Surface chemistry impacts technology,
advancing the development
of new heterogeneous catalysts, semiconductor devices, and materials
synthesis. Carbon surfaces are ubiquitous in various fields, and the
surface reactivity can be altered by surface functionalization on
the molecular scale, introducing functional groups, thus shifting
their macroscale properties. In this physical chemistry lab experiment,
students use atomic force microscopy to investigate the surface of
graphite (organic) and gold (inorganic) samples (solid phase) to compare
topographical features, surface roughness, and adhesion forces of
the samples. Students relate the force–displacement measurements
with the Lennard-Jones potential to obtain measurable adhesion forces.
Emphasis is placed on quantification of the adhesion forces between
a hydrophobic highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface, a
hydrophilic (hydroxy) functionalized HOPG surface, and a metallic
gold-coated glass slide. The surface of each sample is explored, allowing
students to compare the difference between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic
surfaces from surface functionalization.