Variation of Surface Adhesion Force During the Formation of OTS Self-assembled Monolayer Investigated by AFM

Variation of the surface adhesion force during the formation of octadecyl trichlorosilane (OTS) self-assembled monolayer on a glass substrate surface was investigated by atomic force microscope (AFM). The research shows that the hydrophobicity and the adhesion force of the sample surface increases gradually while the substrate surface is covered by OTS molecules as the reaction proceeds. After 15min reaction, a close-packed and smooth OTS self-assembled monolayer could form on the glass substrate surface with an advancing contact angle of 105° and an interfacial energy of 55.79mJ·m-2.

ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY OBSERVATION OF MAGNETRON SPUTTERED ALUMINUM－SILICON ALLOY FILMS

wo different surface morphology characteristics of magnetron sputtered aluminumsilicon(Al-Si)alloy films deposited at 0 and 200℃ were observed by atomic force microscopy(AFM).One is irregularly shaped grains put togther on a plane.The other is irregularly shaped grains Piled up in space. Nanometer-sized particles with heights from 1.6 to 2.9 nm were first observed. On the basis of these observations the growth mechanism of magnetron sputtered films is discussed.

Joint Operation of Atomic Force Microscope and Advanced Laser Confocal Microscope for Observing Surface Processes in a Protein Crystal

We demonstrated the insitu observation of a moving atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever using a laser confocal microscope combined with a differential interference microscope (LCM-DIM). The AFM cantilever scanned or indented the {110} surface of a hen egg-white lysozyme crystal in a supersaturated solution. Using a soft cantilever, we could observe the step growth with high time resolution by LCM-DIM and perform quantitative measurements of the step height by AFM simultaneously. In addition, a hard cantilever was used with LCM-DIM to observe the dynamics of crystal surface scratching and indentation. In the supersaturated solution, the small steps generated from the scratched line aggregated to macro steps, and subsequently flattened the surface.

Intermolecular and Surface Interactions in Engineering Processes

Interactions involving chemical reagents,solid particles,gas bubbles,liquid droplets,and solid surfaces in complex fluids play a vital role in many engineering processes,such as froth flotation,emulsion and foam formation,adsorption,and fouling and anti-fouling phenomena.These interactions at the molecular,nano-,and micro scale significantly influence and determine the macroscopic performance and efficiency of related engineering processes.Understanding the intermolecular and surface interactions in engineering processes is of both fundamental and practical importance,which not only improves production technologies,but also provides valuable insights into the development of new materials.In this review,the typical intermolecular and surface interactions involved in various engineering processes,including Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek(DLVO)interactions(i.e.,van der Waals and electrical doublelayer interactions)and non-DLVO interactions,such as steric and hydrophobic interactions,are first introduced.Nanomechanical techniques such as atomic force microscopy and surface forces apparatus for quantifying the interaction forces of molecules and surfaces in complex fluids are briefly introduced.Our recent progress on characterizing the intermolecular and surface interactions in several engineering systems are reviewed,including mineral flotation,petroleum engineering,wastewater treatment,and energy storage materials.The correlation of these fundamental interaction mechanisms with practical applications in resolving engineering challenges and the perspectives of the research field have also been discussed.

Surface microtopography and micromechanics of various rank coals

For a long time,coalbed gas has brought about various problems to the safety of coal mine production.In addition,the mining of gas and coalbed methane(CBM)has attracted much attention.The occurrence and migration of CBM are believed to be closely related to the micro-surface properties of coal.To further explore the characteristics of CBM occurrence and migration,in this study,the micro-surface topography,adhesion,and elastic modulus of five metamorphic coals were measured by atomic force microscopy(AFM).The results show that the microtopography of coal fluctuates around 40 nm,reaching a maximum of 66.5 nm and the roughness of the surface decreases with the increase of metamorphism.The elastic modulus of coal micro-surface varies from 95.40 to 9626.41 MPa,while the adhesion varies from 15.08 to 436.22 nN,and they both exhibit a trend of"M"shape with the increase of metamorphism.Furthermore,a high correlation exists between adhesion and microtopography fluctuation.In most cases,the adhesion is larger in the concavity area and smaller in the convexity area.The research results may provide a new method for revealing the occurrence and migration of CBM and ensure efficient and safe CBM exploitation.

