Surface and Interface Science Physics

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

Past Projects

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