Scanning ion conductance microscopy（SICM） is an emerging non-destructive surface topography characterization apparatus with nanoscale resolution. However, the low regulating frequency of probe in most existing modul...Scanning ion conductance microscopy（SICM） is an emerging non-destructive surface topography characterization apparatus with nanoscale resolution. However, the low regulating frequency of probe in most existing modulated current based SICM systems increases the system noise, and has difficulty in imaging sample surface with steep height changes. In order to enable SICM to have the capability of imaging surfaces with steep height changes, a novel probe that can be used in the modulated current based bopping mode is designed. The design relies on two piezoelectric ceramics with different travels to separate position adjustment and probe frequency regulation in the Z direction. To fiarther improve the resonant frequency of the probe, the material and the key dimensions for each component of the probe are optimized based on the multi-objective optimization method and the finite element analysis. The optimal design has a resonant frequency of above 10 kHz. To validate the rationality of the designed probe, microstructured grating samples are imaged using the homebuilt modulated current based SICM system. The experimental results indicate that the designed high frequency probe can effectively reduce the spike noise by 26% in the average number of spike noise. The proposed design provides a feasible solution for improving the imaging quality of the existing SICM systems which normally use ordinary probes with relatively low regulating frequency.展开更多
One of the most intriguing methods of mitigating the hydrogen embrittlement of steels entails nano-precipitates that can trap H from enriching at vulnerable locations.However,controversial findings have been reported ...One of the most intriguing methods of mitigating the hydrogen embrittlement of steels entails nano-precipitates that can trap H from enriching at vulnerable locations.However,controversial findings have been reported on whether the incoherent NbC precipitates trap hydrogen.Here,by using in-situ scan-ning Kelvin probe force microscopy(SKPFM),we reveal the dynamic interaction of H with the border area of incoherent NbC nanoprecipitates in steel.Results indicate that the interaction between H flux and the interfaces varies amongst different precipitates,implying that H-trapping behaviours of incoherent NbC precipitates could be intrinsically diverse.Potential origins underlying the distinct behaviours are analyzed.展开更多
The adsorption configurations of molecules adsorbed on substrates can significantly affect their physical and chemical properties. A standing configuration can be difficult to determine by traditional techniques, such...The adsorption configurations of molecules adsorbed on substrates can significantly affect their physical and chemical properties. A standing configuration can be difficult to determine by traditional techniques, such as scanning tunneling microscopy(STM) due to the superposition of electronic states. In this paper, we report the real-space observation of the standing adsorption configuration of phenylacetylene on Cu(111) by non-contact atomic force microscopy(nc-AFM).Deposition of phenylacetylene at 25 K shows featureless bright spots in STM images. Using nc-AFM, the line features representing the C–H and C–C bonds in benzene rings are evident, which implies a standing adsorption configuration. Further density functional theory(DFT) calculations reveal multiple optimized adsorption configurations with phenylacetylene breaking its acetylenic bond and forming C–Cu bond(s) with the underlying copper atoms, and hence stand on the substrate.By comparing the nc-AFM simulations with the experimental observation, we identify the standing adsorption configuration of phenylacetylene on Cu(111). Our work demonstrates an application of combining nc-AFM measurements and DFT calculations to the study of standing molecules on substrates, which enriches our knowledge of the adsorption behaviors of small molecules on solid surfaces at low temperatures.展开更多
The elastic indentation modulus and hardness of standard bulk materials and advanced thin films were determined by using the nanoindentation technique followed by the Oliver- Pharr post-treatment. After measurements w...The elastic indentation modulus and hardness of standard bulk materials and advanced thin films were determined by using the nanoindentation technique followed by the Oliver- Pharr post-treatment. After measurements with different loading/unloading schemes on chemically polished bulk titanium a substantial decrease of both modulus and hardness vs an increasing loading time was found. Then, hard nanostructured TiBN and TiCrBN thin films deposited by magnetron sputtering （using multiphase targets） on substrates of high roughness （sintered hard metal） and low roughness （silicon） were studied. Experimental modulus and hardness characterized by using two different nanoindenter tools were within the limits of standard deviation. However, a strong effect of roughness on the spread of the experimental values was observed and it was found that hardness and elastic indentation modulus obeyed a Gaussian distribution. The experimental data were discussed together with scanning probe microscopy （SPM） images of typical imprints taken after the nanoindentation tests and the local topographyls strong correlation with the results of nanoindentation was described.展开更多
