Solid Surface Analysis Using pH-Imaging Microscope Based on Semiconductor Sensor

We have developed a pH-imaging microscope that enables visualization of the pH distribution with a minimum 100 micron spatial resolution utilizing a semiconductor pH sensor with multiple minute measurement points. The microscope was evaluated quantitatively, and then applied to the analysis of the surfaces of solid materials. In terms of quantitative evaluation, the pH distribution formed by the release of protons from a single ion-exchange resin was studied. On the other hand, in terms of the analysis of solid materials, a unique surface analysis method utilizing the pH, which is one of the parameters for liquids, was developed by enabling a new type of chemical surface analysis of metals, the hard tissues of humans, and so on.