Atomic Force Microscopy of the Electrochemical Nucleation and Growth of Molecular Crystals
Abstract
The atomic force microscope (AFM) was employed to examine the nanoscale morphology, surface topography, and growth and dissolution characteristics of single crystals of a series of organic charge transfer salts, specifically those comprising the tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) acceptor and tetrathiafulvalene (TTF), tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene (TMTSF), and bis- (ethylenedithiolo)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF) donors. The dynamics of electrocrystallization were studied in situ on specific exposed crystal faces of these salts while the supersaturation was controlled by the applied electrochemical potential. Results indicate that the growth modes and the distribution and orientation of topographic features can be correlated with the strength and direction of solid state intermolecular bonding. In general, the nanoscale topographic structure resembled the macroscopic morphology, suggesting self-similarity across the length scales examined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA281024
Entities
People
- Andrew C. Miller
- Michael D. Ward
Organizations
- University of Minnesota