Ferroelectric polymer nanocomposites possess exceptional electric properties with respect to the two otherwise uniform phases,which is commonly attributed to the critical role of the matrix-particle interfacial region...Ferroelectric polymer nanocomposites possess exceptional electric properties with respect to the two otherwise uniform phases,which is commonly attributed to the critical role of the matrix-particle interfacial region.However,the structure-property correlation of the interface remains unestablished,and thus,the design of ferroelectric polymer nanocompos-ite has largely relied on the trial-and-error method.Here,a strategy that combines multi-mode scanning probe microscopy-based electrical charac-terization and nano-infrared spectroscopy is developed to unveil the local structure-property correlation of the interface in ferroelectric polymer nano-composites.The results show that the type of surface modifiers decorated on the nanoparticles can significantly influence the local polar-phase content and the piezoelectric effect of the polymer matrix surrounding the nano-particles.The strongly coupled polar-phase content and piezoelectric effect measured directly in the interfacial region as well as the computed bonding energy suggest that the property enhancement originates from the formation of hydrogen bond between the surface modifiers and the ferroelectric polymer.It is also directly detected that the local domain size of the ferroelectric polymer can impact the energy level and distribution of charge traps in the interfacial region and eventually influence the local dielectric strength.展开更多
We have studied the influence of probe-sample interaction in a scanning near-field optical microscopy （SNOM） in the far field by using samples with a step structure. For a sample with a step height of - λ/4, the SN...We have studied the influence of probe-sample interaction in a scanning near-field optical microscopy （SNOM） in the far field by using samples with a step structure. For a sample with a step height of - λ/4, the SNOM image contrast between the two sides of the step changes periodically at different scan heights. For a step height of-λ/2, the image contrast remains approximately the same. The probe-sample interaction determines the SNOM image contrast here. The influence of different refractive indices of the sample has been also analysed by using a simple theoretical model.展开更多
The microscopic physical properties of Hardened Cement Paste (HCP) surfaces were evaluated by using Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM). The cement pastes were cured under a hydrostatic pressure of 400 MPa and the contact...The microscopic physical properties of Hardened Cement Paste (HCP) surfaces were evaluated by using Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM). The cement pastes were cured under a hydrostatic pressure of 400 MPa and the contacting surfaces with a slide glass during the curing were studied. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observation at a magnification of 7000 revealed smooth surfaces with no holes. The surface roughness calculated from the SPM measurement was 4 nm. The surface potential and the frictional force measured by SPM were uniform throughout the measured area 24 h after the curing. However, spots of low surface potential and stains of low frictional force and low viscoelasticity were observed one month after curing. This change was attributed to the carbonation of hydrates.展开更多
Recently,charged solitons have been found in a two-dimensional CoCl_(2)/HOPG system,whose microscopic nature remains to be elusive.In this work,we investigate the charged solitons in monolayer CoCl_(2) using scanning ...Recently,charged solitons have been found in a two-dimensional CoCl_(2)/HOPG system,whose microscopic nature remains to be elusive.In this work,we investigate the charged solitons in monolayer CoCl_(2) using scanning tunneling microscopy(STM)and atomic force microscopy(AFM).Moreover,we study the electrical properties of the charged solitons at zero electric field by measuring local contact potential difference(LCPD)via Kelvin probe force microscopy(KPFM)using the Δf(V)method.The compensation voltage corresponding to the vertex of the parabola is obtained by fitting the quadratic relationship between Δf and sample bias.The results show that,without an external electric field,the solitons behave as negatively charged entities.Meanwhile,the LCPD mapping characterizes the spatial distribution of the potential at the charged solitons,which agrees well with those obtained from STM band bending measurements.展开更多
