Scanning tunneling microscopy characterization of graphene-coated few-layered water on mica

We review the use of Raman spectroscopy and ultrahigh-vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy (UHV-STM) to characterize water trapped between a chemical vapor deposition grown monolayer graphene sheet and a mica substrate at room temperature. The few-layered water observed displays properties different than that of bulk or crystalline water, and it can be manipulated using a STM tip. This work gives insight on the room temperature behavior of thin films of confined water, which could lead to a better understanding of water mediated processes, such as protein folding.