Multimodal scanning probe imaging: nanoscale chemical analysis from biology to renewable energy

Scanning probe microscopy methods have enabled characterization of surface topography and electronic structure down to the nanometer (and in some cases atomic) scale. As such techniques have become more widely used, a growing community of researchers has sought to broaden the imaging capabilities of scanning probe microscopy to provide not just topographical, but also detailed chemical information about interfaces at these length scales. Here, we provide a tutorial review describing developments in the field of multimodal scanning probe microscopy, highlighting both foundational work and recent advances that have facilitated applications ranging from studies of biological structure and function to streamlined development of materials for renewable energy. Multimodal scanning probe microscopy enables analysis of not only surface topography, but also surface chemistry, electrical, magnetic, and mechanical properties.