The study of supramolecular structure of asphaltenes by atomic force microscopy

Abstract

The article is devoted to the actual problem of studying the supramolecular structure of oil asphaltenes. They are the prospective structural materials for molecular electronics and nanotechnology. At present, the properties of asphaltenes at the supramolecular level are studied by various physical and physicochemical methods, as well as by methods of mathematical modelling. The aim of the work is research of asphaltenes supramolecular structure by atomic force microscopy (AFM), comparison of experimental data with the calculations of computer simulation, and high resolution visualization of asphaltene crystallites. The topography of asphaltenes monomolecular layer is observed by AFM. Separate objects of disc-shaped form – crystallites obtained as a result of the association of individual molecules of asphaltenes are clearly visible. In addition, some structural parameters are calculated.