Nanophases consisting of individual polystyrene molecules on mica imaged with scanning electron microscopy

Scanning electron microscope images are presented of mica surfaces treated with an initiator and heated in the presence of styrene to obtain a grafted polymer. These images show “droplets” of size corresponding to that of individual polystyrene molecules. Other experimental evidence is presented which suggests that the droplets are indeed individual molecules. The images are believed to be the first ever obtained of individual, “tethered” synthetic polymer molecules.