Atomic Force Microscopy-Infrared Spectroscopy of Individual Atmospheric Aerosol Particles: Subdiffraction Limit Vibrational Spectroscopy and Morphological Analysis

Abstract. Accurate estimates of particle surface tension are required for models concerning atmospheric aerosol nucleation and activation. However, it is difficult to collect the volumes of atmospheric aerosol required by typical instruments that measure surface tension, such as goniometers or Wilhelmy plates. In this work, a method that measures, ex situ, the surface tension of collected liquid nanoparticles using atomic force microscopy is presented. A film of particles is collected via impaction and is probed using nanoneedle tips with the atomic force microscope. This micro-Wilhelmy method allows for direct measurements of the surface tension of small amounts of sample. This method was verified using liquids, whose surface tensions were known. Particles of ozone oxidized α-pinene, a well-characterized system, were then produced, collected, and analyzed using this method to demonstrate its applicability for liquid aerosol samples. It was determined that oxidized α-pinene particles formed in dry conditions have a surface tension similar to that of pure α-pinene, and oxidized α-pinene particles formed in more humid conditions have a surface tension that is significantly higher.

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A method for the direct measurement of surface tension of atmospherically relevant aerosol particles using atomic force microscopy

10.5194/acp-2016-35 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

A. D. Hritz ◽

T. M. Raymond ◽

D. D. Dutcher

Keyword(s):

Surface Tension ◽

Atomic Force Microscopy ◽

Atomic Force Microscope ◽

Atmospheric Aerosol ◽

Aerosol Particles ◽

Particle Surface ◽

Force Microscopy ◽

Atomic Force ◽

Direct Measurements ◽

Dry Conditions

Abstract. Accurate estimates of particle surface tension are required for models concerning atmospheric aerosol nucleation and activation. However, it is difficult to collect sufficiently large volumes of atmospheric aerosol for use in typical instruments that measure surface tension, such as goniometers or Wilhelmy plates. In this work, a method that measures the surface tension of collected liquid nanoparticles using atomic force microscopy is presented. A film of particles is collected via impaction and is probed using nanoneedle tips with the atomic force microscope. This micro-Wilhelmy method allows for direct measurements of surface tension of small amounts of sample. This method was verified using liquids whose surface tensions were known. Particles of oxidized α-pinene were then produced, collected, and analyzed using this method. Preliminary results show that oxidized α-pinene particles formed in dry conditions have a surface tension similar to that of pure α-pinene, and particles formed in wet conditions have a surface tension that is significantly higher.

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The Infuence of Salicin on Rheological and Film-Forming Properties of Collagen

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26061661 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (6) ◽

pp. 1661

Author(s):

Katarzyna Adamiak ◽

Katarzyna Lewandowska ◽

Alina Sionkowska

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Atomic Force Microscopy ◽

Infrared Spectroscopy ◽

Rheological Properties ◽

Silver Carp ◽

Shear Tests ◽

Force Microscopy ◽

Atomic Force ◽

Film Forming ◽

Potential Applications

Collagen films are widely used as adhesives in medicine and cosmetology. However, its properties require modification. In this work, the influence of salicin on the properties of collagen solution and films was studied. Collagen was extracted from silver carp skin. The rheological properties of collagen solutions with and without salicin were characterized by steady shear tests. Thin collagen films were prepared by solvent evaporation. The structure of films was researched using infrared spectroscopy. The surface properties of films were investigated using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Mechanical properties were measured as well. It was found that the addition of salicin modified the roughness of collagen films and their mechanical and rheological properties. The above-mentioned parameters are very important in potential applications of collagen films containing salicin.

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