Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Study and Nanomanipulation of Graphene-Coated Water on Mica

TL;DR

This study employs advanced microscopy techniques to visualize and manipulate interfacial water layers trapped between graphene and mica, revealing stable layered water structures and enabling local manipulation at the atomic scale.

Contribution

It provides the first atomic-resolution imaging of graphene-trapped water layers and demonstrates controlled local manipulation using STM, advancing understanding of interfacial water behavior.

Findings

Atomic-resolution imaging of water layers under graphene

Identification of water layer numbers using nanotube height reference

Local manipulation of water structures with STM at higher electron energies

Abstract

We study interfacial water trapped between a sheet of graphene and a muscovite (mica) surface using Raman spectroscopy and ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy (UHV-STM) at room temperature. We are able to image the graphene-water interface with atomic resolution, revealing a layered network of water trapped underneath the graphene. We identify water layer numbers with a carbon nanotube height reference. Under normal scanning conditions, the water structures remain stable. However, at greater electron energies, we are able to locally manipulate the water using the STM tip.