Conductive atomic force microscopy on carbon nanowalls

Abstract The nanostructure of carbon nanowalls (CNWs) was investigated by Torsion Resonance (TR) Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). In this dynamic non-contact imaging mode a cantilever oscillates torsionally and the amplitude of oscillations is used for the AFM feedback. The technique includes benefits of the semicontact (tapping) mode and at the same time allows one to measure the local conductivity. Moreover, the phase signal is much stronger and fine structures of the CNWs were observed. We also present a comparison of the results obtained by TR, tapping, and contact modes.