MULTISCAD · Novel concepts for molecular interface engineering and unravelling of structure/property relationships at electrified interfaces

Manipulation of single molecules, in particular measuring the mechanochemistry of single molecules and probing their adhesive interactions have become state-of-the-art in interface science. However, a fundamental understanding and rationalization of the scaling of interactions, starting from single molecule up to multiple molecule interactions at solid/liquid interfaces remains an unexplored topic. This fundamental understanding of scaling of molecular interactions is a key-knowledge for prediction and prevention of degradation processes at composite materials interfaces, such as wet de-adhesion or electrochemically driven corrosive de-adhesion of polymers. In particular, considering the economic impact of these processes and the relevance of composite materials for key-technologies. In this context, the project strategy will follow an innovative experimental methodology promoting a groundbreaking understanding of the cooperative outcome of interactions of single molecules at solid/liquid interfaces. We will combine single molecule atomic force microscopy and macro-scale surface force apparatus (SFA) measurements for studying surface and interface forces as triggered by the presence of exactly engineered, gradually changing polymer molecules. Further, the project proposes the simultaneous in-situ implementation of infrared spectroscopy and electrochemical potential control within the SFA. This setup will allow for the first time measuring steric forces and effects of the molecular structure of confined soft matter at an electrified interface with Ångström resolution. This singular setup will not only extend the level of understanding of electrochemically driven delamination processes. It will also prove useful for studying interface phenomena beyond state-of-the-art in other fields. The methodical and instrumental advances implied by this project will facilitate the direct extrapolation of single molecular interaction forces to technologically relevant situations.