Atomic-Scale Hydration Structures on a Heterogeneously Charged Surface Revealed by FM-AFM and MD Simulation

Abstract

Local hydration structures around boundary edges on heterostructures are essential for development of novel functional materials and devices. Recently we succeeded in visualizing atomic-scale local 3D hydration structures by using ultra-low noise frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy. However, a time-consuming 3D measurement on uneven heterogeneous surfaces has never been reported due to experimental difficulties. In this work, we investigate the local hydration structures around boundary edge between oppositely charged surfaces of a phyllosilicate by the previously established fast and nondestructive protocol and molecular dynamics simulation.