Medical and Hospital News  
TECH SPACE
On-surface chemistry leads to novel products
by Staff Writers
Basel, Switzerland (SPX) Sep 15, 2016


Catalyzed by the copper atoms of the surface, the precursor molecule alters its structure and spatial arrangement when heated gradually. Image courtesy University of Basel, Department of Physics.

On-surface chemical reactions can lead to novel chemical compounds not yet synthesized by solution chemistry. The first-step, second-step, and third-step products can be analyzed in detail using a high-resolution atomic force microscope, as demonstrated in Nature Communications by scientists from the Swiss Nanoscience Institute and the Department of Physics at Basel University and their colleagues from Japan and Finland.

In numerous nanotechnology applications, individual molecules are placed on surfaces to fulfill specific functions - such as conducting an electrical current or emitting a light signal.

Ideally, scientists will synthetize these sometimes extremely complex chemical compounds directly on the surface. The on-surface chemical reactions can be followed step by step with the aid of ultra-high-resolution atomic force microscopes. The data obtained also enables them to calculate the precise molecular structure and the energetics along the path.

For their experiments, colleagues of Professor Ernst Meyer from the University of Basel selected a molecule consisting of three benzene rings joined by a triple bond. When the researchers apply this molecule to a silver surface, the molecules arrange themselves in a consistent pattern - but there is no chemical reaction.

Copper as a catalyst
On a copper surface, however, the molecules react already at a temperature of -123 C. Catalyzed by the copper atoms, the precursor molecule incorporates two hydrogen atoms thereby altering its structure and spatial arrangement.

When the sample is heated to 200 C, a further reaction step takes place in which two pentagonal rings are formed. A further increase in temperature to 400 C causes a cleaving of hydrogen atoms and forms a further carbon-carbon bond. The final two reaction steps lead to aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, which had previously not been synthetized in solution chemistry.

The researchers conducted these experiments in ultra-high vacuum conditions and were able to monitor the synthesis using a high-resolution atomic force microscope with a carbon monoxide terminated tip. Comparative computer calculations generated the precise molecular structure, which perfectly matched the microscope images.

Tailored nanostructures
Through their experiments, the international research team has shown that on-surface chemistry can lead to novel products.

"This extremely pure form of chemistry provides us with tailored on-surface nanostructures that can be used in a variety of ways," says Meyer, commenting on the work largely performed by Dr. Shigeki Kawai.

In the example presented, the copper surface functions as a catalyst; the chemical reaction of the precursor molecules is controlled by adding heat and can be monitored via atomic force microscopy.


Thanks for being here;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5 Billed Monthly


paypal only


.


Related Links
University of Basel
Space Technology News - Applications and Research






Comment on this article via your Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail login.

Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle

Previous Report
TECH SPACE
New material to revolutionize water proofing
Canberra, Australia (SPX) Sep 13, 2016
Scientists at The Australian National University (ANU) have developed a new spray-on material with a remarkable ability to repel water. The new protective coating could eventually be used to waterproof mobile phones, prevent ice from forming on aeroplanes or protect boat hulls from corroding. "The surface is a layer of nanoparticles, which water slides off as if it's on a hot barbecu ... read more


TECH SPACE
Three workers missing after bridge collapse in China

Nepal's new leader pledges to speed up quake rebuilding

Ex-Japan PM Koizumi says Fukushima not 'under control'

Germany's anti-migrant populists beat Merkel's party in local vote

TECH SPACE
Inferring urban travel patterns from cellphone data

Positioning exact to the millimeter

India to Provide Cost Incentives to Use Homemade Version of GPS

Existing navigation data can help pilots avoid turbulence

TECH SPACE
How did prehistoric humans occupy the Tibetan Plateau?

Smarter brains are blood-thirsty brains

Study: Math-capable parents yield math-capable kids

UT study cracks coldest case: How the most famous human ancestor died

TECH SPACE
World governments urge end to domestic ivory markets

There are four species of giraffe, not one: scientists

San Diego zoo burns $1 mn worth of rhino horn

Four out of 6 great apes one step away from extinction

TECH SPACE
Millions of US bees die from spray to fight Zika mosquitoes

Reconstructing the 6th century plague from a victim

Hong Kong reports first case of Zika virus

Scientists explain why Russian tuberculosis is the most infectious

TECH SPACE
Hundreds in Shanghai demand action on alleged Ponzi scheme

China's cargo carriers crumble in courier cavalry contest

World's highest bridge nears completion in China

Live long and endure: how China's Mao was preserved

TECH SPACE
TECH SPACE
China new bank loans more than double in August

China says industrial output, retail sales rise in Aug

China bank PSBC launches $8.1 bn IPO: reports

Europe's Apple tax grab to spur US reforms: Lew









The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.