Development of novel AFM probes using multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Kevin Bruce Stavens, Purdue University

Abstract

The objective of this research is to develop a reproducible technique for synthesis of a conducting Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) probe using a MWNT and to demonstrate the usefulness of this new probe for Conductive Probe-AFM (CP-AFM). Current technology employs a carbon based acrylic glue for adhering a MWNT to a silicon cantilever for use in Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) [1]. The technique is limited in its ability to produce good electrical and mechanical contact between the MWNT and the silicon cantilever. A novel technique is described that allows for synthesis of MWNT probes that possess good electrical and mechanical contact between a MWNT and a gold coated silicon cantilever. The technique employs a spatially selective electro-deposition of gold from an aqueous plating solution on and around the MWNT/silicon cantilever junction. The metal provides a robust contact and probes with measured resistances consistently on the order of 10s of kΩ. The technique developed for MWNT CP-AFM probe synthesis was used to produce probes and then characterize novel electronic structures. The electronic properties of Self Assembled Monolayers (SAMs) of organic molecules on a specially prepared flat gold substrate and of a nanostructure consisting of a gold nanocrystal adsorbed onto an organic SAM were measured.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Andres, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Chemical engineering

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