Direct creation of micro-domains with positive and negative surface potential on hydroxyapatite coatings

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method to directly create micron-sized positive and negative electrostatic potential domains on hydroxyapatite coatings using a focused electron beam, with minimal impact on surface chemistry.

Contribution

The study demonstrates a new technique for patterning surface potential on hydroxyapatite with precise control over domain shape and charge by adjusting electron beam parameters.

Findings

Successfully created micron-sized electrostatic potential domains

Potential difference depends on electron dose and injection speed

Minimal alteration of surface chemistry observed

Abstract

A method for the direct patterning of electrostatic potential at the surface of hydroxyapatite is presented here. Micro-domains of surface potential have been created on hydroxyapatite coatings by a 20 keV focused electron beam with minimal alterations of surface chemistry. The success of such approach has been confirmed by Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy measurements, which show that this method is capable of creating micron sized positive and negative local electrostatic potential. The shape and potential difference of these domains were found to depend on the dose of total injected charge from the electron beam as well as the speed with which such charge is injected.