Informace o kvalifikační práci Chemical and physical properties of molecular nanostructures on surfaces investigated by means of scanning probe microscopy
This thesis encapsulates an extensive exploration of atomic-scale systems, employing scanning probe
microscopy (SPM) techniques to investigate various facets of the field. Within this context, the field of SPM
techniques has emerged as a powerful tool for unravelling atomic-scale phenomena, enabling precise
imaging and manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. Of particular importance in this research is
the utilization of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) metallic surfaces, which offer a pristine and controlled
environment for studying atomic interactions. Moreover, the catalytic properties of metallic surfaces are of
particular interest in this research. By investigating the interactions between adsorbates and the metal
surface, valuable insights can be gained into heterogeneous catalysis, a vital process employed in
numerous industrial applications. In addition, by operating at cryogenic temperatures at 4.5 K, the inherent
thermal noise is significantly reduced, enhancing the precision and sensitivity of the experiments.
One notable aspect explored in this thesis is the realm of on-surface synthesis, a field that enables atomic
precision in the creation of new materials and nanostructures. By carefully controlling the adsorption and
reactions of precursor molecules on the surface, it becomes possible to engineer tailored architectures with
atomic precision. The atomic-level control attained through on-surface synthesis opens up exciting
possibilities for designing novel materials with unique properties and functionalities. The characterization of
these synthesized structures at the atomic scale is made possible through the application of scanning probe
microscopy techniques, such as scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), frequency-modulated atomic force
microscopy (FM-AFM), and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). These techniques allow for real-space
visualization and mapping of the surface properties, enabling researchers to explore the intricate details of
atomic interactions and charge distributions.
The thesis is divided into two sections: on-surface synthesis and charge distribution imaging. The onsurface synthesis section investigates strain-driven chemical reactions, the on-surface synthesis of an iron
porphyrin-based coordination polymer, and the incorporation of defects into anthracene-based polymers.
The charge distribution imaging section uses KPFM to visualize charge distributions in single molecules
and atoms, in particular the study of the charge spatial extension of single graphitic dopants boron and
nitrogen dopants in graphene, the real-space observation of the -hole, an anisotropic charge distribution
involved in the non-covalent -bond, in one single bromine atom and finally the observation of the influence
of halogenated atoms in polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the creation of an electron depleted region within
the molecule known as -hole. The thesis highlights the pivotal role of surfaces in on-surface synthesis and
offers insights into catalytic properties, atomic control, and the absence of adsorption on surfaces under
ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions.
Anotace v angličtině
This thesis encapsulates an extensive exploration of atomic-scale systems, employing scanning probe
microscopy (SPM) techniques to investigate various facets of the field. Within this context, the field of SPM
techniques has emerged as a powerful tool for unravelling atomic-scale phenomena, enabling precise
imaging and manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. Of particular importance in this research is
the utilization of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) metallic surfaces, which offer a pristine and controlled
environment for studying atomic interactions. Moreover, the catalytic properties of metallic surfaces are of
particular interest in this research. By investigating the interactions between adsorbates and the metal
surface, valuable insights can be gained into heterogeneous catalysis, a vital process employed in
numerous industrial applications. In addition, by operating at cryogenic temperatures at 4.5 K, the inherent
thermal noise is significantly reduced, enhancing the precision and sensitivity of the experiments.
One notable aspect explored in this thesis is the realm of on-surface synthesis, a field that enables atomic
precision in the creation of new materials and nanostructures. By carefully controlling the adsorption and
reactions of precursor molecules on the surface, it becomes possible to engineer tailored architectures with
atomic precision. The atomic-level control attained through on-surface synthesis opens up exciting
possibilities for designing novel materials with unique properties and functionalities. The characterization of
these synthesized structures at the atomic scale is made possible through the application of scanning probe
microscopy techniques, such as scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), frequency-modulated atomic force
microscopy (FM-AFM), and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). These techniques allow for real-space
visualization and mapping of the surface properties, enabling researchers to explore the intricate details of
atomic interactions and charge distributions.
The thesis is divided into two sections: on-surface synthesis and charge distribution imaging. The onsurface synthesis section investigates strain-driven chemical reactions, the on-surface synthesis of an iron
porphyrin-based coordination polymer, and the incorporation of defects into anthracene-based polymers.
The charge distribution imaging section uses KPFM to visualize charge distributions in single molecules
and atoms, in particular the study of the charge spatial extension of single graphitic dopants boron and
nitrogen dopants in graphene, the real-space observation of the -hole, an anisotropic charge distribution
involved in the non-covalent -bond, in one single bromine atom and finally the observation of the influence
of halogenated atoms in polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the creation of an electron depleted region within
the molecule known as -hole. The thesis highlights the pivotal role of surfaces in on-surface synthesis and
offers insights into catalytic properties, atomic control, and the absence of adsorption on surfaces under
ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions.
This thesis encapsulates an extensive exploration of atomic-scale systems, employing scanning probe
microscopy (SPM) techniques to investigate various facets of the field. Within this context, the field of SPM
techniques has emerged as a powerful tool for unravelling atomic-scale phenomena, enabling precise
imaging and manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. Of particular importance in this research is
the utilization of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) metallic surfaces, which offer a pristine and controlled
environment for studying atomic interactions. Moreover, the catalytic properties of metallic surfaces are of
particular interest in this research. By investigating the interactions between adsorbates and the metal
surface, valuable insights can be gained into heterogeneous catalysis, a vital process employed in
numerous industrial applications. In addition, by operating at cryogenic temperatures at 4.5 K, the inherent
thermal noise is significantly reduced, enhancing the precision and sensitivity of the experiments.
One notable aspect explored in this thesis is the realm of on-surface synthesis, a field that enables atomic
precision in the creation of new materials and nanostructures. By carefully controlling the adsorption and
reactions of precursor molecules on the surface, it becomes possible to engineer tailored architectures with
atomic precision. The atomic-level control attained through on-surface synthesis opens up exciting
possibilities for designing novel materials with unique properties and functionalities. The characterization of
these synthesized structures at the atomic scale is made possible through the application of scanning probe
microscopy techniques, such as scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), frequency-modulated atomic force
microscopy (FM-AFM), and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). These techniques allow for real-space
visualization and mapping of the surface properties, enabling researchers to explore the intricate details of
atomic interactions and charge distributions.
The thesis is divided into two sections: on-surface synthesis and charge distribution imaging. The onsurface synthesis section investigates strain-driven chemical reactions, the on-surface synthesis of an iron
porphyrin-based coordination polymer, and the incorporation of defects into anthracene-based polymers.
The charge distribution imaging section uses KPFM to visualize charge distributions in single molecules
and atoms, in particular the study of the charge spatial extension of single graphitic dopants boron and
nitrogen dopants in graphene, the real-space observation of the -hole, an anisotropic charge distribution
involved in the non-covalent -bond, in one single bromine atom and finally the observation of the influence
of halogenated atoms in polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the creation of an electron depleted region within
the molecule known as -hole. The thesis highlights the pivotal role of surfaces in on-surface synthesis and
offers insights into catalytic properties, atomic control, and the absence of adsorption on surfaces under
ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions.
Anotace v angličtině
This thesis encapsulates an extensive exploration of atomic-scale systems, employing scanning probe
microscopy (SPM) techniques to investigate various facets of the field. Within this context, the field of SPM
techniques has emerged as a powerful tool for unravelling atomic-scale phenomena, enabling precise
imaging and manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. Of particular importance in this research is
the utilization of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) metallic surfaces, which offer a pristine and controlled
environment for studying atomic interactions. Moreover, the catalytic properties of metallic surfaces are of
particular interest in this research. By investigating the interactions between adsorbates and the metal
surface, valuable insights can be gained into heterogeneous catalysis, a vital process employed in
numerous industrial applications. In addition, by operating at cryogenic temperatures at 4.5 K, the inherent
thermal noise is significantly reduced, enhancing the precision and sensitivity of the experiments.
One notable aspect explored in this thesis is the realm of on-surface synthesis, a field that enables atomic
precision in the creation of new materials and nanostructures. By carefully controlling the adsorption and
reactions of precursor molecules on the surface, it becomes possible to engineer tailored architectures with
atomic precision. The atomic-level control attained through on-surface synthesis opens up exciting
possibilities for designing novel materials with unique properties and functionalities. The characterization of
these synthesized structures at the atomic scale is made possible through the application of scanning probe
microscopy techniques, such as scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), frequency-modulated atomic force
microscopy (FM-AFM), and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). These techniques allow for real-space
visualization and mapping of the surface properties, enabling researchers to explore the intricate details of
atomic interactions and charge distributions.
The thesis is divided into two sections: on-surface synthesis and charge distribution imaging. The onsurface synthesis section investigates strain-driven chemical reactions, the on-surface synthesis of an iron
porphyrin-based coordination polymer, and the incorporation of defects into anthracene-based polymers.
The charge distribution imaging section uses KPFM to visualize charge distributions in single molecules
and atoms, in particular the study of the charge spatial extension of single graphitic dopants boron and
nitrogen dopants in graphene, the real-space observation of the -hole, an anisotropic charge distribution
involved in the non-covalent -bond, in one single bromine atom and finally the observation of the influence
of halogenated atoms in polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the creation of an electron depleted region within
the molecule known as -hole. The thesis highlights the pivotal role of surfaces in on-surface synthesis and
offers insights into catalytic properties, atomic control, and the absence of adsorption on surfaces under
ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions.