G. Papastavrou, S. Akari
Max-Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Rudower Chausssee 5,
D-12489 Berlin, Germany
This is a draft paper for the
First El.B.A.
- Foresight Conference on Molecular Nanotechnology.
The final version has been submitted
for publication in the special Conference issue of Nanotechnogy.
Abstract:
The detection of hydroxyl-groups by chemical force microscopy is investigated
in two contrasting solvents: water and hexadecane. Gold coated cantilevers
were in a defined way chemicaly modified by self-assembly monolyers (SAMs)
formed by mercapto-undecanol. The samples employed consist of ultraflat
gold surfaces terminated by hydroxyl- and methyl-groups. Both surface terminations
were present on the sample surface in a well defined pattern obtained by
micro-contact printing (µCP). High resolution Lateral Force Microscopy
(LFM) was conducted in both solvents. These LFM-measurements were complemented
by measurements of the adhesion forces on the same substrates. In contrast
to water hexadecane is enabeling specific detection of hydroxyl-groups
and enables clear interpretation of the friction contrast.