Petra Reinke uses sabbatical to conduct research with 2-D materials such as graphene and study the transmission of molecules through nanoscale defects.Petra Reinke, professor of materials science and engineering, is wrapping up a sabbatical at the University of Groningen/Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials in the Netherlands. She is continuing her research with 2-D materials such as graphene, and studies the transmission of molecules through nanoscale defects. The interface between graphene and metals serves as a confined reaction space that promotes the formation of unique low-dimensional materials and encourages control over bond configuration and dimensionality. This approach might lead researchers to create new materials with unique electronic and optical qualities. During the fall term, Reinke will conduct research at Lund University's synchrotron radiation research facility MAX IV. In collaboration with several research groups in the Physics Department at Lund, she will seek to better understand oxidation of metal alloys, specifically nichrome and related superalloys. These alloys possess excellent mechanical properties and a high degree of corrosion resistance, and have practical application in an array of industrial and military systems. A deeper understanding the oxidation process will ultimately lead to a wider variety of corrosion-resistant, rust-proof metals. Other work will focus on imaging the interaction of 2-D materials with nanowires at the atomic level, adding to the search for transparent conducting thin-films, such as touch screens on electronic devices. She serves as program chair of the surface science division at this year's annual meeting of the American Vacuum Society symposium and exhibit, Oct. 20-25 in Columbus, Ohio. The event is expected to draw 3,000 academics, industry representatives, government officials and consultants involved in surface science, catalysis, thin film materials, interfaces and processing.