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Quantitative thermodynamic analysis of sublimation rates using an atomic force microscope.

Rajasekar Pitchimani¹, Alan K Burnham, Brandon L Weeks

¹Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA. pitchimani.rajasekar@ttu.edu

The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B

|July 17, 2007

Summary

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measured the evaporation activation energy of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) nanoislands. This technique accurately determined thermodynamic properties, similar to bulk crystal analysis.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Physical Chemistry
Nanotechnology

Background:

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) nanoislands were formed using spin coating.
Understanding the thermodynamic properties of energetic materials at the nanoscale is crucial for safety and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the activation energy for evaporation of PETN nanoislands.
To evaluate the utility of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for measuring nanoscale thermodynamic properties.

Main Methods:

PETN nanoislands were subjected to isothermal annealing between 30-70°C.
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in contact mode was used to scan the nanoislands at room temperature.
Changes in nanoisland volume and sublimation rates were analyzed as a function of temperature.

Main Results:

Nanoisland volume remained stable up to approximately 40°C, indicating minimal sublimation below this temperature.
Above 40°C, nanoislands began to shrink, with sublimation rates increasing with temperature.
The activation energy for evaporation determined by AFM was comparable to values obtained for bulk PETN crystals via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Conclusions:

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a viable and precise tool for measuring thermodynamic properties, specifically evaporation activation energy, of nanoscale materials.
The findings demonstrate that AFM can provide nanoscale insights into the behavior of energetic materials like PETN.
This research validates AFM as a nanoscale probe for thermodynamic characterization.