W. Rangelow, Tito Busani
Summary: This article introduces the use of GaN nanowires as materials for scanning probe lithography and microscopy, with a low-cost fabrication process and the ability to provide sub-10 nm lithography and atomic scale resolution. GaN nanowires perform well in advanced SPL and imaging.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chi Zhang, Jason M. Bartell, Jonathan C. Karsch, Isaiah Gray, Gregory D. Fuchs
Summary: A time-resolved near-field magnetic microscope based on magnetothermal interactions is developed, providing spatial resolution on the scale of 100 nm and a temporal resolution below 100 ps. This microscope offers an accessible and comparatively low-cost approach for nanoscale spatiotemporal magnetic microscopy in laboratories.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kohei Yamasue, Yasuo Cho
Summary: Scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy (SNDM) is a near-field microwave-based scanning probe microscopy method that has wide applications. It is often combined with contact-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) for topography imaging and contact force regulation. However, SNDM with intermittent contact AFM may result in a lower signal-to-noise ratio. To improve this, we propose a boxcar averaging based signal acquisition method and demonstrate its enhancement on SNDM combined with peak-force tapping AFM. The proposed method is also applicable to other scanning near-field microwave microscopes.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jinsong Zhang, Jinyang Wang, Yunlong Tang, Mengkun Yue, Zhe Qu, Xufei Fang, Xue Feng
Summary: Understanding the chemo-mechanics during oxidation is crucial for designing new materials protection strategies, but accurately measuring mechanical stress/strain components at micro/nanoscale remains challenging. In this study, a novel method combining surface markers and high temperature scanning probe microscopy is proposed to quantify oxide thickness and map displacement and strain fields on a nickel-based alloy surface during high temperature oxidation. The method has great potential for quantitatively mapping non-uniform oxide distribution, providing a new approach to investigate high temperature oxidation processes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alfred John Weymouth, Elisabeth Riegel, Bianca Simmet, Oliver Gretz, Franz J. Giessibl
Summary: The research shows that on the surfaces of Cu(111) and Ag(111), even without inelastic events, the presence of the tip can induce rotations of CuPc molecules, and closer approach results in the rotated states being favored. Additionally, the long-range attraction of the tip can change the potential energy landscape of the CuPc molecular switch, and the geometry of the rotated and ground states of CuPc differs on Cu(111) and Ag(111).
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Dominik Kirpal, Jinglan Qiu, Korbinian Puerckhauer, Alfred J. Weymouth, Michael Metz, Franz J. Giessibl
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of a qPlus sensor in atomic force microscopy to achieve atomic resolution in various environments, and shows how any qPlus AFM setup can be modified to work as a biaxial sensor for simultaneous measurement of lateral and vertical force components.
REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fabian Stilp, Andreas Bereczuk, Julian Berwanger, Nadine Mundigl, Klaus Richter, Franz J. Giessibl
Summary: This study utilized an atomic force microscope to investigate the bonding properties of a quantum corral, finding that confined electrons in the corral showed covalent attraction to metal tips and Pauli repulsion to CO-terminated tips. Repulsion at close distances and appropriately scaled forces with corral size were observed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Franz J. Giessibl
Summary: The nature of the chemical bond is crucial in various natural sciences, and the AFM technology allows for the study of individual chemical bonds. Experimental AFM data covers a range of chemical bonds, while density functional theory calculations are related to these studies. Frequency modulation AFM is a precise method that has enabled high precision measurements of bonding strengths.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Oliver Gretz, Alfred J. Weymouth, Thomas Holzmann, Korbinian Purckhauer, Franz J. Giessibl
Summary: In lateral force microscopy, utilizing the scanning tunneling microscopy channel for acquiring amplitude and tilt data provides a more accurate and reliable method.
BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Physics, Applied
Alfred J. Weymouth, Oliver Gretz, Elisabeth Riegel, Franz J. Giessibl
Summary: In this study, we used lateral force microscopy to investigate the energy dissipation in sliding friction. We found that the CO molecule on the tip bends in different directions as it oscillates over pairs of atoms, leading to energy dissipation. Surprisingly, friction was observed only within a specific range of tip heights, indicating the sensitivity of friction to the local potential energy landscape.
JAPANESE JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Thomas Hofmann, Xinguo Ren, Alfred J. Weymouth, Daniel Meuer, Alexander Liebig, Andrea Donarini, Franz J. Giessibl
Summary: This study presents a method for the transition from graphite to diamond on the atomic scale and reveals the local rehybridization of the structure during this transition. The experimental observation of harmonics at specific thresholds and force reduction provides evidence for the existence of this transition.
NEW JOURNAL OF PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alexander Liebig, Christoph Setescak, Adrian Weindl, Franz J. Giessibl
Summary: This study utilizes high-resolution atomic force microscopy to observe and analyze surface defects in Bi2Se3. The researchers find that all Se vacancies have a positive polarity, confirming them as electron donors. This work provides a new method for accurately determining the physical properties of defects in topological insulators.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alfred J. Weymouth, Emily Roche, Franz J. Giessibl
Summary: This study investigates the effect of an electron donor on the electronic state by studying mixed islands of PTCDA and CuPc. The results show that the 2DEG state disappears and new states emerge under submonolayer coverage.
BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Andrea Auer, Bernhard Eder, Franz J. Giessibl
Summary: This paper presents a combined AFM/STM instrument realized with a qPlus sensor and a home-built potentiostat for electrochemical applications. It demonstrates the potential of the instrument by simultaneously imaging graphite with atomic resolution in acidic electrolytes and precisely measuring the interfacial solvent layering as a function of the applied potential.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Theresa Seeholzer, Daniela Tarau, Lea Hollendonner, Andrea Auer, Reinhard Rachel, Dina Grohmann, Franz J. Giessibl, Alfred J. Weymouth
Summary: Researchers compared the S-layer proteins extracted from the archaeon Pyrobaculum aerophilium using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in liquid and ambient conditions with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images under vacuum conditions. Improved AFM scanning and sample preparation methods allowed the observation of the crystalline structure of the S-layer samples.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Norio Okabayashi, Thomas Frederiksen, Alexander Liebig, Franz J. Giessibl
Summary: This study reveals the complete manipulation process of a CO molecule on a Cu(110) surface using a combination of noncontact atomic force microscopy and density functional theory simulations. An intermediate state crucial for understanding dynamic friction is found in the reaction pathway during manipulation.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Norio Okabayashi, Thomas Frederiksen, Alexander Liebig, Franz J. Giessibl
Summary: Friction, a complex phenomenon, is studied by simplifying the system through molecular manipulation. In this paper, the authors use noncontact atomic force microscopy, inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations to investigate the molecular manipulation process of a single CO molecule on Cu(110) and Cu(111) surfaces. They discover the presence of an important adsorption site that plays a role in the manipulation process and contributes to understanding the dynamics of manipulation and dynamic friction.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alexander Liebig, Christoph Setescak, Adrian Weindl, Franz J. Giessibl
Summary: Topological insulators are a type of materials that exhibit semiconducting or insulating properties in their bulk form but possess topologically protected gapless states at their boundaries. This study used high-resolution atomic force microscopy to observe and determine the polarity of surface defects in Bi2Se3. The findings showed that all Se vacancies are electron donors, providing valuable information for accurately determining the physical properties of defects in topological insulators.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Alfred J. Weymouth, Mats Persson, Franz J. Giessibl
Summary: This study investigates the growth and structure of a thin insulating layer on Pt(111) by growing monolayer islands of NaCl and using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The STM images show a square lattice of Cl anions, while the AFM images only resolve approximately two-thirds of the Cl ions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the bimodal distribution of the adsorption heights of the Cl anions above the surface, which can explain the AFM observations.
