Standardization of Chemically Selective Atomic Force Microscopy for Metal Oxide Surfaces.

ABSTRACT: The structures of metal oxide surfaces and inherent defects are vital for a variety of applications in materials science and chemistry. While scanning probe microscopy can reveal atomic-scale details, elemental discrimination usually requires indirect assumptions and extensive theoretical modeling. Here, atomic force microscopy with O-terminated copper tips on a variety of sample systems demonstrates not only a clear and universal chemical contrast but also immediate access to the atomic configuration of defects. The chemically selective contrast is explained by purely electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged tip-apex and the strongly varying electrostatic potential of metal and oxygen sites. These results offer a standardized methodology for the direct characterization of

SUBMITTER: Wiesener P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11342932 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature