Atomic Force Microscopy in Organic Gas/Solid Reactions: How Do the New Phases Build Up?

Numerous gas/solid reactions are studied on microscopically smooth surfaces by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Five basic types for solid phase to solid phase transformations have been found, as well as mixed types. These are discussed in some detail, exemplified, and compared to some solid state photoreactions in order to provide a basis for a real understanding of non is typical solid state transformations, which are preparatively useful.