Open AccessNanoscale static voltage generation and its surface potential decay using scanning probe microscopy
Author(s) -
Rajeev Sreenidhi Prabha,
Cherumannil Karumuthil Subash,
Valiyaneerilakkal Uvais,
Varghese Soney
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
micro and nano letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.25
H-Index - 31
ISSN - 1750-0443
DOI - 10.1049/mnl.2017.0236
Subject(s) - materials science , triboelectric effect , rubbing , contact electrification , kelvin probe force microscope , electrostatic force microscope , polymer , work function , nanoscopic scale , scanning electron microscope , voltage , insulator (electricity) , nanotechnology , surface charge , optoelectronics , analytical chemistry (journal) , composite material , chemistry , electrical engineering , atomic force microscopy , engineering , layer (electronics) , chromatography
This work aims at the manipulation of nanoscopic voltage produced through uniform and non‐uniform rubbing in neat unpolarised polymer polyvinylidene fluoride. A metal–insulator configuration is considered for the analysis. The decay of surface potential in such a configuration is also addressed in this work. The polarity of the voltage observed on the film depends on the work function of the metal electrode in contact as well as the electronegativity of polymeric material under study. Scanning probe microscopic techniques such as dynamic contact mode electrostatic force microscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy are used for the investigation of specific electrostatic potential variation on polymer films. Effect of contact electrification leads to nanoscopic domains of voltage generation on the surface of the tribolayers. Electrostatic potential developed on the surface of unrubbed polymer film using modulated tip is in the range of 20–40 mV. The range of voltage generated increased from 20 to 125 mV in the case of rubbed polymer films. Charge retention is discussed through obtaining surface potential decay trend at various intervals. This also plays an important role in the generation of the voltage as well as the current. The above scenario has been demonstrated in both rubbed and unrubbed scenarios. Charge decay is observed to be gradually decreasing from 40 to 29.5 mV in unrubbed surface and 125 to 14 mV in rubbed surface for various time intervals. The obtained results suggest insignificance of triboelectric series on contact electrification between similar tribolayers.