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Electrostatic force microscopy on oriented graphite surfaces: coexistence of insulating and conducting behaviors
Yonghua Lu1, M Muñoz, C S Steplecaru
1Laboratorio de Física de Sistemas Pequeños y Nanotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Serrano 144, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
Highly oriented pyrolytic graphite exhibits unexpected surface potential fluctuations, revealing coexisting metallic and insulating behaviors. These findings challenge conventional understanding of graphite conductivity.
Area of Science:
- Surface science
- Condensed matter physics
- Materials science
Background:
- Graphite is known for its excellent metallic conductivity.
- A grounded conductive surface is expected to be an equipotential.
- Previous studies have not reported significant surface potential variations on graphite.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate electric potential fluctuations on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG).
- To understand the nature of surface potential distributions in graphite.
- To explore the relationship between graphite quality and surface electrical properties.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing atomic force microscopy (AFM) and electrostatic force microscopy (EFM).
- Measuring surface potential on grounded HOPG samples.
- Conducting experiments in controlled atmospheres (Argon and air).
Main Results:
- Observed domainlike potential distributions on the scale of micrometers on HOPG.
- Detected significant potential fluctuations (approx. 0.25 V) despite grounded conditions.
- Found that lower quality graphite samples did not exhibit these effects.
Conclusions:
- HOPG displays a complex surface behavior with coexisting metalliclike and insulatinglike regions.
- These potential variations challenge the assumption of a uniform equipotential surface on conductive graphite.
- Graphite quality is a critical factor influencing surface electrical characteristics.
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