Atomistic Simulations in Surface Chemistry to Interpret Scanning Probe Microscopy Images: A Short Review

Atomistic simulations are a powerful tool to explain and guide experimental investigations, but there are cases where a clear correspondence is difficult to obtain. While the theoretical framework to get the static picture of the equilibrium structures in vacuum is well-established, it is challenging to correctly model them in operando conditions (at the right experimental temperature, pH and pressure). In this short review the main theoretical approaches are briefly presented, supported by selected case studies where the structural and dynamical properties of different systems are investigated. A successful match with the experimental data is accomplished by choosing the proper level of theory in order to describe the structure under study in the most accurate and realistic way.