Operando Observation of Molecular-Scale Manipulation Using Electrochemical Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.8b09219
• Publication Date: 2018-09-26T18:53:34Z
• Authors: Xu Chen; Vitor Brasiliense; Richard P. Van Duyne
• Keywords: Surface Modification; Scanning Probe Microscopy

Tip functionalization in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has become a routine strategy to improve the imaging resolution. Under ultrahigh vacuum and low-temperature conditions, individual molecule(s) can be transferred between substrate tip when proper bias potential is applied, allowing for molecular-scale manipulation controlled single-bond formation. However, little work related electrochemical (EC) environments been carried out. To bridge that gap, this paper generalizes strategies from UHV conditions solid–liquid interfaces. Specifically, we demonstrate bias-induced of an Ag with cobalt phthalocyanine molecules EC-STM. Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy employed operando detection on tip. We also show process may reversed some cases, regaining pristine The control over molecular transfer not only provides guidance avoid undesired modification EC-STM experiments, but offers capability at interface.