Young Investigator Group Nanoscale Solid-Liquid Interfaces

Nanoscale Solid-Liquid Interfaces

Our group aims at investigating chemical reactions relevant for energy conversion and storage occurring at solid-liquid interfaces. We are particularly interested in interfaces where the solid and/or the liquid phase has a nanoscale dimension. Our research topics include the understanding of electrochemical energy storage and photo/electrochemical energy conversion processes, as well as fundamental understanding of water and ion solvation in confined environment. We investigate a broad range of nanomaterials ranging from layered 2D materials (e.g. MXenes), nanoparticles (e.g. nanodiamonds) to nanostructured thin films and nanoporous materials.

Our core expertise is the application of optical and synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy and microscopy methods to investigate in situ/ operando the photo/electrochemical processes at solid-liquid interfaces. State-of-the-art facilities for vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR and Raman), polarimetry and surface photovoltage spectroscopy are available in our labs. We are also performing in situ/operando characterization with soft X-ray absorption and photoelectron spectro/microscopies at the synchrotron BESSY II.