By means of total energy calculations within the framework of the local density approximation (LDA), the interactions between a silicon Si(001) surface and a scanning probe are investigated. The tip of the probe, comp...By means of total energy calculations within the framework of the local density approximation (LDA), the interactions between a silicon Si(001) surface and a scanning probe are investigated. The tip of the probe, comprising 4 Si atoms scans along the dimer lines above an asymmetric p(2 × 1) surface, at a distance where the chemical interaction between tip-surface is dominant and responsible for image resolution. At that distance, the tip causes the dimer to toggle when it scans above the lower atom of a dimer. The toggled dimers create an alternating pattern, where the immediately adjacent neighbours of a toggled dimer remain unchanged. After the tip has fully scanned across the p(2 × 1) surface, causes the dimers to arrange in a p(2 × 2) reconstruction, reproducing the images obtained in scanning probe experiments. Our modelling methodology includes simulations that reveal the energy input required to overcome the barrier to the onset of dimer toggling. The results show that the energy input to overcome this barrier is lower for the p(2 × 1) surface than that for the p(2 × 2) or c(4 × 2) surfaces.展开更多
Scanning probe microscopes (SPM) are limited in their speed of data acquisition by the mechanical stability of the scanner. Therefore many types of scanners have been developed to achieve a rigid setup while maintaini...Scanning probe microscopes (SPM) are limited in their speed of data acquisition by the mechanical stability of the scanner. Therefore many types of scanners have been developed to achieve a rigid setup while maintaining an acceptable image size. We have followed here a different path to accelerate data acquisition by improving the feedback loop to achieve the same SPM image quality in a shorter time. While the feedback loop in a scanning probe microscope typically starts to probe a new pixel starting from the previous position, we have reduced the total control time by using an improved starting point for the feedback loop at each pixel. By exploiting the information of the already scanned pixels a forecast for the new pixel is created. We have successfully used several simple methods for a prognosis in MATLAB simulations like one dimensional linear or cubic extrapolation and others. Only scanning tunnelling microscope data from real experiments were used to test the forecasts. A doubling of the speed was achieved in the most favourable cases.展开更多
Energy storage property of a dielectric is closely tied with its nanostructure.In this study,we aim to achieve a deep understanding of this relationship in high energy density ferroelectric ceramicfilms,by probing int...Energy storage property of a dielectric is closely tied with its nanostructure.In this study,we aim to achieve a deep understanding of this relationship in high energy density ferroelectric ceramicfilms,by probing into the nanograin and sub-grain nanostructures in polycrystalline BaTiO_(3)films integrated on Si.Through scanning probe acoustic microscopy analyses,it is revealed that the BaTiO_(3)films directly grown on Pt/Ti/Si mostly consist of large discontinuous columnar nanograins,while those grown on LaNiO_(3)-buffered Pt/Ti/Si substrates have a dominant microstructure of continuous columnar nanograins.Furthermore,ultrafine ferroelastic domains of~10 nm wide are revealed inside the grains of the buffered BaTiO_(3)films,while those unbufferedfilms show about~50%increase in the domain width.The dielectric properties of the BaTiO_(3)films are well correlated with their characteristic nanostructures.Under an increasing electricfield,the LaNiO_(3)-bufferedfilms display a slower decline in its dielectric constant and a later saturation of its electric polarization,leading to an improved energy storage performance.Devicelevel charge-discharge tests have verified not only the delayed polarization saturation and high energy density of the LaNiO_(3)-buffered BaTiO_(3)film capacitors,but also a high power density in the same order as those of the ferroelectric ceramics.展开更多
The work combined scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements and finite element modelling to study the diffusion and distribution of hydrogen(H)atoms at metallurgical microphases contained in X52 pipeline ste...The work combined scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements and finite element modelling to study the diffusion and distribution of hydrogen(H)atoms at metallurgical microphases contained in X52 pipeline steel.Results show that the pearlite contained in the steel is more stable than the ferrite during electropolishing,as indicated by the measured topographic profiles and Volta potentials.The hydrogen(H)-charging enhances the electrochemical activity of both pearlite and ferrite,as shown by increased Volta potential and thus the decreased work function.As the H-charging time increases,the Volta potentials of both phases further increase,implying that their activities increase with the H-charging time.The pearlite has a greater Volta potential and thus a lower work function than the ferrite.This is associated with more H atoms accumulating at the pearlite than at the ferrite.The H atom diffusion and accumulation are affected by H diffusivity at phase boundaries,H-trap binding energy and the number of traps in the steel.展开更多
