Atomic-scale distribution of water molecules at the mica-water interface visualized by three-dimensional scanning force microscopy.
We have developed a method referred to as three-dimensional scanning force microscopy (3D-SFM) which enables us to visualize water distribution at a solid-liquid interface with an atomic-scale resolution in less than 1 min. The 3D-SFM image obtained at a mica-water interface visualizes 3D distributions of adsorbed water molecules above the center of hexagonal cavities and the laterally distributed hydration layer. The atomically resolved 3D-SFM image showing mirror symmetry suggests the existence of surface relaxation of the cleaved mica surface next to the aqueous environment.
Fukuma
Takeshi
T
Frontier Science Organization, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan. fukuma@staff.kanazawa-u.ac.jp
Ueda
Yasumasa
Y
Yoshioka
Shunsuke
S
Asakawa
Hitoshi
H