Comprehensive surface analysis of hydrophobically functionalized SFM tips

Tip–sample interactions have been of interest since the early development of the scanning force microscope. Investigations of interfacial interactions at the molecular level are of importance for fundamental studies of bi-molecular interactions and for possible applications in biomedical research and industrial settings. By engineering the surface chemical properties of the SFM probes, specific force interactions may be measured. However, as these modification schemes become more widely applied, detailed chemical analysis of the modified cantilever surfaces becomes crucial. In this paper, we describe two approaches to coat SFM cantilevers with hydrophobic coatings: a silanization protocol and ratio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition.