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Published on: September 6, 2011
AFM-assisted fabrication of thiol SAM pattern with alternating quantified surface potential
Bradley Moores1, Janet Simons, Song Xu
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada. zleonenk@uwaterloo.ca.
Nanoscale Research Letters
|June 30, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to create alternating charged thiol patterns on gold surfaces using nanografting. This technique enables precise control over surface potential for advanced biosensor applications.
Area of Science:
- Surface science
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Thiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are crucial in nano- and bio-technology.
- Controlled surface patterning is essential for advanced material applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel thiol SAMs micropattern with alternating charges on a gold substrate.
- To demonstrate the utility of AFM-assisted nanografting for creating complex surface architectures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized atomic force microscopy (AFM) for topographical analysis.
- Employed Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) to measure surface potential differences.
- Automated AFM-assisted nanografting to create micropatterns of charged and hydrophobic thiols.
Main Results:
- Successfully created thiol SAMs patterns with alternating positive, negative, and hydrophobic charges.
- AFM revealed minimal topographical variations between patterned areas.
- KPFM detected significant surface potential differences (20-50 mV) across the pattern.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanografting technique allows for precise micropatterning of thiol SAMs with controlled surface potential.
- These patterned surfaces hold promise for developing selective biosensors and serve as models for quantified surface potential distribution.
