Study on force-induced chemical reactions using atomic force microscopy

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15H06127
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Nanomaterials chemistry
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Shiotari Akitoshi 東京大学, 大学院新領域創成科学研究科, 助教 (50755717)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-08-28 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 原子間力顕微鏡 / 走査トンネル顕微鏡 / 表面科学 / 表面化学合成

Outline of Final Research Achievements

With atomic force microscopy, we observed adsorbate molecules at high spatial resolution and studied strain-induced on-surface reaction.
AFM with a tip functionalized by carbon monoxide successfully visualizes individual water molecules within one-dimensional water chains on a copper surface. We clarify the imaging mechanism by precise detection of the atomic force between the tip and substrate; the AFM appearance corresponds to the 'oxygen skeleton' of the water network.
Furthermore, we demonstrate azulene-to-fulvalene rearrangement of an azulene-derivative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon on a copper surface, which cannot be induced by conventional organic synthesis. This unique reaction is induced by the structural strain within an intermediate that has heavily distorted azulene moieties on the surface.

Free Research Field

表面科学