Nanoparticle scanning probe microscopy

The potential applications of inorganic nanotubes as tips for scanning probe microscopy for the study of soft tissue rough surfaces and for nanolithography is further discussed in this chapter (Section VI). Most importantly, these kinds of nanoparticles exhibit interesting tribological properties, which are briefly discussed. 

Nano Manipulation As the name suggests, this is quite literally a technique for physically manipulating matter at the nanoscale. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques have been most widely used to achieve this using the scanning probe tip as an implement for assembling atoms, molecules, or nanoparticles according to the desired spatial conformation [166-169],... 

A further step toward technological catalysts is the use of medium-to-low surface area supports on which relatively large metal particles ( 5nm) of well-defined shape are grown. Figure 3h displays a TEM micrograph of palladium nanoparticles supported on MgO (105,108). In favorable cases, the powder oxide support also allows the use of scanning probe microscopy (AFM) or electron spectroscopy. 

Chapter 4, by Batzill and his coworkers, describes modern surface characterization techniques that include photoelectron diffraction and ion scattering as well as scanning probe microscopies. The chapter by Hayden discusses model hydrogen fuel cell electrocatalysts, and the chapter by Ertl and Schuster addresses the electrochemical nano structuring of surfaces. Henry discusses adsorption and reactions on supported model catalysts, and Goodman and Santra describe size-dependent electronic structure and catalytic properties of metal clusters supported on ultra-thin oxide films. In Chapter 9, Markovic and his coworkers discuss modern physical and electrochemical characterization of bimetallic nanoparticle electrocatalysts. 

The studies of individual nanoparticles are mainly carried out with scanning probe microscopy. For instance, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) have been used to investigate the charge-transfer dynamics of... 

The geometric and surface properties of supported nanostructures (nanoparticles, nanorods, and other nanoscale objects) are closely related to many of their important applications. On relatively inert substrates, such as graphite, oxides, and nitrides, many nanostmctures can be fabricated in a nearly free-standing state by simple physical vapor deposition, and be characterized using electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, and various spectroscopic methods. Their intrinsic properties, including the interaction among them, can be measured. In addition, the nanostructures on an inert support provide us with an arena to examine their interactions with other nanoobjects, such as biomolecules, without the influence of a solution. 

The most popular tools for the visualization of engineered nanoparticles are electron and scanning probe microscopes. The visualization, the state of aggregation, dispersion sorption, size, structure, and shape can be observed by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Analytical tools (mostly spectroscopic) can be coupled to... 

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