Nanometer-scale mapping of chemically distinct domains at well-defined organic interfaces using frictional force microscopy

Journal Article · Thu Jul 06 04:00:00 UTC 1995 · Journal of Physical Chemistry

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/j100027a041· OSTI ID:81327

Green, J B.D.; McDermott, M T; Porter, M D ^[1]; Siperko, L M ^[2]

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1. Ames Lab., IA (United States)
2. IBM, Endicott, NY (United States)

This paper demonstrates the ability to map chemically distinct domains at nanometer length scales using frictional force microscopy (FFM). The basis of this characterization is the dependence of the frictional interactions on the identity of the chemical functional groups at the outermost few angstroms of microscopic contacting areas, i.e., the surface free energies. Such a dependence is confirmed by characterizations of the frictional force between a variety of end-group-derivatized alkanethiolate monolayers deposited at both gold-coated sample substrates and gold-coated FFM probe tips. Coupled with this dependence, we show that the composition of chemically distinct domains at partially formed bilayer structures can be mapped at a spatial resolution of approximately 10 nm, with the image contrast governed by the surface free energies of the microscopic contacts. Opportunities presented by these findings are briefly discussed. 30 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-82
• OSTI ID: 81327
• Journal Information: Journal of Physical Chemistry, Journal Name: Journal of Physical Chemistry Journal Issue: 27 Vol. 99; ISSN JPCHAX; ISSN 0022-3654
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

40 CHEMISTRY
44 INSTRUMENTATION
INCLUDING NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE DETECTORS
FREE ENERGY
INTERNAL FRICTION
MAPPING
MICROSCOPY
SURFACE ENERGY
THIN FILMS