Interfacial forces studied using scanning probe methods

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Why is tape sticky? Why do we slip on ice? These are some everyday questions that can be answered by considering the fundamental nature of surface or interfacial interactions. To try and address these questions, we need to consider the nature of the chemical forces at the junction between two interfaces. Can we quantify them? And can we modify the chemistry of a surface so that it will bind only to some molecules but not to others? The questions noted above are fundamental ones, but there are also a number of practical problems which can be addressed by answering these questions. For example, how we can separate or purify mixtures of several molecules leading, for example, to the development of better drugs. What are the forces that control the adsorption of enzymes or proteins on the surface of a detection device. Answering this will allow development of analytical devices for quick screening for cancer or other diseases. Another application is the adsorption of trace contaminants to soils, leading to better environmental remediation techniques.