The rational design of efficient artificial photosynthetic components requires thorough understandings towards(photo)electrochemical properties and kinetic processes at the solid/liquid interface.Electrochemical scann...The rational design of efficient artificial photosynthetic components requires thorough understandings towards(photo)electrochemical properties and kinetic processes at the solid/liquid interface.Electrochemical scanning probe microscopy(EC-SPM),which enables the high-spatial resolution imaging in an electrolyte environment,becomes an indispensable experimental technique for operando studies of(photo)electrochemistry.This review summarizes the latest results of relevant ECSPM techniques to study the interfacial properties of electrocatalysts and photoelectrodes.Covered methods include atomic force microscopy,Kelvin probe force microscopy,conductive atomic force microscopy,scanning tunneling microscopy,scanning electrochemical microscopy,and other advanced SPM-based operando techniques.Finally,we offer some perspectives on the future outlook in this fascinating research area.展开更多
Two-dimensional(2D)materials distinguish themselves by high specific surface areas and wide tunability in nanophotonics research.As the developing of 2D materials optical and opto-electronic investigations,scanning pr...Two-dimensional(2D)materials distinguish themselves by high specific surface areas and wide tunability in nanophotonics research.As the developing of 2D materials optical and opto-electronic investigations,scanning probe microscopy provides high spatial resolution and strong local field confinement,which can realize the single molecular and atomic level of characterization.Here,we review the nanophotonic and opto-electronic features of both pristine and hybrid 2Dmaterials which are measured by scanning probe microscopy.The conclusion and prospective of scanning probe techniques for the future2Dmaterials characterization and practical applications are presented.展开更多
In this work,we investigate cross-sectional sample preparation for atomic force microscopy and general scanning probe microscopy(SPM)characterization.In light of traditional cross-sectional sample preparation solution...In this work,we investigate cross-sectional sample preparation for atomic force microscopy and general scanning probe microscopy(SPM)characterization.In light of traditional cross-sectional sample preparation solutions for transmission electron microscopy,mechanical polishing and focused ion beam(FIB)milling have been employed to prepare cross-sectional samples for SPM.We present an optimized solution for thin films and oxide heterostructures that allows for examining the prepared surfaces using various SPM techniques.In particular,post-cleaning after FIB milling is shown to be crucial and precision ion polishing was conducted to remove rough layers on mechanically polished samples.We also study SPM mechanical milling to remove amorphous layers on FIB-milled samples.Consequently,a reliable solution for making cross sections suitable for SPM has been achieved providing a useful methodology that can also be employed for other material systems with different hardness,such as polymers and metals.展开更多
Carbon,as an indispensable chemical element on Earth,has diverse covalent bonding ability,which enables construction of extensive pivotal carbon-based structures in multiple scientific fields.The extraordinary physico...Carbon,as an indispensable chemical element on Earth,has diverse covalent bonding ability,which enables construction of extensive pivotal carbon-based structures in multiple scientific fields.The extraordinary physicochemical properties presented by pioneering synthetic carbon allotropes,typically including fullerenes,carbon nanotubes,and graphene,have stimulated broad interest in fabrication of carbon-based nanostructures and nanomaterials.Accurate regulation of topology,size,and shape,as well as controllably embedding target sp^(n)-hybridized carbons in molecular skeletons,is significant for tailoring their structures and consequent properties and requires atomic precision in their preparation.Scanning probe microscopy(SPM),combined with on-surface synthesis strategy,has demonstrated its capabilities in fabrication of various carbon-based nanostructures and nanomaterials with atomic precision,which has long been elusive for conventional solution-phase synthesis due to realistic obstacles in solubility,isolation,purification,etc.More intriguingly,atom manipulation via an SPM tip allows unique access to local production of highly reactive carbon-based nanostructures.In addition,SPM provides topographic information of carbon-based nanostructures as well as their characteristic electronic structures with unprecedented submolecular resolution in real space.In this review,we overview recent exciting progress in the delicate application of SPM in probing low-dimensional carbon-based nanostructures and nanomaterials,which will open an avenue for the exploration and development of elusive and undiscovered carbon-based nanomaterials.展开更多
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51375363)
