Polymer Graphite Pencil Lead as a Cheap Alternative for Classic Conductive SPM Probes

0517570 - ÚPT 2020 RIV CH eng J - Journal Article
Knápek, Alexandr - Sobola, D. - Burda, Daniel - Daňhel, Aleš - Mousa, M. - Kolařík, Vladimír
Polymer Graphite Pencil Lead as a Cheap Alternative for Classic Conductive SPM Probes.
Nanomaterials. Roč. 9, č. 12 (2019), č. článku 1756. E-ISSN 2079-4991
R&D Projects: GA MPO FV10618
Institutional support: RVO:68081731 ; RVO:68081707
Keywords : scanning tunneling microscopy * sharp tip formation * graphite
OECD category: Nano-materials (production and properties); Nano-materials (production and properties) (BFU-R)
Impact factor: 4.324, year: 2019
Method of publishing: Open access
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/9/12/1756/htm

This paper presents polymer graphite (PG) as a novel material for the scanning tunneling
microscopy (STM) probe. Conductive PG is a relatively modern nanocomposite material used
for micro-pencil refills containing a polymer-based binding agent and graphite flakes. Its high
conductivity and immunity against surface contamination, with a low price, make it seem like a
highly suitable material for electrode manufacturing in general. For the tip production, three methods
were developed and are further described in the paper. For the production, three commercially
available polymer graphite rods were used. Each has been discussed in terms of performance within
the tunneling microscope and within other potential applications.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0302907