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Graphene Visualizes the Ion Distribution on Air-Cleaved Mica
Pantelis Bampoulis1,2, Kai Sotthewes1, Martin H Siekman1
1Physics of Interfaces and Nanomaterials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
Scientific Reports
|March 7, 2017
Summary
Potassium ions form ordered, row-like structures on mica surfaces, shielded by an ice layer. This arrangement minimizes ion-ion repulsion, impacting interfacial phenomena and charge transfer.
Area of Science:
- Surface Science
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Potassium ion (K+) distribution on mica influences interfacial phenomena like crystal growth and charge transfer.
- Experimental limitations have hindered understanding of the precise lateral organization of these ions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the lateral organization of single potassium ions on air-cleaved mica surfaces.
- To investigate the correlation between ion distribution, ice layer structure, and local conductance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized graphene as an ultra-thin protective coating.
- Employed scanning probe microscopies, including high-resolution conductive atomic force microscopy (c-AFM).
Main Results:
- Single potassium ions form ordered, row-like structures and small domains to minimize nearest-neighbor interactions.
- These ionic structures are covered by an ice layer, influenced by water molecule screening.
- Local graphene conductance maps show a direct correlation with K+ distribution and ice layer structure.
Conclusions:
- Resolved the long-standing enigma of local potassium ion distribution on air-cleaved mica.
- Provided detailed insights into charge transfer mechanisms from ionic domains to graphene.
- Demonstrated the utility of graphene coating for probing ion organization at interfaces.
