Facile Preparation of a Platinum Silicide Nanoparticle-Modified Tip Apex for Scanning Kelvin Probe Microscopy

• Published in: Nanoscale research letters Vol. 10; no. 1; p. 401
• Main Authors: Lin, Chun-Ting, Chen, Yu-Wei, Su, James, Wu, Chien-Ting, Hsiao, Chien-Nan, Shiao, Ming-Hua, Chang, Mao-Nan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.12.2015; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Apexes; Chemistry and Materials Science; Intermetallics; Materials Science; Microscopy; Molecular Medicine; Nano Express; Nanochemistry; Nanoscale Science and Technology; Nanostructure; Nanotechnology; Nanotechnology and Microengineering; Platinum; Scanning; Silicides; Tips; Electrostatic Force Microscopy; Electron Beam Induce Deposition; Anodic Aluminum Oxide Template; Anodic Aluminum Oxide; Scanning Probe Microscopy
• ISSN: 1931-7573; 1556-276X
• DOI: 10.1186/s11671-015-1096-8

In this study, we propose an ultra-facile approach to prepare a platinum silicide nanoparticle-modified tip apex (PSM tip) used for scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM). We combined a localized fluoride-assisted galvanic replacement reaction (LFAGRR) and atmospheric microwave annealing (AMA) to deposit a single platinum silicide nanoparticle with a diameter of 32 nm on the apex of a bare silicon tip of atomic force microscopy (AFM). The total process was completed in an ambient environment in less than 3 min. The improved potential resolution in the SKPM measurement was verified. Moreover, the resolution of the topography is comparable to that of a bare silicon tip. In addition, the negative charges found on the PSM tips suggest the possibility of exploring the use of current PSM tips to sense electric fields more precisely. The ultra-fast and cost-effective preparation of the PSM tips provides a new direction for the preparation of functional tips for scanning probe microscopy.