Surface evolution of thermoelectric material KCu_(4)Se_(3) explored by scanning tunneling microscopy

Novel two-dimensional thermoelectric materials have attracted significant attention in the field of thermoelectric due to their low lattice thermal conductivity.A comprehensive understanding of their microscopic structures is crucial for driving further the optimization of materials properties and developing novel functional materials.Here,by using in situ scanning tunneling microscopy,we report the atomic layer evolution and surface reconstruction on the cleaved thermoelectric material KCu_(4)Se_(3) for the first time.We clearly revealed each atomic layer,including the naturally cleaved K atomic layer,the intermediate Se^(2-)atomic layer,and the Se^(-)atomic layer that emerges in the thermodynamic-stable state.Departing from the maj ority of studies that predominantly concentrate on macroscopic measurements of the charge transport,our results reveal the coexistence of potassium disorder and complex reconstructed patterns of selenium,which potentially influences charge carrier and lattice dynamics.These results provide direct insight into the surface microstructures and evolution of KCu_(4)Se_(3),and shed useful light on designing functional materials with superior performance.

The scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy of GaSb_(1-x)Bi_(x) films of a few-nanometer thickness grown by molecular beam epitaxy

The ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscope(STM)was used to characterize the GaSb_(1-x)Bi_(x) films of a few nanometers thickness grown by the molecular beam epitaxy(MBE)on the GaSb buffer layer of 100 nm with the GaSb(100)substrates.The thickness of the GaSb_(1-x)Bi_(x) layers of the samples are 5 and 10 nm,respectively.For comparison,the GaSb buffer was also characterized and its STM image displays terraces whose surfaces are basically atomically flat and their roughness is generally less than 1 monolayer(ML).The surface of 5 nm GaSb_(1-x)Bi_(x) film reserves the same terraced morphology as the buffer layer.In contrast,the morphology of the 10 nm GaSb_(1-x)Bi_(x) film changes to the mound-like island structures with a height of a few MLs.The result implies the growth mode transition from the two-dimensional mode as displayed by the 5 nm film to the Stranski-Krastinov mode as displayed by the 10 nm film.The statistical analysis with the scanning tunneling spectroscopy(STS)measurements indicates that both the incorporation and the inhomogeneity of Bi atoms increase with the thickness of the GaSb_(1-x)Bi_(x) layer.

SCANNING TUNNELING MICROSCOPY OF （CrFe）7C3

The microstructure of(CrFe)_7C_3 has been studied with scanning tunneling microscopy.It shows that a carbide consists of colonies which are full of stacking faults. The stacking faults in one colony are parallel while those in different colonies lie at angle with each other.

Graphene/Rh(111) Structure Studied Using In-Situ Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Scanning tunnel microscopy （STM） is performed to verify if an Rh ＇nails＇ structure is formed accompanying the graphene growing during chemical vapor deposition. A structure of a graphene island in an Rh vacancy island is used as the start. While the graphene island is removed by oxygenation, the variations of the Rh vacancy island are imaged with an in-situ high-temperature STM. By fitting with our model and calculations, we conclude that the best fit is obtained for 0% Rh, i.e., for the complete absence of nails below graphene on Rh（111）. That is, when graphene is formed on Rh（111）, the substrate remains fiat and does not develop a SUPPorting nail structure.

Scanning tunneling microscopy study of molecular growth structures of Gd@C_(82) on Cu(111)

The coverage and temperature-dependent nucleation behaviors of the Gd@C82 metallofullerenes on Cu（111） have been studied by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy （LT-STM） in detail. Upon molecular deposition at low temperature, Gd@C82 molecules preferentially decorate the steps and nucleate into single layer islands with increasing coverage. Further annealing treatment leads some of the Gd@C82 molecules to assemble into bright and dim patches, which are correlated to the adsorption induced substrate reconstruction. Upon sufficient thermal activation, Gd@C82 molecules sink into the Cu（111） surface one-copper-layer-deep, forming hexagonal close-packed molecular islands with intra-molecular details observed as striped patterns. By considering the commensurability between the Gd@C82 nearest-neighbor distance and the lattice of the underlying Cu（111）, we clearly identified two kinds of in-plane molecular arrangements as （19（1/2）×19（1/2））R23.4°and （19（1/2）×19（1/2））R36.6°with respect to Cu（111）. Within the assembled Gd@C82 molecular, island molecules with dim–bright contrast are spatially distributed, which may be modulated by the preexisted species on Cu（111）.

Electronic phase diagram of NaFe_(1-x)Co_xAs investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy

Our recent scanning tunneling microscopy （STM） studies of the NaFelxCoxAs phase diagram over a wide range of dopings and temperatures are reviewed. Similar to the high-Tc cuprates, the iron-based superconductors lie in close proximity to a magnetically ordered phase. Therefore, it is widely believed that magnetic interactions or fluctuations play an important role in triggering their Cooper pairings. Among the key issues regarding the electronic phase diagram are the properties of the parent spin density wave （SDW） phase and the superconducting （SC） phase, as well as the interplay between them. The NaFe l-xCoxAs is an ideal system for resolving these issues due to its rich electronic phases and the charge-neutral cleaved surface. In our recent work, we directly observed the SDW gap in the parent state, and it exhibits unconventional features that are incompatible with the simple Fermi surface nesting picture. The optimally doped sample has a single SC gap, but in the underdoped regime we directly viewed the microscopic coexistence of the SDW and SC orders, which compete with each other. In the overdoped regime we observed a novel pseudogap-like feature that coexists with supercon- ductivity in the ground state, persists well into the normal state, and shows great spatial variations. The rich electronic structures across the phase diagram of NaFel_xCoxAs revealed here shed important new light for defining microscopic models of the iron-based superconductors. In particular, we argue that both the itinerant electrons and local moments should be considered on an equal footing in a realistic model.

FABRICATION OF THE TIP FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL SCANNING TUNNELING MICROSCOPY

A nover technique for the fabrication of the tip for e tectrochemical scanning tunneting microscopy(ECSTM)is presented. The curvature radius of the fabricated tip is smatter than 1 μM. Faradaic leakage current is tess than 0.1nA in the sotution of 1 mol/L NaCl. The atomic image of highty oriented pyrotytic graphite (HOPG)has been taken using the prepared tip.

Direct Observation of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides in Liquid with Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

We present atomic-resolution images of TiSe2,MoTe2 and TaS2 single crystals in liquid condition using our home-built scanning tunneling microscopy(STM).By facilely cleaving of single crystals in liquid,we were able to keep the fresh surface not oxidized within a few hours.Using the high-stable home-built STM,we have obtained atomic resolution images of TiSe2 accompanied with the single atom defects as well as the triangle defects in solution for the first time.Besides,the superstructure of MoTe2 and hexagonal chargedensity wave domain structure in nearly commensurate phase of TaS2 were also obtained at room temperature(295 K).Our results provide a more efficient method in investigating the lively surface of transition metal dichalcogenides.Besides,the high stable liquid-phase STM will support the further investigations in liquid-phase catalysis or electrochemistry.

SURFACE PRESSURE,SURFACE POTENTIAL AND SCANNING TUNNELING MICROSCOPY STUDIES FOR N-DOCOSYLPYRIDINIUM-TCNQ MONOLAYER

Simultaneous measurements of surface pressure and surface potential and scanning tunneling microscopy study for N-docosylpyridinium- TCNQ monolayer were carried out.These methods allow us to get more informations on properties of the monolayer.The molecules at the final stage of compression are really in compact stack although a voluminous hydrophilic head exists in the molecule.

Probing the Majorana bound states in a hybrid nanowire double-quantum-dot system by scanning tunneling microscopy

We propose an interferometer composing of a scanning tunneling microscope(STM),double quantum dots(DQDs),and a semiconductor nanowire carrying Majorana bound states(MBSs)at its ends induced by the proximity effect of an s-wave superconductor,to probe the existence of the MBSs in the dots.Our results show that when the energy levels of DQDs are aligned to the energy of MBSs,the zero-energy spectral functions of DQDs are always equal to 1/2,which indicates the formation of the MBSs in the DQDs and is also responsible for the zero-bias conductance peak.Our findings suggest that the spectral functions of the DQDs may be an excellent and convenient quantity for detecting the formation and stability of the spatially separated MBSs in quantum dots.

