HYDRATION FORCE MICROSCOPY AS A NEW OPTION FOR STUDIES OF SOLID LIQUID INTERFACES - SOME THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS

A rationale for in situ scanning force microscopy based on hydration forces is given. Such microscopy would permit the distribution of the hydrated species along a polar surface to be probed directly with another polar surface, preferably of small dimensions. Formulae are derived for the relationship between the lateral correlation functions of hydrated surface groups and the correlated values of the surface force measured by a specially designed and programmed "Gedanken" hydration force nanoscope. Some prospects and problems in the realization of this idea are discussed.