Nanotribology at single crystal surfaces under electro-chemical conditions

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Helmut Baltruschat
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: from 2007 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 40075454

Friction is a technologically extremely important phenomenon. The search for possibilities to influence and control it is a challenge. Friction depends on the surface structure and on adsorbates. This project aims at a better understanding of such possible influences on friction and their origin. Friction force measurements shall be performed by means of an atomic force microscope (AFM) at electrode surfaces. The advantage in electrochemical friction force measurements is that adsorbate layers (both metallic and organic) can quickly be formed and removed by changing the potential. On the other hand, in future this understanding of friction might help in obtaining a better understanding of the structure at the metal /electrolyte interface and its dynamics.The transition to wear shall also be examined as well as its role in nanostructuring procedures by AFM and STM.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants