Hydrocarbons in the Meniscus: Effects on Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy.

ABSTRACT: It is commonly accepted that during conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM) measurement in ambient, a liquid meniscus can form between the tip and the sample. Such a liquid bridge, normally assumed to be composed of water, is a major factor in analyzing and understanding CAFM results. Here, we show that the adsorption of adventitious hydrocarbons from the air to a surface can greatly affect CAFM data both in imaging mode and in local spectroscopy (current-voltage or I-V curves). We propose a model to explain the phenomena whereby hydrocarbon contaminates contribute to the composition of the liquid bridge between the tip and the sample.

SUBMITTER: Tolman NL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10061924 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature