Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 20, 2026

Microtensiometer for Confocal Microscopy Visualization of Dynamic Interfaces
Published on: September 9, 2022
The van der Waals Interactions of n-Alkanethiol-Covered Surfaces: From Planar to Curved Surfaces
Fernando P Cometto1,2, Zhi Luo3, Shun Zhao3
1Max Planck-EPFL Laboratory for Molecular Nanoscience, and Institut de Physique, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The van der Waals (vdW) interactions of n-alkanethiols (ATs) adsorbed on planar Au(111) and Au(100) surfaces and curved Au nanoparticles of different diameters are reported. By means of electrochemical measurements and molecular dynamic calculations, the increase in the average geometrical curvature of the surface influences the global interactions, that is, decreasing vdW interactions between neighboring molecules. Small NPs do not present the same electrochemical behavior as planar surfaces. The transition between nanoparticle to flat surface electrochemical response is estimated to occur at a circa 13-20 nm diameter range.
Related Concept Videos
Van der Waals Interactions
Contact Angle
The adhesive force is the molecular force between molecules of different materials, that is, between the molecules of the solid and the liquid. The cohesive...
Noncovalent Attractions in Biomolecules
Four types of noncovalent interactions are hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.
Hydrogen bonding results from the electrostatic attraction of a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a strong-electronegative atom like oxygen,...
Noncovalent Attractions in Biomolecules
Surface Tension, Capillary Action, and Viscosity
The various IMFs between identical molecules of a substance are examples of cohesive forces. The molecules within a liquid are surrounded by other molecules and are attracted equally in all directions by the cohesive forces within the liquid. However, the molecules on the surface of a liquid are attracted only by about one-half as many molecules. Because of the unbalanced molecular attractions on the surface molecules, liquids contract to form a shape that minimizes the number...
Newman Projections
The organic molecules rotate across the single bonds leading to numerous temporary three-dimensional structures of varying energy known as...

