Tip effects in ECSTM studies of Pd on HOPG

摘要

A tip-surface interaction associated with in situ electrochemical scanning tunnelling microscopy has been found to cause some unexpected artefacts. In a study of Pd clectrodeposition on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite by in situ scanning tunnelling microscopy, Pd was deposited during an initial cathodic current surge when potentiostat control was applied to the electrodes, and a tip-field assisted anodic dissolution of the deposit was then observed during imaging. Further imaging in real time showed that the tip also shielded the imaged region from subsequent deposition by cathodic processes.