28 June 2015 to 3 July 2015
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
SAIP2015 Proceeding published on 17 July 2016

Scanning probe microscopy in material science and biology

3 Jul 2015, 11:50
20m
Oral Presentation Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials DPCMM

Speaker

Dr Zelalem N. URGESSA (NMMU)

Would you like to <br> submit a short paper <br> for the Conference <br> Proceedings (Yes / No)?

no

Apply to be<br> considered for a student <br> &nbsp; award (Yes / No)?

no

Level for award<br>&nbsp;(Hons, MSc, <br> &nbsp; PhD, N/A)?

postd

Please indicate whether<br>this abstract may be<br>published online<br>(Yes / No)

yes

Abstract content <br> &nbsp; (Max 300 words)<br><a href="http://events.saip.org.za/getFile.py/access?resId=0&materialId=0&confId=34" target="_blank">Formatting &<br>Special chars</a>

Today, a wide range of analytical techniques can be used for materials research. The most commonly used high-resolution analysis techniques are Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM). Although each technique can resolve surface (SEM and SPM) structure down to the nanometer scale, the different image formation mechanisms result in different types of information about the structure of the surface, making these techniques complementary. SPM is the enabling tool for nano(bio)technology, which has opened new understandings in many interdisciplinary research areas. In addition, SPM can image surface structures with atomic (height) resolution without the necessity of damaging the sample. Moreover, a SPM operates without vacuum, in contrast with electron microscopes. It can also measure different physical properties, such as electric (using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPM / KPFM)) or magnetic properties (Magnetic Force Microscopy, MFM). As a result, associated with the developments in SPM instrumentation and techniques, new and previously un-thought-of opportunities in understanding the physics and chemistry of molecular and biomolecular processes on the nanoscale level are appearing.
In this presentation SPM nanoprobing of surface morphologies of different semiconducting nanostructures (like InSb, GaSb, ZnO, NiO, MgO) and phase separation in diblock copolymer films are presented and discussed. In addition, in-situ electrochemical deposition of lead (Pb) from lead sulfate solutions, for battery applications, is demonstrated. The application of SPM in understanding structural properties of biological materials (e.g. live cells or cell membranes) is also presented and discussed in detail. In addition KPFM of different semiconductor heterojunctions is presented and discussed.

Main supervisor (name and email)<br>and his / her institution

JR Botha, Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031

Primary author

Co-authors

Mr Chinedu Christian Ahia (NMMU) Prof. E.E. Ferg (Department of Chemistry, NMMU, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa) Dr Gill Dealtry (Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa) Prof. Johannes Reinhardt Botha (NMMU) Mr Lukanyo Bolo (Department of Chemistry, NMMU, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa) Mr Ngcali Tile (NMMU) Mr Stephen Dobson (NMMU) Mr Stive Roussel Tankio Djiokap (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) Dr maria Helen Morrison (Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology)

Presentation Materials

There are no materials yet.