Molecular Beam Epitaxy Growth and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Study of Pyrite CuSe2 Films on SrTiO3

We perform molecular beam epitaxy growth and scanning tunneling microscopy study of copper diselenide （CuSe2 ） films on SrTiO3 （001）. Using a Se-rich condition, the single-phase pyrite CuSe2 grows in the Stranski-Krastanov （layer-plus-island） mode with a preferential orientation of （111）. Our careful inspection of both the as-grown and post-annealed CuSe2 films at various temperatures invariably shows a Cu-terminated surface, which, depending on the annealing temperature, reconstructs into two distinct structures 2 ×√3 and √x ×√3-R30°. The Cu termi- nation is supported by the depressed density of states near the Fermi level, measured by in-situ low temperature scanning tunneling spectroscopy. Our study helps understand the preparation and surface chemistry of transition metal pyrite dichalcogenides thin films.

Some Unusual Features of Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite Observed by Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) is the substrate often used in scanningtunneling Ancroscopy (STM). It is well known that STM images of the basal plane of HOPG showsome unusual structUral patterns. In this letter, we present in situ STM images of some unusualfeatures on HOPG in solutions, including normal or abnormal chain-like featUres and hexagonal oroblique superPeriodic structures. These features emerge both next to and apart from the step ofHOPG.

Assessing the dynamics of O_(2) desorption from cobalt phthalocyanine by in situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy

We report here the in situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy(ECSTM) study of cobalt phthalocyanine(CoPc)-catalyzed O_(2) evolution reaction(OER) and the dynamics of CoPc-O_(2) dissociation.The self-assembled CoPc monolayer is fabricated on Au(111) substrate and resolved by ECSTM in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte.The OH^(-)adsorption on CoPc prior to OER is observed in ECSTM images.During OER,the generated O_(2) adsorbed on Co Pc is observed in the CoPc monolayer.Potential step experiment is employed to monitor the desorption of OER-generated O_(2) from CoPc,which results in the decreasing surface coverage of CoPc-O_(2) with time.The rate constant of O_(2) desorption is evaluated through data fitting.The insights into the dynamics of Co-O_(2) dissociation at the molecular level via in situ imaging help understand the role of Co-O_(2) in oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) and OER.

Room temperature spontaneous surface condensation of boronic acids observed by scanning tunneling microscopy

Herein,we discovered that the surface-confined condensation of boronic acid can happen spontaneously at room temperature,by comparing the kinetics of condensation of boronic acids with and without the negative sample bias,we found that the negative sample bias indeed accelerates the self-condensation reaction of boronic acid.Combining with in-situ STM images and ultraviolet photoemission spectrum(UPS)analysis,a reversible adsorption mechanism model was proposed and reasonably explains the reversible electric-field-induced phase transformation.

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 morphology and electronic structure in stoichiometric superconductor CaKFe_(4)As_(4) robed by scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy

CaKFe_(4)As_(4) is a new-type superconductor with a relatively high transition temperature of 35 K among stoichiometric iron-based superconductors. Based on scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, the surface morphology and electronic structure of CaKFe_(4)As_(4) single crystal were systematically investigated. The cleaved CaKFe_(4)As_(4) showed various morphologies, such as atomically resolved 1×1, 1×2, and √2×√2 lattices. By analyzing the geometrical correlations of these morphologies, the 1×1 and 1×2 lattices were identified as the original and reconstructed As layers, respectively, whereas the √2×√2 lattice was distinguished as the reconstructed alkaline-earth-metal or alkali-metal layer. The superconducting energy gap of 7.3 me V and bosonic mode of 12.7 me V were resolved in the scanning tunneling spectra. In addition, the superconducting energy gaps measured on different terminations were identical and consistent with the values obtained by bulk-sensitive techniques, indicating that the electronic structures of CaKFe_(4)As_(4) were insensitive to the surface reconstructions. Our study clarifies the relationships between complex surface reconstructions and surface terminations and preliminarily presents that there is no obvious effect of surface reconstructions on electronic states.

