In-Situ investigation of surface reactions on alkali halides by Atomic Force Microscopy

In-situ AFM images have been produced of dissolution processes on NaCl and KBr single crystals under different organic solvents. Using a home-built sample holder stable imaging conditions have been achieved and atomic resolution could be obtained on both materials. Dissolution rates have been determined quantitatively from the AFM images and compared with empirical solvent parameters such as acceptor number AN and ET(30) value. The AFM results are in agreement with the expected behaviour of the liquids. Dissolution rates could be controlled using mixtures of polar and non polar solvents. The results are a basis for further investigations of other systems and technologically important processes such as corrosion and surface modification.