文摘Scanning ion conductance microscopy（SICM） is an emerging non-destructive surface topography characterization apparatus with nanoscale resolution. However, the low regulating frequency of probe in most existing modulated current based SICM systems increases the system noise, and has difficulty in imaging sample surface with steep height changes. In order to enable SICM to have the capability of imaging surfaces with steep height changes, a novel probe that can be used in the modulated current based bopping mode is designed. The design relies on two piezoelectric ceramics with different travels to separate position adjustment and probe frequency regulation in the Z direction. To fiarther improve the resonant frequency of the probe, the material and the key dimensions for each component of the probe are optimized based on the multi-objective optimization method and the finite element analysis. The optimal design has a resonant frequency of above 10 kHz. To validate the rationality of the designed probe, microstructured grating samples are imaged using the homebuilt modulated current based SICM system. The experimental results indicate that the designed high frequency probe can effectively reduce the spike noise by 26% in the average number of spike noise. The proposed design provides a feasible solution for improving the imaging quality of the existing SICM systems which normally use ordinary probes with relatively low regulating frequency.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foun-dation of China under grant Nos.52231003,52301073,52271049,and 52201063.
文摘One of the most intriguing methods of mitigating the hydrogen embrittlement of steels entails nano-precipitates that can trap H from enriching at vulnerable locations.However,controversial findings have been reported on whether the incoherent NbC precipitates trap hydrogen.Here,by using in-situ scan-ning Kelvin probe force microscopy(SKPFM),we reveal the dynamic interaction of H with the border area of incoherent NbC nanoprecipitates in steel.Results indicate that the interaction between H flux and the interfaces varies amongst different precipitates,implying that H-trapping behaviours of incoherent NbC precipitates could be intrinsically diverse.Potential origins underlying the distinct behaviours are analyzed.
基金Project supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant Nos.2016YFA0202300 and 2018YFA0305800)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.61888102,61474141,and 21661132006)+2 种基金the Young Scientists Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.11604373)the Outstanding Youth Science Foundation,China(Grant No.61622116)the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS)(Grant Nos.XDB28000000 and XDB30000000)
文摘The adsorption configurations of molecules adsorbed on substrates can significantly affect their physical and chemical properties. A standing configuration can be difficult to determine by traditional techniques, such as scanning tunneling microscopy(STM) due to the superposition of electronic states. In this paper, we report the real-space observation of the standing adsorption configuration of phenylacetylene on Cu(111) by non-contact atomic force microscopy(nc-AFM).Deposition of phenylacetylene at 25 K shows featureless bright spots in STM images. Using nc-AFM, the line features representing the C–H and C–C bonds in benzene rings are evident, which implies a standing adsorption configuration. Further density functional theory(DFT) calculations reveal multiple optimized adsorption configurations with phenylacetylene breaking its acetylenic bond and forming C–Cu bond(s) with the underlying copper atoms, and hence stand on the substrate.By comparing the nc-AFM simulations with the experimental observation, we identify the standing adsorption configuration of phenylacetylene on Cu(111). Our work demonstrates an application of combining nc-AFM measurements and DFT calculations to the study of standing molecules on substrates, which enriches our knowledge of the adsorption behaviors of small molecules on solid surfaces at low temperatures.
基金supported by the "Communauté Franaise de Belgique-ARC 04/09-310"was done in the context of the EC VI FW international EXCELL Project
文摘The elastic indentation modulus and hardness of standard bulk materials and advanced thin films were determined by using the nanoindentation technique followed by the Oliver- Pharr post-treatment. After measurements with different loading/unloading schemes on chemically polished bulk titanium a substantial decrease of both modulus and hardness vs an increasing loading time was found. Then, hard nanostructured TiBN and TiCrBN thin films deposited by magnetron sputtering （using multiphase targets） on substrates of high roughness （sintered hard metal） and low roughness （silicon） were studied. Experimental modulus and hardness characterized by using two different nanoindenter tools were within the limits of standard deviation. However, a strong effect of roughness on the spread of the experimental values was observed and it was found that hardness and elastic indentation modulus obeyed a Gaussian distribution. The experimental data were discussed together with scanning probe microscopy （SPM） images of typical imprints taken after the nanoindentation tests and the local topographyls strong correlation with the results of nanoindentation was described.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51922056 and 51921005).
文摘Ferroelectric polymer nanocomposites possess exceptional electric properties with respect to the two otherwise uniform phases,which is commonly attributed to the critical role of the matrix-particle interfacial region.However,the structure-property correlation of the interface remains unestablished,and thus,the design of ferroelectric polymer nanocompos-ite has largely relied on the trial-and-error method.Here,a strategy that combines multi-mode scanning probe microscopy-based electrical charac-terization and nano-infrared spectroscopy is developed to unveil the local structure-property correlation of the interface in ferroelectric polymer nano-composites.The results show that the type of surface modifiers decorated on the nanoparticles can significantly influence the local polar-phase content and the piezoelectric effect of the polymer matrix surrounding the nano-particles.The strongly coupled polar-phase content and piezoelectric effect measured directly in the interfacial region as well as the computed bonding energy suggest that the property enhancement originates from the formation of hydrogen bond between the surface modifiers and the ferroelectric polymer.It is also directly detected that the local domain size of the ferroelectric polymer can impact the energy level and distribution of charge traps in the interfacial region and eventually influence the local dielectric strength.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China （Grant Nos 90206003, 10374005, 10434020, 10521002, 10328407 and 90101027） and the Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China （Grant No 20040001012）.
文摘We have studied the influence of probe-sample interaction in a scanning near-field optical microscopy （SNOM） in the far field by using samples with a step structure. For a sample with a step height of - λ/4, the SNOM image contrast between the two sides of the step changes periodically at different scan heights. For a step height of-λ/2, the image contrast remains approximately the same. The probe-sample interaction determines the SNOM image contrast here. The influence of different refractive indices of the sample has been also analysed by using a simple theoretical model.
文摘The microscopic physical properties of Hardened Cement Paste (HCP) surfaces were evaluated by using Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM). The cement pastes were cured under a hydrostatic pressure of 400 MPa and the contacting surfaces with a slide glass during the curing were studied. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observation at a magnification of 7000 revealed smooth surfaces with no holes. The surface roughness calculated from the SPM measurement was 4 nm. The surface potential and the frictional force measured by SPM were uniform throughout the measured area 24 h after the curing. However, spots of low surface potential and stains of low frictional force and low viscoelasticity were observed one month after curing. This change was attributed to the carbonation of hydrates.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant Nos.2022YFA1403300 and 2019YFA0308404)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.11427902,11991060,12074075,12474165,12274084,and 12241402)+5 种基金Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project(Grant No.2019SHZDZX01)Shanghai Municipal Natural Science Foundation(Grant No.22ZR1407400)Innovation Program for Quantum Science and Technology(Grant No.2024ZD0300104)Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission(Grant No.2023ZKZD03)Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(Grant No.20JC1415900)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.KLH1512149).
文摘Recently,charged solitons have been found in a two-dimensional CoCl_(2)/HOPG system,whose microscopic nature remains to be elusive.In this work,we investigate the charged solitons in monolayer CoCl_(2) using scanning tunneling microscopy(STM)and atomic force microscopy(AFM).Moreover,we study the electrical properties of the charged solitons at zero electric field by measuring local contact potential difference(LCPD)via Kelvin probe force microscopy(KPFM)using the Δf(V)method.The compensation voltage corresponding to the vertex of the parabola is obtained by fitting the quadratic relationship between Δf and sample bias.The results show that,without an external electric field,the solitons behave as negatively charged entities.Meanwhile,the LCPD mapping characterizes the spatial distribution of the potential at the charged solitons,which agrees well with those obtained from STM band bending measurements.
文摘By means of total energy calculations within the framework of the local density approximation (LDA), the interactions between a silicon Si(001) surface and a scanning probe are investigated. The tip of the probe, comprising 4 Si atoms scans along the dimer lines above an asymmetric p(2 × 1) surface, at a distance where the chemical interaction between tip-surface is dominant and responsible for image resolution. At that distance, the tip causes the dimer to toggle when it scans above the lower atom of a dimer. The toggled dimers create an alternating pattern, where the immediately adjacent neighbours of a toggled dimer remain unchanged. After the tip has fully scanned across the p(2 × 1) surface, causes the dimers to arrange in a p(2 × 2) reconstruction, reproducing the images obtained in scanning probe experiments. Our modelling methodology includes simulations that reveal the energy input required to overcome the barrier to the onset of dimer toggling. The results show that the energy input to overcome this barrier is lower for the p(2 × 1) surface than that for the p(2 × 2) or c(4 × 2) surfaces.
文摘Scanning probe microscopes (SPM) are limited in their speed of data acquisition by the mechanical stability of the scanner. Therefore many types of scanners have been developed to achieve a rigid setup while maintaining an acceptable image size. We have followed here a different path to accelerate data acquisition by improving the feedback loop to achieve the same SPM image quality in a shorter time. While the feedback loop in a scanning probe microscope typically starts to probe a new pixel starting from the previous position, we have reduced the total control time by using an improved starting point for the feedback loop at each pixel. By exploiting the information of the already scanned pixels a forecast for the new pixel is created. We have successfully used several simple methods for a prognosis in MATLAB simulations like one dimensional linear or cubic extrapolation and others. Only scanning tunnelling microscope data from real experiments were used to test the forecasts. A doubling of the speed was achieved in the most favourable cases.
基金Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(Grant No.ZR2022ZD39,ZR2020QE042,ZR2022ME031,ZR2022QB138)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(Grant nos.51772175,52002192)+2 种基金the Science,Education and Industry Integration Pilot Projects of Qilu University of Technology(Shandong Academy of Sciences)(Grant Nos.2022GH018,2022PY055).J.Ouyang acknowledges the support from the Jinan Science and Technology Bureau(Grant No.2021GXRC055)the Education Department of Hunan Province/Xiangtan University(Grant No.KZ0807969)the seed funding for top talents at Qilu University of Technology(Shandong Academy of Sciences).
文摘Energy storage property of a dielectric is closely tied with its nanostructure.In this study,we aim to achieve a deep understanding of this relationship in high energy density ferroelectric ceramicfilms,by probing into the nanograin and sub-grain nanostructures in polycrystalline BaTiO_(3)films integrated on Si.Through scanning probe acoustic microscopy analyses,it is revealed that the BaTiO_(3)films directly grown on Pt/Ti/Si mostly consist of large discontinuous columnar nanograins,while those grown on LaNiO_(3)-buffered Pt/Ti/Si substrates have a dominant microstructure of continuous columnar nanograins.Furthermore,ultrafine ferroelastic domains of~10 nm wide are revealed inside the grains of the buffered BaTiO_(3)films,while those unbufferedfilms show about~50%increase in the domain width.The dielectric properties of the BaTiO_(3)films are well correlated with their characteristic nanostructures.Under an increasing electricfield,the LaNiO_(3)-bufferedfilms display a slower decline in its dielectric constant and a later saturation of its electric polarization,leading to an improved energy storage performance.Devicelevel charge-discharge tests have verified not only the delayed polarization saturation and high energy density of the LaNiO_(3)-buffered BaTiO_(3)film capacitors,but also a high power density in the same order as those of the ferroelectric ceramics.
基金supported by Mitacs,InnoTech Alberta and Natural Science and Engineering Research Council(NSERC),CanadaStudy of hydrogen atom distribution at metallurgical microphases of X52 steel by scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy and finite element modelling.
文摘The work combined scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements and finite element modelling to study the diffusion and distribution of hydrogen(H)atoms at metallurgical microphases contained in X52 pipeline steel.Results show that the pearlite contained in the steel is more stable than the ferrite during electropolishing,as indicated by the measured topographic profiles and Volta potentials.The hydrogen(H)-charging enhances the electrochemical activity of both pearlite and ferrite,as shown by increased Volta potential and thus the decreased work function.As the H-charging time increases,the Volta potentials of both phases further increase,implying that their activities increase with the H-charging time.The pearlite has a greater Volta potential and thus a lower work function than the ferrite.This is associated with more H atoms accumulating at the pearlite than at the ferrite.The H atom diffusion and accumulation are affected by H diffusivity at phase boundaries,H-trap binding energy and the number of traps in the steel.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.21872039 and 22072030)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.20720220008)the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(No.22520711100).
文摘The rational design of efficient artificial photosynthetic components requires thorough understandings towards(photo)electrochemical properties and kinetic processes at the solid/liquid interface.Electrochemical scanning probe microscopy(EC-SPM),which enables the high-spatial resolution imaging in an electrolyte environment,becomes an indispensable experimental technique for operando studies of(photo)electrochemistry.This review summarizes the latest results of relevant ECSPM techniques to study the interfacial properties of electrocatalysts and photoelectrodes.Covered methods include atomic force microscopy,Kelvin probe force microscopy,conductive atomic force microscopy,scanning tunneling microscopy,scanning electrochemical microscopy,and other advanced SPM-based operando techniques.Finally,we offer some perspectives on the future outlook in this fascinating research area.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2017YFA0205700)National Basic Research Program of China(Grant Nos.2015CB932403&2017YFA0206000)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.11674012,61422501,11374023and 61521004)Foundation for the Author of National Excellent Doctoral Dissertation of China(Grant No.201420)National Program for Support of Top-notch Young Professionals(Grant No.W02070003)
文摘Two-dimensional(2D)materials distinguish themselves by high specific surface areas and wide tunability in nanophotonics research.As the developing of 2D materials optical and opto-electronic investigations,scanning probe microscopy provides high spatial resolution and strong local field confinement,which can realize the single molecular and atomic level of characterization.Here,we review the nanophotonic and opto-electronic features of both pristine and hybrid 2Dmaterials which are measured by scanning probe microscopy.The conclusion and prospective of scanning probe techniques for the future2Dmaterials characterization and practical applications are presented.
文摘In this work,we investigate cross-sectional sample preparation for atomic force microscopy and general scanning probe microscopy(SPM)characterization.In light of traditional cross-sectional sample preparation solutions for transmission electron microscopy,mechanical polishing and focused ion beam(FIB)milling have been employed to prepare cross-sectional samples for SPM.We present an optimized solution for thin films and oxide heterostructures that allows for examining the prepared surfaces using various SPM techniques.In particular,post-cleaning after FIB milling is shown to be crucial and precision ion polishing was conducted to remove rough layers on mechanically polished samples.We also study SPM mechanical milling to remove amorphous layers on FIB-milled samples.Consequently,a reliable solution for making cross sections suitable for SPM has been achieved providing a useful methodology that can also be employed for other material systems with different hardness,such as polymers and metals.
基金financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.22125203,21790351)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant No.22120220051).
文摘Carbon,as an indispensable chemical element on Earth,has diverse covalent bonding ability,which enables construction of extensive pivotal carbon-based structures in multiple scientific fields.The extraordinary physicochemical properties presented by pioneering synthetic carbon allotropes,typically including fullerenes,carbon nanotubes,and graphene,have stimulated broad interest in fabrication of carbon-based nanostructures and nanomaterials.Accurate regulation of topology,size,and shape,as well as controllably embedding target sp^(n)-hybridized carbons in molecular skeletons,is significant for tailoring their structures and consequent properties and requires atomic precision in their preparation.Scanning probe microscopy(SPM),combined with on-surface synthesis strategy,has demonstrated its capabilities in fabrication of various carbon-based nanostructures and nanomaterials with atomic precision,which has long been elusive for conventional solution-phase synthesis due to realistic obstacles in solubility,isolation,purification,etc.More intriguingly,atom manipulation via an SPM tip allows unique access to local production of highly reactive carbon-based nanostructures.In addition,SPM provides topographic information of carbon-based nanostructures as well as their characteristic electronic structures with unprecedented submolecular resolution in real space.In this review,we overview recent exciting progress in the delicate application of SPM in probing low-dimensional carbon-based nanostructures and nanomaterials,which will open an avenue for the exploration and development of elusive and undiscovered carbon-based nanomaterials.
