Scanning tunneling microscopy of sulfide surfaces

Details Scanning tunneling microscopy of sulfide surfaces Scanning tunneling microscopy of sulfide surfaces

May 1990

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1990gecoa..54.1511e&link_type=abstract

Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, vol. 54, Issue 5, pp.1511-1517

Computer Science

4

Scientific paper

A fundamental understanding of reactions that occur at mineral surfaces, many of which have bearing on important environmental issues, requires knowledge of atomic surface structures. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is a new technique which can be used to image atomic surface structures in real space. We briefly review STM theory and interpret STM images of galena (PbS) and pyrite (FeS 2 ) surfaces by comparing the bias-voltage dependence of the images to the electronic structures of the materials. This approach amounts to a form of tunneling spectroscopy which may ultimately be used to identify individual atoms on mineral surfaces. STM imaging was accomplished on fresh fracture surfaces as well as on surfaces that had been exposed to air for long periods of time. For galena, the Pb and S sites are distinguishable, and the S sites appear to be imaged preferentially. A galena surface which had been oxidized in air for several months was imaged, suggesting either that oxidation products are very thin, occur in local "patches" on the surface, or are both non-conductive and not coherently bound to the galena surface. Iron appears to be imaged preferentially on fresh fracture surfaces of pyrite. Atomic positions on a pyrite growth surface were not those expected for a termination of the bulk pyrite structure; it is likely that a surface oxidation product was imaged.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Scanning tunneling microscopy of sulfide surfaces does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Scanning tunneling microscopy of sulfide surfaces, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Scanning tunneling microscopy of sulfide surfaces will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-780746