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Noncontact Atomic Force Microscopy: An Emerging Tool for Fundamental Catalysis Research
Eric I Altman, Mehmet Z Baykara1, Udo D Schwarz
1Department of Mechanical Engineering and UNAM - Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University , Ankara 06800, Turkey.
Accounts of Chemical Research
|August 25, 2015
Summary
Recent advances in noncontact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM) provide atomic resolution for catalysis research. This technique offers quantitative insights into surface reactions, enabling a detailed atomic-level understanding of catalytic processes.
Area of Science:
- Surface science
- Catalysis
- Microscopy
Background:
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is widely used for surface imaging but lacks atomic resolution for catalysis.
- Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has been the primary tool for atomic-scale catalysis research.
- Common AFM modes do not provide the necessary atomic resolution for studying catalytic processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present recent developments in noncontact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM) for atomic-level catalysis research.
- To highlight the advantages of NC-AFM in visualizing chemical forces and surface reactions.
- To introduce 3D-AFM for quantitative imaging of potential energy surfaces in catalysis.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing noncontact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM) with a focus on its chemical force contrast.
- Employing 3D-AFM to obtain quantitative atomic resolution images of potential energy surfaces.
- Combining NC-AFM with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) for complementary surface analysis.
- Using CO-terminated tips for intramolecular structure imaging in NC-AFM.
- Imaging work function variations using NC-AFM.
Main Results:
- NC-AFM provides atomic resolution by imaging short-range chemical forces relevant to catalysis.
- 3D-AFM quantitatively maps potential energy surfaces, revealing molecule-surface interactions (adsorption, diffusion, rebound).
- Force measurements with 3D-AFM determine diffusion barriers and adsorption strengths.
- NC-AFM with CO-tips visualizes intramolecular structures, identifying reaction intermediates and products.
- Simultaneous 3D-AFM/STM imaging resolved Cu and O atoms on oxidized Cu(100), revealing defect-induced reactivity variations.
- NC-AFM imaged work function variations, identifying defect charge states and mapping charge transfer.
Conclusions:
- NC-AFM-based methods offer a potential cornerstone for a quantitative atomic-scale understanding of catalytic processes.
- Further development requires robust tip functionalization and simplified NC-AFM instrumentation.
- Quartz force sensors show promise for tip functionalization and stabilizing NC-AFM operation.
