A novel tool for the local anodic oxidation of graphite

A novel probe for partial local anodic oxidation is presented, which allows bulging regions to be grown on the graphite surface. Based on the scanning probe microscopy observations, it was concluded that the bulging regions consist of graphite oxide. The partial oxidation occurs in two stages, which are related to the formation of C–O bonds on the graphite surface and the adsorbed water intercalation of the oxidized graphite. The bulging regions have low conductivity, therefore their formation is a promising method to be used in the production of nanoelectronic devices.