STM image formation of organic thin films: The role of water shell

Analysis of the water role in STM image formation processes for organic thi n films was performed in this work. The contribution of the water shell cov ering the film was considered under the assumption that no water can be ins ide the film molecules. Conducting thin films were chosen as objects and th ey were measured under different humidity conditions. The images were proce ssed for calculating their average corrugation. The relationship of the cor rugation with the relative humidity was outlined and compared with a theore tical model of water adsorption. Finally, nanogravimetric and contact angle measurements were performed as independent proofs of the water adsorption model.