Surface State of Carbon Fibers Modified by Electrochemical Oxidation

Surface of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fibers was modified by electrochemical oxidation. The modification effect on carbon fibers surface was explored using atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results showed that on the modified surface of carbon fibers, the carbon contents decreased by 9.7% and the oxygen and nitrogen contents increased by 53.8% and 7.5 times, respectively. The surface roughness and the hydroxyl and carbonyl contents also increased. The surface orientation index was reduced by 1.5% which decreased tensile strength of carbon fibers by 8.1%, and the microcrystalline dimension also decreased which increased the active sites of carbon fiber surface by 78%. The physical and chemical properties of carbon fibers surface were modified through the electrochemical oxidative method, which improved the cohesiveness between the fibers and resin matrix and increased the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of carbon fibers reinforced epoxy composite (CFRP) over 20%.

Numerical surface characterization of wear debris from artificial joints using atomic force microscopy

Study on surface features of wear particles generated in wear process provides an insight into the progress of material failure of artificial joints. It is very important to quantify the surface features of wear particles in three dimensions. In this study, a new approach using atomic force microscopy was proposed to carry out 3D numerical surface characterization of wear debris generated from artificial joints. Atomic force microscopy combined with image processing techniques was used to acquire appropriate 3D images of wear debris. Computerized image analysis techniques were then used to quantify surface texture features of wear debris such as surface roughness parameters and surface texture index. The method developed from the present study was found to be feasible to quantity the surface characterization of nanoand micro-sized wear debris generated from artificial joints.

On-Surface Stereochemical Characterization of a Highly Curved Chiral Nanographene by Noncontact Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

A highly distorted chiral nanographene structure composed of triple corannulene-fused[5]helicenes is prepared with the help of the Heck reaction and oxidative photocyclization with an overall isolated yield of 28%.The complex three-dimensional(3D)structure of the bowl-helix hybrid nanostructure is studied by a combination of noncontact atomic force microscopy(AFM)and scanning tunneling microscopy(STM)on the Cu(111)surface,density functional theory calculations,AFM/STM simulations,and high-performance liquid chromatography-electronic circular dichroism analysis.This examination reveals a molecular structure in which the three bowl-shaped corannulene bladesd position themselves in a C3-symmetric fashion around a highly twisted triphenylene core.The molecule appears to be shaped like a propeller in which the concave side of the bowls face away from the connected[5]helicene motif.The chirality of the nanostructure is confirmed by the direct visualization of both MMM and PPP enantiomers at the single-molecule level by scanning probe microscopies.These results underline that submolecular resolution imaging by AFM/STM is a powerful real-space tool for the stereochemical characterization of 3D curved chiral nanographene structures.

Surface Modification of Fluororubber Using Atmospheric Pressure Dielectric Barrier Discharge(DBD)

Fluoride rubber F2311 film, an alternating copolymer of CF2-CFC1 （CTFE） and CH2-CF2 （VF2） components, was treated by atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge （DBD） in air. The surface structure, topography and surface chemistry of the treated F2311 films were characterized by contact angle measurement, atomic force microscopy （AFM）, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）, respectively. The experimental results showed that a short time air plasma treatment led to morphological, wettability and chemical changes in the F2311 films. The surface hydrophilicity increased greatly after the plasma treatment, the static water contact angle decreased from 98.6° to 32°, and oxygen containing groups （C=O, O-C=O, etc. ） were introduced. Atomic force microscopy revealed that plasma produced by DBD etched F2311 films obviously. The roughness of the samples increased remarkably with the formation of peaks and valleys on the treated surfaces. The increased surface wettability may be correlated with both the introduction of hydrophilic groups due to air plasma oxidation of the surface and the change in surface morphology etched by DBD.

