Abstract:
Structure-property relationships are at the cornerstone of materials science. As both structure, and the majority of properties of interest (electronic, optical, chemical) are related to the frontier molecular orbitals, characterizing the electronic states near the Fermi energy and understanding the influence of the local structure and bonding provide essential insights for materials development and technological advances. Scanning tunnelling microscopy provides unique insight with the ability to resolve structure (including imperfections) at the atomic scale alongside spatial resolution of the frontier molecular orbitals that drive properties.
I will provide an overview of STM and related measurements of electronic structure and share examples from both organic and inorganic materials of how the local structure and electronic structure information provided gives unique perspectives. These examples will demonstrate how changes in the local environment impact electronic structure, and how the electronic structure can drive changes in crystal structure and symmetry exemplifying how deeply entwined structure and properties are.
Themes: Functional Materials, Nature of Matter, Technology