# Interactions between two C60 molecules measured by scanning probe microscopies

## TL;DR

This study uses scanning probe microscopies and density functional theory to investigate the interactions between two C60 molecules, revealing complex intramolecular contrasts and specific force maxima.

## Contribution

It combines experimental scanning probe techniques with theoretical calculations to elucidate the interaction details between C60 molecules on a copper surface.

## Key findings

- Distinct intramolecular contrasts observed
- Maximal attractive forces occur when specific bonds face each other
- Theoretical calculations support experimental observations

## Abstract

C60-functionalized tips are used to probe C60 molecules on Cu(111) with scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopy. Distinct and complex intramolecular contrasts are found. Maximal attractive forces are observed when for both molecules a [6,6] bond faces a hexagon of the other molecule. Density functional theory calculations including parameterized van der Waals interactions corroborate the observations.