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Updated: Jul 14, 2025

Probing the Structure and Dynamics of Interfacial Water with Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Spectroscopy
Published on: May 27, 2018
Spiers Memorial Lecture: Water at interfaces
Shane W Devlin1,2, Franky Bernal1,2, Erika J Riffe1,2
1Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. saykally@berkeley.edu.
This review covers interfacial water dynamics, charged interfaces, ice, and soft matter interfaces. It highlights recent theoretical and experimental advances and practical applications.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
Background:
- Interfacial water phenomena are crucial in diverse scientific and industrial applications.
- Understanding these interfaces requires integrating theoretical and experimental approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current issues and advances in four key areas of interfacial water science.
- To highlight practical applications and unresolved controversies in the field.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of current theoretical frameworks.
- Emphasis on recent experimental findings.
- Analysis of practical manifestations and controversies.
Main Results:
- Overview of progress in nano-rheology of interfacial water.
- Summary of developments in electrified/charged aqueous interfaces.
- Insights into ice interfaces and soft matter/water interfaces.
Conclusions:
- Significant advances have been made in understanding interfacial water.
- Further research is needed to resolve existing controversies and explore new applications.
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