Research is focused on the investigation of self-assembly phenomena as well as reactivity of organic molecules on well-defined metallic surfaces and graphene under ultra-high vacuum conditions. The emphasis is on understanding the interplay of intermolecular and molecule-substrate interactions, and processes on the atomic and molecular scale that can lead to self-organized supramolecular nanostructures. The aim is to give new functionality to the surfaces, e. g. to change their electronic properties. In addition to scanning probe methods at variable temperatures, classical surface science techniques such as XPS, UPS, LEED etc. are employed. With these techniques complementary information about the structural and electronic properties are acquired.
Research on self-assembled molecular nanosystems are relevant for advancing new nanoscale functional materials with applications ranging from electronics to spintronics and catalysis.
Funding:
Running projects:
NWO Aspasia Grant
NWO VICI Grant Title: Tuning graphene´s electronic and magnetic properties by molecular patterningPeriod: September 2018 - September 2023
Bonus incentive scheme Title: Emergent functionalities in atomically controlled 2D heterostructuresPeriod: November 2019 - October 2023 Completed projects:
Bonus incentive scheme Title: Towards new 2D and 1D graphene inspired materials and devicesPeriod: November 2014 - October 2018
ERC Starting Grant Title: Tunning electronic surface properties by molecular patterningPeriod: January 2013 - December 2017
NWO VIDI Fellowship Title: From surface-supported supramolecular assemblies to covalently coupled nanostructures Period: February 2011 - December 2016
FOM Projectruimte Title: Modification of the electronic properties of graphene by molecular self-assembly Period: July 2011 - June 2015