Unraveling
the Molecular Structures of Asphaltenes
by Atomic Force Microscopy
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Abstract
Petroleum
is one of the most precious and complex molecular mixtures
existing. Because of its chemical complexity, the solid component
of crude oil, the asphaltenes, poses an exceptional challenge for
structure analysis, with tremendous economic relevance. Here, we combine
atomic-resolution imaging using atomic force microscopy and molecular
orbital imaging using scanning tunnelling microscopy to study more
than 100 asphaltene molecules. The complexity and range of asphaltene
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are established in detail. Identifying
molecular structures provides a foundation to understand all aspects
of petroleum science from colloidal structure and interfacial interactions
to petroleum thermodynamics, enabling a first-principles approach
to optimize resource utilization. Particularly, the findings contribute
to a long-standing debate about asphaltene molecular architecture.
Our technique constitutes a paradigm shift for the analysis of complex
molecular mixtures, with possible applications in molecular electronics,
organic light emitting diodes, and photovoltaic devices