Date of Completion
5-5-2012
Embargo Period
5-11-2012
Advisors
Mei Wei; Yusuf Khan
Field of Study
Materials Science and Engineering
Degree
Master of Science
Open Access
Open Access
Abstract
Scanning Probe Microscopy techniques have proven very useful in the investigation of porous nanostructured surfaces. Especially, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has been widely used due to its compatibility with non-conducting surfaces. In particular, AFM often complements other techniques like scanning and transmission electron microscopy by providing quantitative surface information coupled with nanoscale spatial resolution. Its ability to operate in fluid is also important, as this allows researchers to mimic the physiological environment of biological materials and systems. In this work, two main types of porous materials are studied with AFM, including Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) electrode catalyst layers, and human molar dentin. Although these systems apply to very different areas of materials science, there are many commonalities in terms of feature sizes, surface morphology, and appropriate imaging methods.
Recommended Citation
Kutes, Yasemin, "Nanocharacterization of Porous Materials with Atomic Force Microscopy" (2012). Master's Theses. 262.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/gs_theses/262
Major Advisor
Bryan D. Huey