Topographical observation of silane-treated inorganic surface using atomic force microscopy

The topography of the silane-treated layer on an inorganic surface was observed using an atomic force microscope. For this purpose, the cleaved mica plate was treated with some silane coupling agent at varying conditions. The silanes having aminopropyl or methacryloxypropyl group as organofunctional groups with di- or trialkoxyl structures were used. Three different solvents for silane solution — 2-propanol, 2-propanol/water mixture and water — were used. The pH of the aqueous solution was controlled. As a result, the most suitable solvent and pH in order to obtain smooth silane layer was clarified. The solubility of silane molecules in the solution, the wettability of silane molecule onto inorganic surface, and prevention of the mutual condensation of silane molecules in the solution were found to be important parameters for this purpose.