The NC-AFM image at left shows a graphite surface on which silver nanocrystallites have been deposited using the method described in the JPC paper above. However, prior to deposition, the graphite surface has been roughened by the introduction of one monolayer-deep, circular etch pits using a thermal etching procedure. In this paper, the Raman spectroscopy of defects on the graphite surfaces is probed before, and following, the electrochemical deposition of silver nanocrystallites on the surface.

The green button above reveals Raman scattering spectra encompassing 1200-3200 cm^-1: The bottom, red, spectrum shows an unpitted, pristine HOPG with no silver, then, also in red, a thermally etched HOPG again with no silver (the "p" means pits). The green spectrum is of pristine HOPG with a silver coverage of Q_Ag = 2.4 mC cm^-2 (or 25 nmol Ag^o cm^-2). Finally in blue are shown spectra for two thermally etched and pitted HOPG surfaces: the lower spectrum is for Q_Ag = 0.5 mC cm^-2 (or 5 nmol Ag^o cm^-2); the upper is for Q_Ag = 2.4 mC cm^-2 (or 25 nmol Ag^o cm^-2). For our interpretation of these data, you will need to see this paper in print in the library, or you may request a reprint by email.