Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List

Full text release has been delayed at the author's request until May 01, 2027

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Characterizations of Complex Molecular Systems and Nanoscale Heterostructures Using Synchrotron X-rays at the Ultimate Atomic Scale

Ajayi, Tolulope Michael
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8902-8293
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1646833219714765

Abstract Details

2022, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, Physics and Astronomy (Arts and Sciences).
In this dissertation, studies on atomic-scale characterization and manipulation of molecular systems and heterostructures for potential applications in the emerging field of molecular nanotechnology are presented. Observing and investigating exotic properties of molecular systems often require novel techniques and state-of-the-art instrumentation; thus, we report the development and commissioning of the world's first synchrotron Xrays beamline, dubbed “XTIP”, dedicated to the synchrotron X-rays scanning tunneling microscopy (SX-STM) technique that was used on all the research projects in this dissertation. For the projects, first, we report on unexpected magnetic interface phenomena in molecular Co adsorbed on oxygenated Fe film as well as in Co/Ni/Cu(111) nanoscale heterostructure probed using the X-ray dichroism technique (XMCD). We observed that the magnetic moment of Ni islands in the heterostructure shows a considerable reduction due to partial filling of the unoccupied Ni 3d orbitals due to charge injection. In addition, using the SX-STM technique, we also report on the first-ever elemental and chemical characterization of individual Fe atoms in a molecular environment. Finally, guided by the X-rays absorption spectroscopy measurements on a rare-earth-based molecule, which shows the existence of net charges in the molecule on Au(111), we have developed a molecular motor with 100% control over its rotation direction mediated by counterions. These results open a new dimension of research where synchrotron X-rays are used to characterize materials one atom at a time.
Saw-Wai Hla (Advisor)
125 p.
Condensed Matter Physics; Molecular Chemistry; Molecular Physics; Nanoscience; Nanotechnology; Physics
Scanning tunneling microscopy; Synchrotron X-rays; SX-STM; Single-atom X-ray Spectroscopy; Magnetic dichroism; Molecular Motors; XTIP; Ferromagnetism and anti-ferromagnetism; Chemical characterization of a single atom

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Ajayi, T. M. (2022). Characterizations of Complex Molecular Systems and Nanoscale Heterostructures Using Synchrotron X-rays at the Ultimate Atomic Scale [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1646833219714765

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Ajayi, Tolulope. Characterizations of Complex Molecular Systems and Nanoscale Heterostructures Using Synchrotron X-rays at the Ultimate Atomic Scale. 2022. Ohio University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1646833219714765.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Ajayi, Tolulope. "Characterizations of Complex Molecular Systems and Nanoscale Heterostructures Using Synchrotron X-rays at the Ultimate Atomic Scale." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University, 2022. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1646833219714765

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1646833219714765
© 2022, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.