Surface and Interface Science Physics (SISP) Group
The Surface and Interface Science Physics (SISP) Group at the Institute of Physics of the KF-University Graz is a world-wide leading research group in the field of Nanoscience on Surfaces. The research is concerned with building model systems for the study of low-dimensional oxide nanostructures, organic nanostructures of conjugated molecules and oxide-liquid interfaces, starting at the atomic/molecular level and leading up to hierarchically assembled complex structures in reduced dimensions. With these model systems we aim to investigate the fundamental properties of matter in reduced dimensions, on the one hand, and to build bridges between fundamental science and applied technology, on the other hand. The model systems serve to relate experimental results with state-of-the-art theoretical simulations as well as experimental model situations with industrial applications (e.g. in the fields of catalysis, nanoelectronics or organic semiconducting devices). To achieve these aims we investigate the geometric, electronic and vibronic structure of surface supported nanostructures and their physical and chemical properties. We apply our in–house available state-of-the-art surface science methods, amongst them several STM and photoelectron spectrometer systems, a surface vibrational spectrometer and a femtosecond laser set-up (in total 12 ultrahigh vacuum systems are operated by the group). The experiments in-house are supplemented by several research stays per year at European large scale facilities (synchrotron radiation labs BESSY II, Berlin, ESRF, Grenoble, Max-Lab, Lund, Sweden, Elettra, Triest). The group consists of 4 permanent faculty members (1 o.UP, 3 ao.UPs), 1 research technician, and 10-15 diploma and PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
In the focus low-dimensional oxide nanostructures we investigate 3-D and 2-D oxide nanostructures on metals, which are successfully employed as model systems to study catalytic properties (so-called “inverse model catalyst” systems). We are also interested in designing and characterising 0-D and 1–D metal and metal oxide nanostructures, where novel fundamental physical phenomena can be expected. These studies involve a close interaction with leading national (Vienna) and international (Pisa, Italy) theory groups performing state-of-the-art DFT and beyond-DFT calculations.
In the focus organic nanostructures of conjugated molecules we investigate chainlike molecules, which may be regarded as ideal model systems for organic 1-D nanostructures of a given and defined length. By growing oriented crystalline films of these molecules we apply angle-resolved photoemission methods to elucidate the intramolecular electronic band structure of these molecules and compare these results with DFT calculations (in collaboration with P. Puschnig of the solid state theory group at the KFU). The latter experiment-theory interaction has led to the development of orbital tomography, an advancement in photoemission spectroscopy, which allows one to determine the electronic band and orbital structure of molecular systems.
In the focus oxide-liquid interfaces we utilize single-crystalline oxide thin films as substrates for in-situ and ex-situ surface science investigations of the interface between an oxide surface and aqueous solutions. In particular, we are interested in structural transformations, adsorption processes, and energy dissipation mechanisms at the interface induced and controlled by various parameters, e.g. solution pH, surface termination, or external potential (electrochemical processes). Broadband vibrational sum frequency generation and electrochemical scanning tunnelling microscopy as in-situ spectroscopic and microscopic tools are complemented by traditional surface science methods such as X-ray photoemission to obtain atomic-scale insight into these important interfaces.
In summary, the SISP group combines advanced experimental modelling and theoretical simulations of the physical and chemical properties of inorganic and organic matter in nanoscale low dimensions, with the aim to bridging the gap between fundamental academic research and nanotechnology applications.
Surface and Interface Science Physics Group
Ongoing Projects
Project leader | Project title | Fördergeber | Projektbeginn |
---|---|---|---|
Prof. Sterrer | Structure and Bonding at Oxide-Liquid Interfaces | ERC-Grant, EU | 2013 |
Ao. Prof. Surnev | Ternary oxide nanolayers on metal surfaces: Novel catalysts for "green" technology applications | FWF, AT, PNr. P26633 | 2013 |
Ao. Prof. Ramsey | Orbital tomography of organic semiconductor films | FWF, AT, PNr. P27427 | 2014 |
Past Projects
Project leader | Project title | Fördergeber | Projektbeginn |
---|---|---|---|
o.Prof. Netzer | Search for Emergent Phenomena in Oxide Nanostructures-SEPON | ERC-Grant, EU | 2013 |
o.Prof. Netzer | Search for Emergent Phenomena in Oxide Nanostructures-SEPON | ERC-Grant, EU | 2013 |
Assoz. Prof. Koller | Elektronische Struktur dotierter organischer Filme | FWF | 2013 |
Staff members:
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martin Sterrer, Group Leader
em. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Falko P. Netzer
ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Michael Ramsey
ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Svetlozar Surnev
ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Georg Koller
Ing. Günther Frömmel, Technician
Dr. Ghalgaoui, Ahmed, Postdoc
Mag. Ules Thomas, Postdoc
Mag. Offenbacher Hannes, PhD Student
Mag. Reinisch Eva M., PhD Student
DI Kuhness David MSc., PhD Student
Doudin Nassar MSc., PhD Student
Mag. Blatnik Matthias, PhD Student
MSc. Pomp, Sascha, PhD Student
MSc. Seidel, Peter, PhD Student
DI Hollerer, Michael, PhD Student
Daniel Reiterer BSc., Diploma Student