Charge behavior on insulating monocrystallic surfaces by Kelvin probe force microscopy

Full text: Detailed knowledge on the contact charging behavior of dielectric materials is of great interest for technological applications like tribocharging separation. The underlying mechanisms are still not well understood. The charging of quartz and calcite single crystal surfaces upon contact with an Atomic Force Microscope tip has been investigated using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy. It turned out that the charging is strongly influenced by the sample history. Especially contact with different forms of water (bulk water or humid air) and sample heat treatment change the charging/discharging behavior significantly. (author)