The Ultimate Molecular AFM: Unlocking Surface Properties of Particles, Powders, and Fibers10/21/2024 ![]() Imagine a technique that could illuminate the intricate surface properties of materials critical to various industries. Whether it's a pharmaceutical API powder used in a life-saving cancer drug, a custom-engineered zeolite or MOF particle designed to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere, a carbon fiber treated to bond with a high-performance polymer for aerospace composites, or even a simple silica used in a dental device—understanding these surfaces at a molecular level is crucial. Challenge about surface interactions
These applications all share a common challenge: the subtle yet essential interactions occurring right at the outer layer of a material's surface. These interactions are often invisible to conventional analytical instruments, but they have a profound impact on performance, stability, and functionality. Molecular Sensing Now, imagine a technique that is affordable, fully automated, non-destructive, and easy to use—one that characterizes these critical surface interactions on the basis of molecular “sensing”, a bit like an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The good news is such a technique exists, though it remains underutilized by many material scientists and engineers worldwide. This technique, known as Inverse Gas Chromatography (IGC), employs adsorption kinetics of around 15 gaseous molecular probes to explore surface properties in an AFM-like manner. The experimental results transfer directly into free energies of adsorption (ΔGa) and in surface energies, polarities, acid-base properties and even nanomorphology. Unraveling potential of IGC While IGC has been referenced in the literature since the 1980s, it has often been misunderstood, misapplied, or oversimplified. As a result, it has not yet achieved the recognition it deserves among the most essential physicochemical techniques. This is the first in a series of articles dedicated to unraveling the potential of IGC. We'll cover the critical aspects necessary to harness this technique's full power—everything from selecting the right column size and packing to ensure proper peak shapes, to employing a diverse range of probe molecules, to interpreting data with a firm grounding in chromatographic and physicochemical principles. Whether you're new to IGC or a seasoned practitioner, our goal is to enhance your understanding and help you avoid common pitfalls that have hindered the broader adoption of this powerful tool. First and foremost, as the name suggests, IGC is a chromatographic technique. This means proper implementation is key. In future articles, we’ll dive into the essential components of an IGC system, whether you're working with a custom-built setup or a commercial solution—such as those offered by Adscientis, a leader in IGC applications for over 25 years. By Joe Domingue and Ralf Duempelmann Upcoming Topics Preview
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Archan Dey
10/21/2024 17:13:36
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