Surface physics and chemistry are at the heart of many technological advancements that shape our modern world, improving quality of life while paving the way for a more sustainable society. At LOE, we do fundamental surface physics and chemistry research on topics that can have a positive real-world impact. We explore the unique properties and phenomena that occur at surfaces and interfaces of different materials, where atoms and molecules meet and interact in the solid, liquid or gas phase, often dictating the functionality of both coatings and devices.
Surface physics delves into the physical aspects of these interactions, probing how e.g. van der Waals and electrostatic forces as well as chemical bonds influence the behavior of surfaces and interfaces. This knowledge is crucial for developing advanced materials with tailored properties, such as charge-selective electrode interface layers in solar cells and LEDs, (super)hydrophobic surfaces that repel water/ice, or materials with enhanced catalytic activity.
Surface chemistry focuses on the chemical reactions and processes that occur at surfaces and interfaces. This includes studying how molecules adsorb, react, and desorb from surfaces. Surface chemistry is vital for understanding and improving e.g. (opto)electronic device and battery stability, corrosion prevention, sensor development, and interfacing electronic materials with human or plant tissue.
Our unit’s current research interests include:
- doping of organic semiconductors
- interface characterization and engineering for improving charge injection/extraction, exciton dissociation and stability of interfaces in organic and perovskite (opto) electronic devices
- functional forest-based materials
- interface phenomena between organic electronic materials and biomaterials
- defects in organic semiconductor films
- growth and characterization of organic and perovskite semiconductor crystals
- development of surface science equipment and methods
