Sub-Nanoscale Three-Dimensional Analysis of Hydration Structures at Solid-Liquid Interfaces by Atomic Force Microscopy

Abstract

At solid-liquid interfaces, water molecules interact with the surface to present a non-uniform three-dimensional distribution (i.e. hydration structure). Such hydration phenomena play important roles in various interfacial functions and phenomena, yet the detailed mechanisms have largely remained elusive. To address this issue, a hydration structure measurement technique using atomic force microscopy has recently attracted much attention. This method allows us to directly visualize subnanometer-scale hydration structures and hence can significantly advance our understanding on the hydration phenomena. In this review, here we summarize the technological development and applications of this emerging technology.