Mechanical properties of ultrathin membranes consisting of one layer, two overlapped layers, and three overlapped layers of graphene oxide platelets were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging in contact mode. In order to evaluate both the elastic modulus and prestress of thin membranes, the AFM measurement was combined with the finite element method (FEM) in a new approach for evaluating the mechanics of ultrathin membranes. Monolayer graphene oxide was found to have a lower effective Young’s modulus (207.6 ± 23.4 GPa when a thickness of 0.7 nm is used) as compared to the value reported for “pristine” graphene. The prestress (39.7−76.8 MPa) of the graphene oxide membranes obtained by solution-based deposition was found to be 1 order of magnitude lower than that obtained by others for mechanically cleaved graphene. The novel AFM imaging and FEM-based mapping methods presented here are of general utility for obtaining the elastic modulus and prestress of thin membranes.

/pdf/mechanical-properties-of-monolayer-graphene-oxide-1rrlwy9yyp.pdf

Mechanical Properties of Monolayer Graphene Oxide

Two methods commonly used to measure the normal spring constants of atomic force microscope cantilevers are the added mass method of Cleveland et al. [J. P. Cleveland et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 64, 403 (1993)], and the unloaded resonance technique of Sader et al. [J. E. Sader, J. W. M. Chon, and P. Mulvaney, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 70, 3967 (1999)]. The added mass method involves measuring the change in resonant frequency of the fundamental mode of vibration upon the addition of known masses to the free end of the cantilever. In contrast, the unloaded resonance technique requires measurement of the unloaded resonant frequency and quality factor of the fundamental mode of vibration, as well as knowledge of the plan view dimensions of the cantilever and properties of the fluid. In many applications, such as frictional force microscopy, the torsional spring constant is often required. Consequently, in this article, we extend both of these techniques to allow simultaneous calibration of both the normal and torsional spring constants. We also investigate the validity and applicability of the unloaded resonance method when a mass is attached to the free end of the cantilever due to its importance in practice.

Normal and torsional spring constants of atomic force microscope cantilevers

The solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) is pivotal in stabilizing lithium metal anodes for rechargeable batteries. However, the SEI is constantly reforming and consuming electrolyte with cycling. The rational design of a stable SEI is plagued by the failure to control its structure and stability. Here we report a molecular-level SEI design using a reactive polymer composite, which effectively suppresses electrolyte consumption in the formation and maintenance of the SEI. The SEI layer consists of a polymeric lithium salt, lithium fluoride nanoparticles and graphene oxide sheets, as evidenced by cryo-transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and surface-sensitive spectroscopies. This structure is different from that of a conventional electrolyte-derived SEI and has excellent passivation properties, homogeneity and mechanical strength. The use of the polymer–inorganic SEI enables high-efficiency Li deposition and stable cycling of 4 V Li|LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 cells under lean electrolyte, limited Li excess and high capacity conditions. The same approach was also applied to design stable SEI layers for sodium and zinc anodes. Solid–electrolyte interphase is crucial for stabilizing lithium metal anodes for rechargeable batteries. A molecular-level design using a reactive polymer composite is now shown to effectively construct a stable SEI layer and suppress electrolyte consumption upon cycling.

Polymer-inorganic solid-electrolyte interphase for stable lithium metal batteries under lean electrolyte conditions.

As the size of electronic and mechanical devices shrinks to the nanometre regime, performance begins to be dominated by surface forces. For example, friction, wear and adhesion are known to be central challenges in the design of reliable micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS). Because of the complexity of the physical and chemical mechanisms underlying atomic-level tribology, it is still not possible to accurately and reliably predict the response when two surfaces come into contact at the nanoscale. Fundamental scientific studies are the means by which these insights may be gained. We review recent advances in the experimental, theoretical and computational studies of nanotribology. In particular, we focus on the latest developments in atomic force microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations and their application to the study of single-asperity contact.

/pdf/recent-advances-in-single-asperity-nanotribology-1bex87lgbi.pdf

Recent advances in single-asperity nanotribology

Nanotribology and nanomechanics

Convective dissolution of CO2 in saline aquifers: Progress in modeling and experiments

The frequency response of a cantilever beam is strongly dependent on the fluid in which it is immersed. In a companion study, Sader [J. Appl. Phys. 84, 64, (1998)] presented a theoretical model for the flexural vibrational response of a cantilever beam, that is immersed in a viscous fluid, and excited by an arbitrary driving force. Due to its relevance to applications of the atomic force microscope (AFM), we extend the analysis of Sader to the related problem of torsional vibrations, and also consider the special case where the cantilever is excited by a thermal driving force. Since longitudinal deformations of AFM cantilevers are not measured normally, combination of the present theoretical model and that of the companion study enables the complete vibrational response of an AFM cantilever beam, that is immersed in a viscous fluid, to be calculated.

Torsional frequency response of cantilever beams immersed in viscous fluids with applications to the atomic force microscope

Theoretical models for the frequency response of a cantilever beam immersed in a viscous fluid commonly assume that the fluid is unbounded. Experimental measurements show, however, that proximity to a surface can significantly affect the frequency response of a cantilever beam. In this article, we rigorously calculate the effect of a nearby surface on the frequency response of a cantilever beam immersed in a viscous fluid, and present a general theoretical model. Due to its practical relevance to applications of the atomic force microscope and microelectromechanical systems, detailed results are presented for cantilever beams with rectangular geometries executing flexural and torsional oscillations. It is found that dissipative loading in the fluid is primarily responsible for the observed variation in the frequency response, whereas inertial loading exerts a relatively weak influence.

Frequency response of cantilever beams immersed in viscous fluids near a solid surface with applications to the atomic force microscope

The hydrodynamic loading on a solid body moving in a viscous fluid can be strongly affected by its proximity to a surface. In this article, we calculate the hydrodynamic load on an infinitely long rigid beam of zero thickness that is undergoing small amplitude oscillations. The presence of a solid surface an arbitrary distance from the beam is rigorously accounted for using a boundary integral formulation.

Christopher P. Green

Papers

Normal and torsional spring constants of atomic force microscope cantilevers

Convective dissolution of CO2 in saline aquifers: Progress in modeling and experiments

Torsional frequency response of cantilever beams immersed in viscous fluids with applications to the atomic force microscope

Frequency response of cantilever beams immersed in viscous fluids near a solid surface with applications to the atomic force microscope

Small amplitude oscillations of a thin beam immersed in a viscous fluid near a solid surface