This paper presents polymer graphite (PG) as a novel material for the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) probe. Conductive PG is a relatively modern nanocomposite material used for micro-pencil refills containing a polymer-based binding agent and graphite flakes. Its high conductivity and immunity against surface contamination, with a low price, make it seem like a highly suitable material for electrode manufacturing in general. For the tip production, three methods were developed and are further described in the paper. For the production, three commercially available polymer graphite rods were used. Each has been discussed in terms of performance within the tunneling microscope and within other potential applications.

Central European Institute of Technology Brno University of Technology Technická 10 616 00 Brno Czech Republic

Department of Physics Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication Brno University of Technology Technická 8 616 00 Brno Czech Republic

Department of Physics Mu'tah University Al Karak 61710 Jordan

Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences Královopolská 135 612 65 Brno Czech Republic

Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences Královopolská 147 612 64 Brno Czech Republic

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