Number density distribution of solvent molecules on a substrate: a transform theory for atomic force microscopy. Issue 23 (15th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Amano, Ken-ichi; Liang, Yunfeng; Miyazawa, Keisuke; Kobayashi, Kazuya; Hashimoto, Kota; Fukami, Kazuhiro; Nishi, Naoya; Sakka, Tetsuo; Onishi, Hiroshi; Fukuma, Takeshi
• Is Part Of: Physical chemistry chemical physics. Volume 18:Issue 23(2016)
• Page Start: 15534
• Page End: 15544
• Publication Date: 2016-04-15
• Subjects: Chemistry, Physical and theoretical -- Periodicals; 541.3
• DOI: 10.1039/c6cp00769d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-9076

Abstract

Abstract : A theory that transforms the force curve into a hydration structure is derived, and the transformation is demonstrated. Abstract : Atomic force microscopy (AFM) in liquids can measure a force curve between a probe and a buried substrate. The shape of the measured force curve is related to hydration structure on the substrate. However, until now, there has been no practical theory that can transform the force curve into the hydration structure, because treatment of the liquid confined between the probe and the substrate is a difficult problem. Here, we propose a robust and practical transform theory, which can generate the number density distribution of solvent molecules on a substrate from the force curve. As an example, we analyzed a force curve measured by using our high-resolution AFM with a newly fabricated ultrashort cantilever. It is demonstrated that the hydration structure on muscovite mica (001) surface can be reproduced from the force curve by using the transform theory. The transform theory will enhance AFM's ability and support structural analyses of solid/liquid interfaces. By using the transform theory, the effective diameter of a real probe apex is also obtained. This result will be important for designing a model probe of molecular scale simulations.