2D Materials / Alfa Chemistry
Atomic Force Microscope for 2D Materials
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Atomic Force Microscope for 2D Materials

The peculiar structure-property correlations that exist between changes in surface topography and mechanical response, electronic structure, optical characteristics, and electrochemical properties give two-dimensional (2D) materials their distinct behavior. These connections are frequently complex and susceptible to external and environmental factors. As a result, techniques like atomic force microscopy, which can offer multidimensional information in a controlled setting, are needed to characterize these systems (AFM).

Alfa Chemistry provides AFM testing services to characterize the surface topography of 2D materials, which is important for understanding the principles of 2D material functionality. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can assist you with your testing!

Why AFM

AFM is commonly used to capture 3D morphological pictures of 2D material sample surfaces. It can recognize single-atom steps and ripples in the x-direction and resolve lattice orientation and surface defects in the xy-plane with atomic resolution. Researchers have developed novel modes for reliable control of ultra-low imaging forces, which safeguard AFM tips and fragile samples, in addition to the traditional contact and tap modes. These modes also allow precise local stresses to be applied to the sample for mechanical, electromechanical and piezoelectric studies.

Schematic representation of an AFM.Fig 1. Schematic representation of an AFM. (Zhang H, et al. 2018)

Advanced AFM modes allow researchers to acquire maps of modulus, adhesion, deformation, conductivity, surface potential, dielectric constant, optical absorption and reflection, electrochemistry, and more, in addition to morphology and local force control. This data is often acquired via multimodal imaging at normal or high acquisition rates, allowing for correlation between multiple attributes.

In addition, AFM can work not only under ambient conditions, but also in controlled environments, including liquids, variable temperatures, desiccators, vacuum, etc. All these functions are contained in one instrument, making the AFM a versatile platform for studying highly multidisciplinary research. As a result, the AFM stands out among other 2D materials research techniques.

Service Detail

Testing ServicesAtomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
Test ContentMorphology, PFM, EFM, KPFM, MFMC-AFM/PeakForce TUNA
Sample TypePowder / Film / Bulk
Instrument ModelBruker Dimension Edge AFM, Bruker Dimension ICON AFM, Agilent 5500 AFM, NT-MDT Prima AFM
Lead Time2~3 Weeks

Our requirements for samples are as follows:

  • For film/bulk samples

Length/Width: 0.5 ~ 3 cm;
Thickness: 0.1 ~ 1 cm;
Surface Roughness: < 5 μm;
Please mark the test surface carefully.

  • For powder series samples
Powder Series TypeRequired weight per sample
Powder≥ 20 mg, particle size < 5 μm
Powder in solvent≥ 1 mL
Powder prepared on silicon waferLength/width 0.5 ~ 3 cm
Instructions for powder sample preparationDisperse the powder in a solvent (usually ethanol or deionized water) and drop it on the mica/silicon wafer for drying.

Note: All samples are non-returnable, please contact us if you have any special requirements.

Our Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) uses nanometer-sized probes to scan the surface of 2D samples to create images of their topology and local properties. Our surface analysis technology employs X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and a variety of other spectroscopic techniques to deliver high sensitivity and high resolution chemical composition and chemical shift analyses, as well as unprecedented automation and sample handling capabilities. In addition, we generate energy-level maps of 2D materials using surface-sensitive techniques such as inverse photoelectron spectroscopy (IPES) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS).

Service Detail

Reference

  1. Zhang H, et al. (2018). "Atomic Force Microscopy for Two-Dimensional Materials: A Tutorial Review." Optics Communications. 406: 3-17.

Our Advantages

High Quality

High Quality

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Alfa Chemistry provides cost effective, high quality and hassle free services to our clients worldwide. We guarantee on-time delivery of our results.

If you have any questions at any time during this process, please contact us. We will do our best to meet your needs.

Please kindly note that our products are for research use only.