Tip-Scan High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy in Organic Solvent: A Versatile Tool for Visualizing Dynamic Behaviors of...

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular chemistry
• Polymer science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• High-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) enables nanoscale dynamics observation.
• Tip-scan HS-AFM offers installation flexibility and integration with optical microscopy.
• Observations in organic solvents are challenging due to low surface tension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enable tip-scan HS-AFM observations in organic solvents.
• To develop a compatible glass cell for organic solvent operation.
• To investigate supramolecular assemblies and polymers in their native environments.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel glass cell for tip-scan HS-AFM.
• Operation of tip-scan HS-AFM in various organic solvents using the developed cell.
• Observation of supramolecular assemblies in organic systems.

Main Results:

• Successful tip-scan HS-AFM observations in organic solvents were achieved.
• The developed glass cell is compatible with tip-scan HS-AFM operation.
• The cell design supports a wider range of organic solvents compared to conventional methods.
• Supramolecular assemblies in various organic systems were visualized.

Conclusions:

• Tip-scan HS-AFM can now be effectively utilized in organic solvents.
• The new method facilitates the study of complex dynamics in native organic environments.
• This advancement is crucial for supramolecular chemistry and polymer science research.