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Microscopic Visualization of Porous Nanographenes Synthesized through a Combination of Solution and On-Surface Chemistry
Published on: March 4, 2021
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High resolution nanoscale chemical analysis of bitumen surface microstructures
Ayse N Koyun1,2, Julia Zakel3, Sven Kayser3
1Christian Doppler Laboratory for Chemo-Mechanical Analysis of Bituminous Materials, Institute of Materials Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/BC, 1060, Vienna, Austria. akoyun@seas.harvard.edu.
Scientific Reports
|July 1, 2021
Summary
This study reveals distinct surface domains in bitumen, correlating molecular structures with oxidation patterns. Understanding these nanoscale chemical heterogeneities is crucial for predicting bitumen
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemistry
- Surface Science
Background:
- Bitumen surface microstructures are critical for atmospheric photo-oxidation.
- Oxidation alters mechanical properties, leading to material failure like cracking and rutting.
- Nanoscale investigations of these phenomena are challenging due to limitations in conventional microscopy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the nanoscale surface domains of bitumen.
- To correlate these domains with specific molecular compositions.
- To understand the selective oxidation of bitumen surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Utilized atomic force microscopy (AFM) combined with infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR).
- Employed correlative time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) for chemical analysis.
- Investigated nanoscale surface heterogeneities and their molecular origins.
Main Results:
- Identified distinct surface domains: catana, peri, and para phases.
- Correlated these phases with specific molecular structures.
- Found that highly oxidized compounds, primarily asphaltenes, are concentrated in the para phase, indicating high oxidizability.
Conclusions:
- Nanoscale chemical visualization elucidates bitumen submicrostructures.
- Surface chemical heterogeneities dictate selective photo-oxidation susceptibility.
- Asphaltenes' preferential oxidation in the para phase explains their role in bitumen degradation.
