Nanoscale imaging of chemical interactions: Fluorine on graphite

Using C-60-functionalized scanning tunneling microscope tips, we have investigated the adsorption of fluorine on graphite. Based on characteristics of the accompanying electron standing waves, we are able to distinguish the fluorine adatoms that have bonded ionically to the graphite surface from those that have formed covalent bonds with the surface, This result permits determination of the ratio of ionic to covalent C-F bonds on graphite obtained by gas phase fluorination, which seems to be temperature-independent between 200 and 300 degrees C under the reaction conditions used.