Investigation on the Effect of Film Thickness on the Surface Morphology, Electrical and Optical Properties of E-Beam Deposited Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) Thin Film

The following article has been retracted due to the fact that the authors practise fraud. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter, and the Advances in Materials Physics and Chemistry treats all unethical behavior seriously. This paper published in Vol. 4 No. 10 194-202, 2014 has been removed from this site. ? Title: Investigation on the Effect of Film Thickness on the Surface Morphology, Electrical and Optical Properties of E-Beam Deposited Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) Thin Film ? Authors: Golam Saklayen, Shahinul Islam, Ferdous Rahman, Abu Bakar

Increase in the Hydrophilicity and Lewis Acid-Base Properties of Solid Surfaces Achieved by Electric Gliding Discharge in Humid Air: Effects on Bacterial Adherence

This study addressed the effects of treatment with gliding discharge plasma on the surface properties of solid materials, as well as the consequences concerning adherence of a model bacterium. As evaluated by contact angles with selected liquids, plasma treatment caused an increase in surface hydrophilicity and in the Lewis acid-base components of the surface energy of all materials tested. These modifications were more marked for low density polyethylene and stainless steel than for polytetrafiuoroethylene. After treatment, the hydrophilicity of the materials remained relatively stable for at least 20 days. Moreover, analysis of the topography of the materials by atomic force microscopy revealed that the roughness of both polymers was reduced by glidarc plasma treatment. As a result of all these modifications, solid substrates were activated towards micro-organisms and the adherence of S. epidermidis, a negatively charged Lewis-base and mildly hydrophilic strain selected as the model, was increased in almost all the cases tested.

Anisotropic robustness of talc particles after surface modifications probed by atomic force microscopy force spectroscopy

As a versatile mineral,the crystalline hydrated magnesium silicate talcum,or talc,has been widely used in numerous industries from pharmaceutical formulations to composite material designs.Its efficient application as filler/additives incorporates the improvement in concomitant properties within materials,e.g.,strength,which involves interactions between talc particles and aqueous/nonaqueous matrices.Successful property enhancement imposes ideal mixing and homogenous adhesion within a talc particle,but they are limited by the coexistence of face and edge surfaces of talc,which exhibit different level of hydrophobicity.Here,using atomic force microscopy force spectroscopy,we showed that although hydrophilic talc particles obtained from acid treatment or aminosilanization better adhered with materials representing a matrix,the anisotropic characters of the two surface types persisted.Conversely,the degree of talc’s surface anisotropy reduced with the surface hydrophobization by aliphatic methylsilanization,but followed by the decrease in adhesion.With ten-fold difference in Hamaker constants of the probe/talc surface interacting pairs,we showed that the adhesions resulted from van der Waals interactions that suggested the influence of surface polarity.The insight from this work would provide grounds for strategies to modulate talc’s adhesion,hydrophobicity and surface uniformity.

Surface Roughness of Various Diamond-Like Carbon Films

Atomic force microscopy is used to estimate and compare the surface morphology of hydrogenated and hydrogen-free diamond-like carbon （DLC） films. The films were prepared by using DC magnetron sputtering of a graphite target, pulsed cathodic carbon arcs, electron cyclotron resonance （ECR）, plasma source ion implantation and dielectric barrier discharge （DBD）. The difference in the surface structure is presented for each method of deposition. The influences of various discharge parameters on the film surface properties are discussed based upon the experimental results. The coalescence process via the diffusion of adsorbed carbon species is responsible for the formation of hydrogen-free DLC films with rough surfaces. The films with surface roughness at an atomic level can be deposited by energetic ion impacts in a highly ionized carbon plasma. The hydrocarbon species dangling bonds created by atomic hydrogen lead to the uniform growth of at the a-C：H film surfaces of the ECR or DBD plasmas

Preparation and surface characterization of nanodisk/nanoflower-structured gallium-doped zinc oxide as a catalyst for sensor applications

Nanostructured gallium‐doped zinc oxide （GZO） thin films were fabricated on piezoelectric sub‐strates. The GZO thin films with nanodisk/nanoflower morphologies were prepared by a simple spin‐coating process followed by one‐step hydrothermal treatment. Addition of polymer during hydrothermal treatment resulted in nanodisk and nanoflower morphologies. The morphology, microstructure and chemical composition of thin films prepared under different conditions were examined by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy （FE‐SEM）, X‐ray diffraction （XRD） and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD and FE‐SEM investigations confirmed that the GZO nanodisks, na‐norods and nanoflowers formed on the AlN/Si substrates were all wurtzite phase. Green fluorescent protein （GFP） was immobilized on the as‐synthesized GZO nanostructured materials by a dipping process. Atomic force microscopy （AFM） and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements were con‐ducted to confirm the surface binding nature of GFP on the GZO nanostructures to determine their suitability for use in sensor applications and bioimaging techniques. Trace‐level addition of GFP to the GZO nanostructures resulted in a fluorescence response, revealing good activity for ultraviolet light sensor applications.

Single-Atom Protecting Group for on-Surface Synthesis of Graphdiyne Nanowires

On-surface synthesis of semiconducting graphdiyne nanowires usually suffer severe side reactions owing to the high reactivity of the butadiynylene units at noble metal surfaces,limiting the production of isolated nanowires. In this work, we report the high-yield synthesis of branchless graphdiyne nanowires [-C≡C-Ph2-C≡C-]nvia on-surface Ullmann coupling of 1,4-bis（4-bromophenyl）-1,3-butadiyne molecules with chemical vapor deposition method.Non-contact atomic force microscopy with single-bond resolution reveals that single gold adatoms act as effective protecting groups for butadiynylene units by forming Au-π ligand bonds, preventing unwanted branched coupling reactions and enabling the synthesis of ultralong isolated graphdiyne nanowires. This study will stimulate further investigation on the role of various surface adatoms in protecting on-surface reactions.

A Comparative Study of Force Measurements in Solution Using Micron and Nano Size Probe

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a device that is used for not only high-resolution imaging but also used for measuring forces. It is possible to quantify the surface density change for both colloid and nano probe as well as silica surface. By changing the quantity of ions within a potassium chloride solution, it then becomes possible to evaluate the quantity of ions that attach themselves to AFM colloid probe, nano probe and silica samples. In this study, the force was measured between AFM probes and silica surface in different ionic concentrations. Two different types of AFM probe were used: a colloid probe with a radius of 500 nano-meters and a nano probe with a radius of 10 nano-meters. This study is focused on measuring how the force magnitude, especially electrical double layer force, varied between the two types of probes by changing ionic concentrations. For all test trials, the results agreed with the electrical double layer theory. Although the micron probe was almost an exact match for all ranges, the nano probe was closest within its short-range forces. This is attributed to the formula use when analyzing the electrical double layer force. Because the formula was originally calculated for the micron probe, the shape and size of the nano probe created too many variables for an exact match. Along with quantifying the forces, this experiment allowed for an observation of Van der Waals force making it possible to calculate the Hamaker constant. Conclusively, all results show that the obtained surface charge density increases as the ionic concentration increases. In addition, through the comparison of the results obtained from the nano-sized probe and the micron-sized probe, it was concluded that nano size probe mapped higher surface charge density above the silica surface than the micron-sized probe under the same conditions.

Investigation of the Surface Properties of Diamond-Like Carbon Films Using Multifractal Analysis

In this paper surface potential of DLC （diamond-like carbon） nanostructured film is studied. Fractal form of the surface of this film is discussed. Fractal parameters and surface potential as a function of them are calculated theoretically. Then obtained results are compared with the results measured by Kelvin probe method. The evolution of the surface topology and related surface potential during the deposition time is studied too. The dependence of multifractal parameters on the deposition duration was revealed.

