AFM Calibration of Nano-friction through Estimating Meniscus Water Membrane Contour between Single Polystyrene Nano-particle and Silicon Surface

Abstract

In a certain humidity environment, the meniscus water membrane will greatly affect the nano-friction between the nano-particle and the substrate in the process of AFM nano-manipulation. Herein, a mathematical model for estimating the meniscus water membrane contour using infinitesimal iteration is employed, then near-spherical polystyrene nano-particles with radius from 50 nm to 300 nm were deposited on a silicon wafer for experiments using AFM after the tip is positioned and the friction between the nanoparticle and the substrate is measured. By analyzing the relationship between friction and effective contact area of water membrane and comparing with the existing work, the correctness and effectiveness of the method are proved.