Daniel Ebeling

Direct observation of ionic structure at solid-liquid interfaces: a deep look into the Stern Layer

The distribution of ions and charge at solid-water interfaces plays an essential role in a wide range of processes in biology, geology and technology. While theoretical models of the solid-electrolyte interface date back to the early 20th century, a detailed picture of the structure of the electric double layer has remained elusive, largely because of experimental techniques have not allowed direct observation of the behaviour of ions, i.e. with subnanometer resolution. We have made use of recent advances in high-resolution Atomic Force Microscopy to reveal, with atomic level precision, the ordered adsorption of the mono- and divalent ions that are common in natural environments to heterogeneous gibbsite/silica surfaces in contact with aqueous electrolytes. Complemented by density functional theory, our experiments produce a detailed picture of the formation of surface phases by templated adsorption of cations, anions and water, stabilized by hydrogen bonding.

Small Amplitude Atomic Force Spectroscopy

Over the years atomic force microscopy has developed from a pure imaging technique to a tool that can be employed for measuring quantitative tip–sample interaction forces. In this chapter we provide an overview of various techniques to extract quantitative tip–sample forces focusing on both amplitude modulation and frequency modulation atomic force spectroscopy (AM-AFS and FM-AFS) in the small amplitude regime. We discuss different actuation methods, such as sample modulation, magnetic actuation, and by far the most widely used acoustic driving. Also the corresponding force-inversion methodology is discussed for – in particular – ambient liquid.