Research
Our research group is interested in a wide range of materials, including 2D materials (graphene, silicene, and a variety of TMDs WSe2). We have also used the classic Si-surfaces as templates for building nanostructures, and have extensively studied novel nanospheres, which form when fullerenes, known as C60 or buckyballs, are heated on a metal surface. This last project is part of the investigation of catalytically active W-carbide materials. We have observed the metal insulator transition in VO2, and the formation of fractal structures with fullerenes on graphite.
Right now we concentrate on understanding the oxidation of alloys, which show complex reaction pathways. The synergies between elements, and the dynamic interactions with the bulk alloy are unique and exciting challenges. We have had funding by the office of naval research, the 4-VA foundation, and NSF to pursue this work.
Our other line of research is to use low energy ions to implant metal atoms into transition metal dichalcogenides (like MoS2, or WSe2). These are layered 2D materials and interesting quantum states and magnetic doping are predicted and coveted. We have an EAGEr award from NSF to do this work because it is considered high risk.
Our Research Focus
We are interested in all aspects of surfaces: how they can act as nanostructure templates, how they interact with reactants such as oxygen, how they are modified structurally and chemically by ion irradiation, and thin film growth. We specialize in experimental methods which give us chemical, structural, and time resolved information about reactions and processes. These are laboratory based methods and include x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning probes, and synchrotron based techniques which allow us to do operando experiments to observe a process as it happens. More recently we are collaborating with our colleagues in chemistry to study catalysts and organo-metallic compounds.
