Nano-Mass Measurements at Solid/Solution Interfaces

-With Approaches for More Accurate Interpretation-

Abstract

The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) provides unique information on minute mass of nanogram range which is often difficult to obtain with other techniques. Recent success in the preparation of a Au (111) single crystal QCM electrode makes the QCM more useful, particularly for fundamental research. The QCM response or frequency change is well proportional to mass change in most of monolayer systems. However, the QCM also responds to changes in density and viscosity of solution and in viscoelasticity of modified layers. Therefore, it is recommended to examine the accuracy of QCM measurements with other techniques such as electrochemistry, spectroscopy and quartz crystal impedance method. Recently, novel QCM/spectroscopy (UV-vis and FT-IR) combined methods have been developed by us. It is demonstrated that these methods are useful to conduct accurate and detailed analysis of processes at modified electrode/electrolyte solution interfaces.