Dynamic Modeling of 2D Nano-Manipulation based on Atomic Force Microscopy in Liquid Medium and Studying the Hydrodynamic and Geometric Parameters of the Model

Abstract

Background: Dynamic behaviors of probe tip and nanoparticles have been investigated by modeling the manipulation of nanoparticles in the air using atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a nano manipulator. This study evaluated the manipulation of submerged nanoparticles in liquid environment. Methods: The artificial nanoparticle manipulation was analyzed by theoretical analysis of forces in liquids and dynamics of spherical nanoparticle pushing. Hydrodynamic drag force and surface tension of the liquid were then calculated and used in the new dynamic modeling. The problem was simulated for a gold nanoparticle on a silicon substrate in water. Results: The results showed that the required manipulation force and time for nanoparticle sliding and rolling increased by respectively 7% and 3% in water as compared to the air. Moreover, for various submerged lengths of the cantilever in water, the critical values related to sliding and rolling were delayed for 9% and 10.5%, respectively. Conclusion: The required critical force and time for the manipulation in water showed a little increase over the existing values for air.

Keywords

• Nano-manipulation
• Atomic force microscopy
• Liquid medium