含Benzo[a]azulene单元的锯齿状梯形共轭聚合物的表面在位合成

梯形共轭聚合物(CLPs)因其独特的光电性质而受到广泛关注。绝大多数CLPs是通过溶液方法合成的,但近年来,在超高真空环境中进行的表面原位合成策略逐渐崭露头角,成为CPL合成的新方法。表面原位合成方法能够克服传统溶液合成的限制,如随着聚合度增加而受限的溶解度和结构稳定性,从而实现复杂共轭结构的精确合成。Azulene衍生物是在表面合成非苯型CLPs的有吸引力的前体。与传统的只含六元环的CLPs相比,使用烷基取代的azulene作为前体分子,有望获得具有复杂骨架结构的CLPs,从而调控其电子性质,但目前很少有人探索这种策略。本文报道了3,3'-二溴-2,2’-二甲基-1,1’-联薁(DBMA)在Au(111)表面上的热化学反应。在室温的Au(111)衬底上,我们发现沉积的分子在重构表面的fcc(面心立方堆积)区域形成无定型的聚集体,并在100℃以下保持形貌不变。当退火温度高于150℃后,DBMA发生脱溴反应并与金原子络合形成具有复杂空间立体结构的2,2’-二甲基-1,1’-联薁有机金属聚合物,并展现出迥异的图像特征。随后在更高温度下退火,有机金属聚合物脱去金属原子并经历碳碳偶联反应。该过程伴随着甲基与相邻薁单元之间的分子内环化反应,形成了含有benzo[a]azulene单元的梯形共轭聚合物。有趣的是,我们发现当一侧甲基参与反应并在聚合物中形成六元环时,会显著地弯折聚合物链,使得另一侧甲基与薁单元之间的距离增加,并抑制预期的环化过程。我们通过键分辨扫描探针显微镜对反应过程中的相关结构进行了研究,发现反应结果与反应中间结构的应力关联紧密。我们的结果表明,烷基取代的azulene前体可应用于非苯型碳纳米结构的表面合成,并有望实现扩展的非苯型二维碳纳米结构。

气泡-颗粒间相互作用行为在矿物浮选中的应用研究进展

气泡-颗粒间相互作用行为是浮选过程中的重要环节,气泡-颗粒相互作用受到多种因素影响,例如气泡尺寸、接近速度、表面活性剂类型、矿物润湿性、润湿膜的稳定性和诱导时间等。本文综述了浮选中气泡-颗粒间三种典型的相互作用力及现代测量技术与应用,介绍了几种传统的和新型的测力技术及作用行为可视化手段,及其在矿物浮选中的应用。气泡与颗粒间的相互作用力主要包括范德华力、静电力和疏水力,这些力决定着矿物颗粒能否顺利黏附于气泡表面。亲水颗粒与气泡相互作用由经典的DLVO理论描述,疏水颗粒与气泡相互作用由扩展的DLVO理论解释。原子力显微镜(AFM)、表面力仪(SFA)和诱导时间仪已被广泛用于测量相互作用力的大小及诱导时间,为气泡与颗粒的黏附提供重要数据信息。集成薄膜排水装置(ITFDA)可看作诱导时间仪与AFM的结合体,动态相互作用力仪(DIFA)由诱导时间仪与改进的表面力仪组合形成。如今,集成薄膜力仪(ITLFFA)能在液体中测量气泡和颗粒之间的动态相互作用力、变形及时空薄膜厚度,实现在较高接近速度下模拟动态排水过程,这种表征更符合实际的浮选过程。气泡-颗粒的相互作用行为的研究从过去的静态已逐渐转变为更符合实际的动态研究,在复杂液体环境中测试气泡与颗粒相互作用是未来发展的必然趋势,这为矿物浮选提供理论支撑。

Mechanocatalysis of CO to CO_(2)on TiO_(2)surface controlled at atomic scale

The common ways to activate a chemical reaction are by heat,electric current,or light.However,mechanochemistry,where the chemical reaction is activated by applied mechanical force,is less common and only poorly understood at the atomic scale.Here we report a tip-induced activation of chemical reaction of carbon monoxide to dioxide on oxidized rutile TiO_(2)(110)surface.The activation is studied by atomic force microscopy,Kelvin probe force microscopy under ultrahigh-vacuum and liquid nitrogen temperature conditions,and density functional theory(DFT)modeling.The reaction is inferred from hysteretic behavior of frequency shift signal further supported by vector force mapping of vertical and lateral forces needed to trigger the chemical reaction with torque motion of carbon monoxide towards an oxygen adatom.The reaction is found to proceed stochastically at very small tip-sample distances.Furthermore,the local contact potential difference reveals the atomic-scale charge redistribution in the reactants required to unlock the reaction.Our results open up new insights into the mechanochemistry on metal oxide surfaces at the atomic scale.