Accurate electromechanical characterization of soft molecular monolayers using piezo force microscopy.

ABSTRACT: We report a new methodology for the electromechanical characterization of organic monolayers based on the implementation of dual AC resonance tracking piezo force microscopy (DART-PFM) combined with a sweep of an applied DC field under a fixed AC field. This experimental design allows calibration of the electrostatic component of the tip response and enables the use of low spring constant levers in the measurement. Moreover, the technique is shown to determine both positive and negative piezo response. The successful decoupling of the electrostatic component from the mechanical response will enable more quantitative electromechanical characterization of molecular and biomaterials and should generate new design principles for soft bio-compatible piezoactive materials. To highlight the appli

SUBMITTER: Miller NC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9416907 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature