1
|
Tong KW, Yu F, Wang H, Huang K, Dai ZJ, Chen SX. Microscale Normal Compression Behaviors of Clay Aggregates: A Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Study. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024. [PMID: 39024040 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Given the limitations of micromechanical experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, the normal compression process of clay aggregates was simulated under different vertical pressures (P), numbers of particles, loading methods, and environments by a Gay-Berne potential model. On the basis of the variations of particle orientation and the distribution of stacks, the evolution of deformation and stresses was elucidated. The results showed that the effects of the pressure level and loading environment on the deformation were significant. In the range of 0.1-10 MPa, the changes in the void ratio were essentially the evolution of the distribution of stacks determined by attractive short-range van der Waals interactions. The deformation under constant pressure was larger than that under step loading. Because the interactions between clay particles were mainly controlled by mechanical force when in the range of 40-100 MPa, the void ratios under various loading conditions were consistent. It was also found that changes in three-dimensional stresses during compression were dependent on those of the distribution of stacks. In the vacuum environment, owing to the lateral movement of interlocked small stacks, the horizontal stress decreased. The lateral pressure coefficients (k) were greater in an atmospheric environment because the anisotropic particle orientation was relatively less obvious. In the range of 10-100 MPa, when the loading path became longer, k was similar in vacuum but became smaller in an atmosphere. If the initial loading pressure was increased, the number of large stacks sharply increased and the anisotropy was significant in a vacuum environment, which was less prone to lateral expansion. In contrast, more consistent particle arrangements were maintained in an atmosphere. This work will be conducive to explaining experimental observations of long-term ripening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Wen Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Navier, Ecole des Ponts, Univ Gustave Eiffel, CNRS, 77420 Marne-la-Vallée, France
| | - Fei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Navier, Ecole des Ponts, Univ Gustave Eiffel, CNRS, 77420 Marne-la-Vallée, France
| | - Kang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhang-Jun Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Shan-Xiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nagai S, Urata S, Suga K, Fukuma T, Hayashi Y, Miyazawa K. Three-dimensional ordering of water molecules reflecting hydroxyl groups on sapphire (001) and α-quartz (100) surfaces. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:13262-13271. [PMID: 37539559 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02498a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Water molecules on oxide surfaces influence the chemical reactivity and molecular adsorption behavior of oxides. Herein, three-dimensional atomic force microscopy (3D-AFM) and molecular dynamics simulations are used to visualize the surface hydroxyl (OH) groups and their hydration structures on sapphire (001) and α-quartz (100) surfaces at the atomic-scale. The obtained results revealed that the spatial density distributions and hydrogen-bonding strengths of surface OH groups affect their local hydration structures. In particular, the force curves obtained by 3D-AFM suggest that the hydration forces of water molecules intensify at sites where water molecules strongly interact with the surface OH groups. The insights obtained in this study deepen our understanding of the affinities of Al2O3 and SiO2 for water molecules and contribute to the use of 3D-AFM in the investigation of atomic-scale hydration structures on various surfaces, thereby benefiting a wide range of research fields dealing with solid-liquid interfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sho Nagai
- Innovative Technology Laboratories, AGC Inc., 1-1 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Shingo Urata
- Planning Division, AGC Inc., 1-1 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kent Suga
- Innovative Technology Laboratories, AGC Inc., 1-1 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takeshi Fukuma
- Faculty of Frontier Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan.
- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yasuo Hayashi
- Innovative Technology Laboratories, AGC Inc., 1-1 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Keisuke Miyazawa
- Faculty of Frontier Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan.
- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yamashita S, Inatomi Y, Inaba Y, Tanabe M, Nishi T, Kudo Y. Atomic-Scale Dynamics at Solid-Liquid Nanointerfaces Induced by Electron-Beam Irradiation. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:10073-10079. [PMID: 36512517 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We report electron-beam induced dynamics at PbS-Pb solid-liquid interfaces. We fabricated PbS-Pb solid-liquid nanointerfaces by heating PbS nanocrystals under vacuum to observe the entire process of structural evolution at the atomic scale. We investigated the dynamics using time-resolved high-angle annular dark-field imaging. Electron-beam irradiation caused layer-by-layer dissolution of PbS at the interface, resulting in the formation of the Pb nanodroplet. Ordered liquid layers were observed adjacent to the interface even under continuous electron-beam irradiation and followed the movement of the interface. Instantaneous epitaxial growth of PbS was observed as a reverse process of the dissolution. The resultant Pb nanodroplet provides indisputable evidence for selective sputtering of sulfur atoms via electron-beam irradiation. This paper demonstrates atomic resolution in situ observations of selective and complete sputtering. The observed dynamics can be explained by the intermittent phase transition via nonequilibrium states of the solid-liquid nanointerface triggered by selective sputtering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Yamashita
- R&D Center, Sony Group Corporation, 4-14-1 Asahi-cho, Atsugi, Kanagawa243-0014, Japan
| | - Yuya Inatomi
- R&D Center, Sony Group Corporation, 4-14-1 Asahi-cho, Atsugi, Kanagawa243-0014, Japan
| | - Yuta Inaba
- R&D Center, Sony Group Corporation, 4-14-1 Asahi-cho, Atsugi, Kanagawa243-0014, Japan
| | - Mamoru Tanabe
- R&D Center, Sony Group Corporation, 4-14-1 Asahi-cho, Atsugi, Kanagawa243-0014, Japan
| | - Toshio Nishi
- R&D Center, Sony Group Corporation, 4-14-1 Asahi-cho, Atsugi, Kanagawa243-0014, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kudo
- R&D Center, Sony Group Corporation, 4-14-1 Asahi-cho, Atsugi, Kanagawa243-0014, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
John S, Kühnle A. Hydration Structure at the Calcite-Water (10.4) Interface in the Presence of Rubidium Chloride. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:11691-11698. [PMID: 36120896 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c01745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Solid-liquid interfaces are of significant importance in a multitude of geochemical and technological fields. More specifically, the solvation structure plays a decisive role in the properties of the interfaces. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used to resolve the interfacial hydration structure in the presence and absence of ions. Despite many studies investigating the calcite-water interface, the impact of ions on the hydration structure at this interface has rarely been studied. Here, we investigate the calcite-water interface at various concentrations (ranging from 0 to 5 M) of rubidium chloride (RbCl) using three-dimensional atomic force microscopy (3D AFM). We present molecularly resolved images of the hydration structure at the interface. Interestingly, the characteristic pattern of the hydration structure appears similar regardless of the RbCl concentration. The presence of the ions is detected in an indirect manner by more frequent contrast changes and slice displacements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon John
- Physical Chemistry I, Faculty of Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Angelika Kühnle
- Physical Chemistry I, Faculty of Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cafolla C, Voïtchovsky K. Real-time tracking of ionic nano-domains under shear flow. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19540. [PMID: 34599212 PMCID: PMC8486851 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98137-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The behaviour of ions at solid-liquid interfaces underpins countless phenomena, from the conduction of nervous impulses to charge transfer in solar cells. In most cases, ions do not operate as isolated entities, but in conjunction with neighbouring ions and the surrounding solution. In aqueous solutions, recent studies suggest the existence of group dynamics through water-mediated clusters but results allowing direct tracking of ionic domains with atomic precision are scarce. Here, we use high-speed atomic force microscopy to track the evolution of Rb+, K+, Na+ and Ca2+ nano-domains containing 20 to 120 ions adsorbed at the surface of mica in aqueous solution. The interface is exposed to a shear flow able to influence the lateral motion of single ions and clusters. The results show that, when in groups, metal ions tend to move with a relatively slow dynamics, as can be expected from a correlated group motion, with an average residence timescale of ~ 1-2 s for individual ions at a given atomic site. The average group velocity of the clusters depends on the ions' charge density and can be explained by the ion's hydration state. The lateral shear flow of the fluid is insufficient to desorb ions, but indirectly influences the diffusion dynamics by acting on ions in close vicinity to the surface. The results provide insights into the dynamics of ion clusters when adsorbed onto an immersed solid under shear flow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clodomiro Cafolla
- grid.8250.f0000 0000 8700 0572Physics Department, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE UK
| | - Kislon Voïtchovsky
- grid.8250.f0000 0000 8700 0572Physics Department, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou S, Panse KS, Motevaselian MH, Aluru NR, Zhang Y. Three-Dimensional Molecular Mapping of Ionic Liquids at Electrified Interfaces. ACS NANO 2020; 14:17515-17523. [PMID: 33227191 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c07957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Electric double layers (EDLs), occurring ubiquitously at solid-liquid interfaces, are critical for electrochemical energy conversion and storage processes such as capacitive charging and redox reactions. However, to date the molecular-scale structure of EDLs remains elusive. Here we report an advanced technique, electrochemical three-dimensional atomic force microscopy (EC-3D-AFM), and use it to directly image the molecular-scale EDL structure of an ionic liquid under different electrode potentials. We observe not only multiple discrete ionic layers in the EDL on a graphite electrode but also a quasi-periodic molecular density distribution within each layer. Furthermore, we find pronounced 3D reconfiguration of the EDL at different voltages, especially in the first layer. Combining the experimental results with molecular dynamics simulations, we find potential-dependent molecular redistribution and reorientation in the innermost EDL layer, both of which are critical to EDL capacitive charging. We expect this mechanistic understanding to have profound impacts on the rational design of electrode-electrolyte interfaces for energy conversion and storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shan Zhou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Kaustubh S Panse
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | | | - Narayana R Aluru
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Subnanometer-scale imaging of nanobio-interfaces by frequency modulation atomic force microscopy. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:1675-1682. [PMID: 32779720 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recently, there have been significant advancements in dynamic-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) for biological applications. With frequency modulation AFM (FM-AFM), subnanometer-scale surface structures of biomolecules such as secondary structures of proteins, phosphate groups of DNAs, and lipid-ion complexes have been directly visualized. In addition, three-dimensional AFM (3D-AFM) has been developed by combining a high-resolution AFM technique with a 3D tip scanning method. This method enabled visualization of 3D distributions of water (i.e. hydration structures) with subnanometer-scale resolution on various biological molecules such as lipids, proteins, and DNAs. Furthermore, 3D-AFM also allows visualization of subnanometer-scale 3D distributions of flexible surface structures such as thermally fluctuating lipid headgroups. Such a direct local information at nano-bio interfaces can play a critical role in determining the atomic- or molecular-scale model to explain interfacial structures and functions. Here, we present an overview of these recent advancements in the dynamic-mode AFM techniques and their biological applications.
Collapse
|
8
|
Fukuma T. Improvements in fundamental performance of in-liquid frequency modulation atomic force microscopy. Microscopy (Oxf) 2020; 69:340-349. [PMID: 32780817 DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfaa045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In-liquid frequency modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) has been used for visualizing subnanometer-scale surface structures of minerals, organic thin films and biological systems. In addition, three-dimensional atomic force microscopy (3D-AFM) has been developed by combining it with a three-dimensional (3D) tip scanning method. This method enabled the visualization of 3D distributions of water (i.e. hydration structures) and flexible molecular chains at subnanometer-scale resolution. While these applications highlighted the unique capabilities of FM-AFM, its force resolution, speed and stability are not necessarily at a satisfactory level for practical applications. Recently, there have been significant advancements in these fundamental performances. The force resolution was dramatically improved by using a small cantilever, which enabled the imaging of a 3D hydration structure even in pure water and made it possible to directly compare experimental results with simulated ones. In addition, the improved force resolution allowed the enhancement of imaging speed without compromising spatial resolution. To achieve this goal, efforts have been made for improving bandwidth, resonance frequency and/or latency of various components, including a high-speed phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit. With these improvements, now atomic-resolution in-liquid FM-AFM imaging can be performed at ∼1 s/frame. Furthermore, a Si-coating method was found to improve stability and reproducibility of atomic-resolution imaging owing to formation of a stable hydration structure on a tip apex. These improvements have opened up new possibilities of atomic-scale studies on solid-liquid interfacial phenomena by in-liquid FM-AFM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Fukuma
- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fukuma T, Garcia R. Atomic- and Molecular-Resolution Mapping of Solid-Liquid Interfaces by 3D Atomic Force Microscopy. ACS NANO 2018; 12:11785-11797. [PMID: 30422619 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b07216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Hydration layers are ubiquitous in life and technology. Hence, interfacial aqueous layers have a central role in a wide range of phenomena from materials science to molecular and cell biology. A complete understanding of those processes requires, among other things, the development of very-sensitive and high-resolution instruments. Three-dimensional atomic force microscopy (3D-AFM) represents the latest and most successful attempt to generate atomically resolved three-dimensional images of solid-liquid interfaces. This review provides an overview of the 3D-AFM operating principles and its underlying physics. We illustrate and explain the capability of the instrument to resolve atomic defects on crystalline surfaces immersed in liquid. We also illustrate some of its applications to imaging the hydration structures on DNA or proteins. In the last section, we discuss some perspectives on emerging applications in materials science and molecular biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Fukuma
- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) , Kanazawa University , Kanazawa 920-1192 , Japan
| | - Ricardo Garcia
- Materials Science Factory , Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid (ICMM) , 28049 Madrid , Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Molino PJ, Yang D, Penna M, Miyazawa K, Knowles BR, MacLaughlin S, Fukuma T, Yarovsky I, Higgins MJ. Hydration Layer Structure of Biofouling-Resistant Nanoparticles. ACS NANO 2018; 12:11610-11624. [PMID: 30335960 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b06856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Hydrophilic surface chemistries can strongly bind water to produce surfaces that are highly resistant to protein adsorption and fouling. The interfacial bound water and its distinct properties have intrigued researchers for decades, yet the relationship between the water three-dimensional structure and function in antifouling coatings remains elusive. Here, we use hydrophilic, epoxy organosilane modified silica nanoparticles to demonstrate cheap, robust, and practically applied coatings that we discover have broad-ranging, ultralow fouling properties when challenged by various proteins, bacteria, and fungal spores. To understand their excellent antifouling properties, frequency modulation-atomic force microscopy is used to directly observe the interfacial water structure at subatomic resolution, which we validate using all-atom molecular dynamic simulations that strikingly predict similar structures of water layers on the original and ultralow fouling surfaces. The convergence of experimental and modeling data reveals that suitably spaced, flexible chains with hydrophilic groups interact with water molecules to produce a connective, quasi-stable layer, consisting of dynamic interfacial water, that provides a basis for antifouling performance of ultrathin, hydrophilic surface chemistries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Molino
- ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing , Wollongong , NSW 2522 , Australia
- ARC Centre for Electromaterials Science (ACES), Intelligent Polymer Research Institute/AIIM Faculty, Innovation Campus, Squires Way , University of Wollongong , Wollongong , NSW 2522 , Australia
| | - Dan Yang
- ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing , Wollongong , NSW 2522 , Australia
- ARC Centre for Electromaterials Science (ACES), Intelligent Polymer Research Institute/AIIM Faculty, Innovation Campus, Squires Way , University of Wollongong , Wollongong , NSW 2522 , Australia
| | - Matthew Penna
- ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing , Wollongong , NSW 2522 , Australia
- School of Engineering , RMIT University , Melbourne , Victoria 3001 , Australia
| | - Keisuke Miyazawa
- Division of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science and ∞Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) , Kanazawa University , Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192 , Japan
| | - Brianna R Knowles
- ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing , Wollongong , NSW 2522 , Australia
- BlueScope Innovation Laboratories , Old Port Road , Port Kembla , NSW 2505 , Australia
| | - Shane MacLaughlin
- ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing , Wollongong , NSW 2522 , Australia
- BlueScope Innovation Laboratories , Old Port Road , Port Kembla , NSW 2505 , Australia
| | - Takeshi Fukuma
- Division of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science and ∞Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) , Kanazawa University , Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192 , Japan
| | - Irene Yarovsky
- ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing , Wollongong , NSW 2522 , Australia
- School of Engineering , RMIT University , Melbourne , Victoria 3001 , Australia
| | - Michael J Higgins
- ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing , Wollongong , NSW 2522 , Australia
- ARC Centre for Electromaterials Science (ACES), Intelligent Polymer Research Institute/AIIM Faculty, Innovation Campus, Squires Way , University of Wollongong , Wollongong , NSW 2522 , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xing Y, Xu M, Gui X, Cao Y, Babel B, Rudolph M, Weber S, Kappl M, Butt HJ. The application of atomic force microscopy in mineral flotation. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2018; 256:373-392. [PMID: 29559086 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
During the past years, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has matured to an indispensable tool to characterize nanomaterials in colloid and interface science. For imaging, a sharp probe mounted near to the end of a cantilever scans over the sample surface providing a high resolution three-dimensional topographic image. In addition, the AFM tip can be used as a force sensor to detect local properties like adhesion, stiffness, charge etc. After the invention of the colloidal probe technique it has also become a major method to measure surface forces. In this review, we highlight the advances in the application of AFM in the field of mineral flotation, such as mineral morphology imaging, water at mineral surface, reagent adsorption, inter-particle force, and bubble-particle interaction. In the coming years, the complementary characterization of chemical composition such as using infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy for AFM topography imaging and the synchronous measurement of the force and distance involving deformable bubble as a force sensor will further assist the fundamental understanding of flotation mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaowen Xing
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center of Coal Preparation and Purification, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mengdi Xu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Xiahui Gui
- Chinese National Engineering Research Center of Coal Preparation and Purification, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Yijun Cao
- Chinese National Engineering Research Center of Coal Preparation and Purification, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Henan Province Industrial Technology Research Institute of Resources and Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Bent Babel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology, Chemnitzer Str. 40, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
| | - Martin Rudolph
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology, Chemnitzer Str. 40, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Weber
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Kappl
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Hans-Jürgen Butt
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Atomic-resolution three-dimensional hydration structures on a heterogeneously charged surface. Nat Commun 2017; 8:2111. [PMID: 29235462 PMCID: PMC5727385 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01896-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Local hydration structures at the solid–liquid interface around boundary edges on heterostructures are key to an atomic-level understanding of various physical, chemical and biological processes. Recently, we succeeded in visualising atomic-scale three-dimensional hydration structures by using ultra-low noise frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy. However, the time-consuming three-dimensional-map measurements on uneven heterogeneous surfaces have not been achieved due to experimental difficulties, to the best of our knowledge. Here, we report the local hydration structures formed on a heterogeneously charged phyllosilicate surface using a recently established fast and nondestructive acquisition protocol. We discover intermediate regions formed at step edges of the charged surface. By combining with molecular dynamics simulations, we reveal that the distinct structural hydrations are hard to observe in these regions, unlike the charged surface regions, possibly due to the depletion of ions at the edges. Our methodology and findings could be crucial for the exploration of further functionalities. Local hydration structures at solid-liquid interfaces are important in catalytic, electrochemical, and biological processes. Here, the authors demonstrate atomic-scale 3D hydration structures around the boundary on a heterogeneous mineral surface using atomic force microscopy experiments and molecular dynamics simulations.
Collapse
|
13
|
Martin-Jimenez D, Garcia R. Identification of Single Adsorbed Cations on Mica-Liquid Interfaces by 3D Force Microscopy. J Phys Chem Lett 2017; 8:5707-5711. [PMID: 29120643 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.7b02671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Force microscope provides atomically resolved images of surfaces immersed in a liquid. The presence of different chemical species in the interface (cations, anions, water, neutral atoms) complicates the adscription of the observed features to a given species. We develop a 3D atomic force microscopy method to identify the cations adsorbed on a mica surface from a potassium chloride solution. The method is based on measuring the peak value of the attractive force within the Stern layer. The maximum of the attractive force shows site-specific variations. The positions with the highest attractive force values are associated with the presence of adsorbed potassium ions, while the other positions are associated with a local depletion of the hydration layer. This criterion provides a surface coverage of K cations that is consistent with the one reported by other techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Martin-Jimenez
- Materials Science Factory, Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC , c/Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Garcia
- Materials Science Factory, Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC , c/Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|