Observation of electron orbital signatures of single atoms within metal-phthalocyanines using atomic force microscopy.

ABSTRACT: Resolving the electronic structure of a single atom within a molecule is of fundamental importance for understanding and predicting chemical and physical properties of functional molecules such as molecular catalysts. However, the observation of the orbital signature of an individual atom is challenging. We report here the direct identification of two adjacent transition-metal atoms, Fe and Co, within phthalocyanine molecules using high-resolution noncontact atomic force microscopy (HR-AFM). HR-AFM imaging reveals that the Co atom is brighter and presents four distinct lobes on the horizontal plane whereas the Fe atom displays a "square" morphology. Pico-force spectroscopy measurements show a larger repulsion force of about 5 pN on the tip exerted by Co in comparison to Fe. Our combined ex

SUBMITTER: Chen P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10020477 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature