RESEARCH FIELD

Surface Science

Surface science investigates the atomic-scale structure, composition, and reactivity of solid surfaces and interfaces — the boundaries where solids contact gases, liquids, or other solids. Surfaces are where heterogeneous catalysis, corrosion, tribology, adhesion, thin-film growth, and many energy conversion processes occur, making surface science foundational to industrial chemistry, microelectronics, and materials technology. Well-defined single-crystal surfaces studied under ultra-high vacuum conditions provide model systems where structure-reactivity relationships can be elucidated with atomic resolution. Core experimental tools include X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for chemical composition, low-energy electron diffraction for surface crystallography, scanning tunnelling and atomic force microscopy for real-space imaging of atomic arrangements, and secondary ion mass spectrometry for elemental depth profiling. In situ and operando surface characterisation using ambient-pressure XPS and synchrotron radiation extends surface science to realistic catalytic and electrochemical conditions. Applications range from semiconductor manufacturing to fuel cell electrocatalysis, anti-corrosion coatings, and biosensor development. Funding comes from national laboratories, semiconductor companies, the chemical industry, and energy programmes.