Growth of Lotus Wax Tubules on Gold Surface
Author Information
Author(s): Dora Sujit Kumar, Wandelt Klaus, Barthlott Wilhelm, Koch Kerstin
Primary Institution: Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Bonn University
Hypothesis
The orientation of tubules formed from lotus wax on different substrates can be explained by the physical properties of the substrates.
Conclusion
The study found that tubules from lotus wax can be formed on a gold surface, but their orientation differs from those formed on other substrates like HOPG.
Supporting Evidence
- Tubules formed on Au(111) were found to lie flat, while those on HOPG were oriented vertically.
- The average time for tubule formation was about 3-4 hours.
- Outer diameters of tubules varied in multiples of 20 nm.
- Growth kinetics were influenced by the availability of wax molecules on the surface.
Takeaway
This study shows how tiny tubes made from lotus wax grow differently on gold compared to other surfaces, like HOPG.
Methodology
The study involved applying a solution of lotus wax on a gold surface and observing the growth of tubules using AFM over several hours.
Limitations
The study does not provide data to support the proposed hypothesis regarding substrate effects on tubule orientation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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