Construction of tunable supramolecular networks studied by scanning tunneling microscopy

In this review we describe a family of organic-based host frameworks which can accommodate guest molecules. The aim of the study is to test the adjustability of this class of mimic structures that may lead to new interesting functions. Emphasis of our research is placed upon four aspects: 1) thermal properties, 2) surface photochemistry, 3) fullerene adsorption, and 4) guest inclusion. It is envisioned that such approach of nanoporous molecular networks might be developed into a new family of useful soft frameworks for studies toward shape-selective catalysis, molecular recognition, self-assembly, and host-guest supramolecular chemistry.

Chevron-type graphene nanoribbons with a reduced energy band gap:Solution synthesis,scanning tunneling microscopy and electrical characterization

Graphene nanoribbons(GNRs)attract a growing interest due to their tunable physical properties and promise for device applications.A variety of atomically precise GNRs have recently been synthesized by on-surface and solution approaches.While on-surface GNRs can be conveniently visualized by scanning tunneling microscopy(STM),and their electronic structure can be probed by scanning tunneling spectroscopy(STS),such characterization remains a great challenge for the solution-synthesized GNRs.Here,we report solution synthesis and detailed STM/STS characterization of atomically precise GNRs with a meandering shape that are structurally related to chevron GNRs but have a reduced energy band gap.The ribbons were synthesized by Ni0-mediated Yamamoto polymerization of specially designed molecular precursors using triflates as the leaving groups and oxidative cyclodehydrogenation of the resulting polymers using Scholl reaction.The ribbons were deposited onto III-V semiconducting InAs(110)substrates by a dry contact transfer technique.High-resolution STM/STS characterization not only confirmed the GNR geometry,but also revealed details of electronic structure including energy states,electronic band gap,as well as the spatial distribution of the local density of states.The experimental STS band gap of GNRs is about 2 eV,which is very close to 2.35 eV predicted by the density functional theory simulations with GW correction,indicating a weak screening effect of InAs(110)substrate.Furthermore,several aspects of GNR-InAs(110)substrate interactions were also probed and analyzed,including GNR tunable transparency,alignment to the substrate,and manipulations of GNR position by the STM tip.The weak interaction between the GNRs and the InAs(110)surface makes InAs(110)an ideal substrate for investigating the intrinsic properties of GNRs.Because of the reduced energy band gap of these ribbons,the GNR thin films exhibit appreciably high electrical conductivity and on/off ratios of about 10 in field-effect transistor measurements,suggesting their promise for device applications.

Structural phase transition and electronic structure evolution in Ir_(1-x)Pt_xTe_2 studied by scanning tunneling microscopy

The IrTe2 transition metal dichalcogenide un- dergoes a series of structural and electronic phase transi- tions when doped with Pt. The nature of each phase and the mechanism of the phase transitions have attracted much attention. In this paper, we report scanning tunneling mi- croscopy and spectroscopy studies of Pt-doped IrTe2 with varied Pt contents. In pure IrTe2, we find that the ground state has a 1/6 superstructure, and the electronic structure is inconsistent with Fermi surface nesting-induced charge density wave order. Upon Pt doping, the crystal structure changes to a 1/5 superstructure and then to a quasi-periodic hexagonal phase. First-principles calculations show that the superstructures and electronic structures are determined by the global chemical strain and local impurity states that can be tuned systematically by Pt doping.

Site-specific Analysis of Amyloid Assemblies by Using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

The assembly of amyloid peptides into highly organized fibrils is one of the major characteristics of many de-generative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and type II diabetes.Assembly structures of amyloid peptides at liquid-solid interface can be visualized by scanning tunneling microscopy(STM)with site-specific resolution.The STM analysis can provide valuable information on the folding mechanism of amyloid peptides based on the corre-lation of surface assembly structures and fibrillation behaviors.Cases on mutational analysis of amyloid peptides by STM are also reviewed which illustrate the capacities of STM studies on amyloid assemblies.