Surface Chemistry

Our research aims at obtaining mechanistic insight into atomic-scale chemical processes occurring at surfaces. Current research topics span from the synthesis and imaging of two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks for energy conversion, to single-atom catalysts for hydrocarbon polymerization. Special attention is given to the development of novel imaging approaches based on scanning probe microscopy, aiming at resolving photoexcited states at the atomic scale. Sub-molecular characterization of atomic-scale structures is provided by scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopy (STM-AFM) and complemented by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), which adds chemical sensitivity.

Laerte Patera

Team

Publications

News

27.11.2024

New Publication: Imaging Dihydrogen Bond-Driven Assembly of Borazine on Au(111)

Dihydrogen bonding (DHB) is a unique interaction between hydrogen atoms with opposite partial charges. Our study provides the first direct observation of DHB in borazine assemblies on Au(111) using low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy. Supported by density functional theory, we reveal how DHB stabilizes single and double bonding configurations, playing a pivotal role in borazine’s self-assembly on metal surfaces—a key step in understanding nanoscale molecular organization.

17.07.2024

New Publication in ACS Nano

We are proud to announce that our latest paper, "Emergence of Band Structure in a Two-Dimensional Metal–Organic Framework upon Hierarchical Self-Assembly," has been published in ACS Nano on July 17, 2024.

This study, a result of a collaboration with the Jülich Research Center, the University of Graz, and the Elettra Synchrotron, showcases the on-surface synthesis of a 2D metal-organic framework (2D-MOF) with significant π-conjugation. Our findings demonstrate how the band structure in 2D-MOFs emerges through the coupling of electronic states in the building blocks.

Read the full open-access article here.

Congratulations to our entire international team for this outstanding achievement!

01.07.2024

New PhD student - Jinhui Guo

Jinhui Guo joins our group as a PhD student. In her research she will investigate photoactive molecules with a STM/AFM microscope.

23.04.2024 - 29.04.2024

XPS beamtime at ALBA

Members of our group in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Zhiyu Zou (Harbin university, China) participated to a beamtime at the NAPP endstation of the ALBA synchrotron. We exploited near-ambient pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) to study the growth of two-dimensional organic crystals.

03.04.2024

New Master student - Benjamin Achatz

Benjamin Achatz joins our group as a Master's student. He will investigate photoactive molecules on surfaces, exploiting our new LT-STM/AFM system.

18.03.2024-22.03.2024

DPG Conference

Marco, Matthias, and Laerte attended the 87th Annual Meeting of the DPG in Berlin. The conference featured 5634 contributions, with the largest participation from the field of surface physics. Marco and Matthias each contributed a poster presentation to the conference. Laerte gave a talk on the formation of 2D covalent organic frameworks.

Link to the conference: DPG Spring Meetings 2024

15.02.2024

New microscope

Our group just received a new LT-STM/AFM system. The microscope has been purchased thanks to the ERC funding and will allow us to study photoexcited states at the single-molecule level!

10.01.2024

Job opening: PhD position on Exciton Imaging in Two-Dimensional Photoactive Materials

Join our group as a Ph.D. candidate and contribute to groundbreaking research funded by the ERC Starting Grant "WEPOF." We focus on unraveling the mysteries of excitonic phenomena within covalent organic frameworks, with the ultimate goal of advancing photoenergy conversion efficiency in these materials. More info here: Phd position

13.11.2023 - 17.11.2023

801. WE-Heraeus-Seminar “Plenty of Room at the Bottom – New Developments in Scanning Probe Tools”

Marco and Laerte attended the 801. WEH Workshop in Bad Honnef at the Physikzentrum Bad Honnef, which took place from November 13th to 17th.

The workshop was organized by Laerte, Philip Willke (KIT, Germany) and DJ Choi (CFM/MPC, Spain) and kindly supported by the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation. Marco presented a poster on his recent results on the atomic-scale characterization of the boron nitride/Pt(110) interface.

Link to the conference: 801. WE-Heraeus-Seminar