Atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be used to analyze and measure the physical properties of all kinds of materials at nanoscale in the atmosphere, liquid phase, and ultra-high vacuum environment. It has become an important tool for nanoscience research. In this book, the basic principles of functional AFM techniques and their applications in energy materials—such as lithium-ion batteries, solar cells, and other energy-related materials—are addressed. FEATURES First book to focus on application of AFM for energy research Details the use of advanced AFM and addresses many types of functional AFM tools Enables readers to operate an AFM instrument successfully and to understand the data obtained Covers new achievements in AFM instruments, including electrochemical strain microscopy, and how AFM is being combined with other new methods such as infrared (IR) spectroscopy With its substantial content and logical structure, Atomic Force Microscopy for Energy Research is a valuable reference for researchers in materials science, chemistry, and physics who are working with AFM or planning to use it in their own fields of research, especially energy research.

The tremendous impact of electronic devices on our lives is the result of continuous improvements of the billions of nanoelectronic components inside integrated circuits (ICs). However, ultra-scaled semiconductor devices require nanometer control of the many parameters essential for their fabrication. Through the years, this created a strong alliance between microscopy techniques and IC manufacturing. This book reviews the latest progress in IC devices, with emphasis on the impact of electrical atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques for their development. The operation principles of many techniques are introduced, and the associated metrology challenges described. Blending the expertise of industrial specialists and academic researchers, the chapters are dedicated to various AFM methods and their impact on the development of emerging nanoelectronic devices. The goal is to introduce the major electrical AFM methods, following the journey that has seen our lives changed by the advent of ubiquitous nanoelectronics devices, and has extended our capability to sense matter on a scale previously inaccessible.

Efficiency and life time of solar cells, energy and power density of the batteries, and costs of the fuel cells alike cannot be improved unless the complex electronic, optoelectronic, and ionic mechanisms underpinning operation of these materials and devices are understood on the nanometer level of individual defects. Only by probing these phenomena locally can we hope to link materials structure and functionality, thus opening pathway for predictive modeling and synthesis. While structures of these materials are now accessible on length scales from macroscopic to atomic, their functionality has remained Terra Incognitae. In this volume, we provide a summary of recent advances in scanning probe microscopy studies of local functionality of energy materials and devices ranging from photovoltaics to batteries, fuel cells, and energy harvesting systems. Recently emergent SPM modes and combined SPM-electron microscopy approaches are also discussed. Contributions by internationally renowned leaders in the field describe the frontiers in this important field.

Efficiency and life time of solar cells, energy and power density of the batteries, and costs of the fuel cells alike cannot be improved unless the complex electronic, optoelectronic, and ionic mechanisms underpinning operation of these materials and devices are understood on the nanometer level of individual defects. Only by probing these phenomena locally can we hope to link materials structure and functionality, thus opening pathway for predictive modeling and synthesis. While structures of these materials are now accessible on length scales from macroscopic to atomic, their functionality has remained Terra Incognitae. In this volume, we provide a summary of recent advances in scanning probe microscopy studies of local functionality of energy materials and devices ranging from photovoltaics to batteries, fuel cells, and energy harvesting systems. Recently emergent SPM modes and combined SPM-electron microscopy approaches are also discussed. Contributions by internationally renowned leaders in the field describe the frontiers in this important field.

Since 1995, the noncontact atomic force microscope (NC-AFM) has achieved remarkable progress. Based on nanomechanical methods, the NC-AFM detects the weak attractive force between the tip of a cantilever and a sample surface. This method has the following characteristics: it has true atomic resolution; it can measure atomic force interactions, i.e. it can be used in so-called atomic force spectroscopy (AFS); it can also be used to study insulators; and it can measure mechanical responses such as elastic deformation. This is the first book that deals with all of the emerging NC-AFM issues.

Atomic force microscopes are very important tools for the advancement of science and technology. This book provides an introduction to the microscopes so that scientists and engineers can learn both how to use them, and what they can do.

Filling a gap in the literature, this book features in-depth discussions on amplitude modulation AFM, providing an overview of the theory, instrumental considerations and applications of the technique in both academia and industry. As such, it includes examples from material science, soft condensed matter, molecular biology, and biophysics, among others. The text is written in such a way as to enable readers from different backgrounds and levels of expertise to find the information suitable for their needs.