What technique did the researchers use to image the large flat carbon molecules, and why was electrospray ionization necessary?

The researchers used electrospray ionization coupled with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to image the large flat carbon molecules. Electrospray ionization was necessary because the molecule was synthesized in solution; this technique allows the researchers to remove the solvent and safely deposit intact molecules onto a metal surface, which is a prerequisite for high-resolution STM imaging.

What is the significance of using scanning tunneling microscopy in this study?

Scanning tunneling microscopy enabled the researchers to create high-resolution images of the synthesized large flat carbon molecules, revealing structural features smaller than a nanometer—critical for confirming the molecular architecture and investigating electronic and magnetic properties of these 'molecular behemoths'.

Chemistry in Pictures: Seeing Cyclic Molecules

May 20, 2026

Researchers from Shenzhen University and CAS synthesized large cyclic carbon scaffolds and visualized their atomic-scale features using electrospray ionization coupled with scanning tunneling microscopy.

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2026-05-20

Chemistry in Pictures: Seeing Cyclic Molecules

Chemistry in Pictures: Seeing Cyclic Molecules

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