Investigation of metallic nanoparticles adsorbed on the QCM sensor by SEM and AFM techniques

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is known as a very sensitive device used for determination of mass quantity adsorbed on sensor surface. Its detection limits are in the range of ng cm\(^{-2}\). The adsorption mechanism of metallic nanoparticles on QCM sensor was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). This study aims to highlight the importance of QCM applications in nanoparticles deposition field. The layers formed through adsorption process, induced by the oscillations of the QCM sensor, were investigated by AFM for surface topography and for particle mean size values. The morphology of layers and nanoparticles dimensions were determined by SEM. For a more complex investigation of the nanoparticles adsorption mechanism, the chemical composition of layers was achieved using SEM coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDS). This preliminary research involved a new approach in characterization of metallic nanoparticles layers to achieve functional assembled monolayers.