Manipulative force microscopy uses the probing tip to pick up a single molecule and to perform a number of experiments with the attached molecule. Either lateral or vertical manipulations can be performed, where a number of parameters, such as velocity, temperature or orientation angle, are available. An example is given by the pulling of polymeric chains on Au(111) [1], where the detachment of the chain leads to oscillations of the normal and lateral forces. The comparison with the model yields the adhesive energy per subunit of the molecular chain. Lateral manipulation gives insight into the movement of one-dimensional chains on surfaces. An example with potential for application is the pulling of graphene nanoribbons across a gold surface [2]. In this case, superlubricity conditions are found.  A second class of experiments involves picking up a single molecule and investigating the influence of internal degrees of freedom during lateral and vertical manipulations [3]. In the case of a porphyrin derivative it is the motion of a di-cyanophenyl side group that determines the mechanical response.<br/>

Manipulative force microscopy: Pulling molecular chains and nanoribbons

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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