Review Article

Application of scanning probe microscopy to the characterization and fabrication of hybrid nanomaterials

  1. Mark E. Greene,
  2. C. Reagan Kinser,
  3. Donald E. Kramer,
  4. Liam S.C. Pingree,
  5. Mark C. Hersam*

Article first published online: 17 NOV 2004

DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20100

Issue

Microscopy Research and Technique

Microscopy Research and Technique

Special Issue: Nanomaterials Characterization Using Microscopy—Part I

Volume 64, Issue 5-6, pages 415–434, August 2004

Additional Information

How to Cite

Greene, M. E., Kinser, C. R., Kramer, D. E., Pingree, L. S.C. and Hersam, M. C. (2004), Application of scanning probe microscopy to the characterization and fabrication of hybrid nanomaterials. Microsc. Res. Tech., 64: 415–434. doi: 10.1002/jemt.20100

Author Information

  1. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3108

*Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208-3108

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 17 NOV 2004
  2. Article first published online: 17 NOV 2004
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 24 FEB 2004
  4. Manuscript Received: 12 NOV 2003

Funded by

  • Arnold and Mabel Beckman Young Investigator Award
  • Northwestern University Institute for Bioengineering and Nanoscience in Advanced Medicine
  • Rockefeller Brothers Fund
  • Nanoscale Science and Engineering Initiative of the National Science Foundation. Grant Number: EEC-0118025 and DMR-0134706
  • National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program

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Keywords:

  • SPM;
  • AFM;
  • conductive;
  • organic;
  • inorganic;
  • biomolecules;
  • nanolithography;
  • review

Abstract

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is a widely used experimental technique for characterizing and fabricating nanostructures on surfaces. In particular, due to its ability to spatially map variations in materials properties with nanometer spatial resolution, SPM is particularly well suited to probe the subcomponents and interfaces of hybrid nanomaterials, i.e., materials that are made up of distinct nanometer scale components with distinguishable properties. In addition, the interaction of the SPM tip with materials can be intentionally tuned such that local surface modification is achieved. In this manner, hybrid nanostructures can also be fabricated on solid substrates using SPM. This report reviews recent developments in the characterization and fabrication of hybrid nanomaterials with SPM. Specific attention is given to nanomaterials that consist of both organic and inorganic components including individual biomolecules mounted on inorganic substrates. SPM techniques that are particularly well suited for characterizing the mechanical and electrical properties of such hybrid systems in atmospheric pressure environments are highlighted, and specific illustrative examples are provided. This review concludes with a brief discussion of the remaining challenges and promising future prospects for this field. Microsc. Res. Tech. 64:415–434, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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