The group activities focus on basic and applied research in surface, interface and chemical physics. Three core areas are basic surface physics, heterogeneous catalysis and interfaces between biological and non-biological systems. A new area is certain aspects of sustainable energy devices.

The basic surface physics research includes gas-surface collision dynamics, energy and charge transfer mechanisms in gas-surface collisions, the kinetics and mechanisms of surface reactions, photochemical reactions on surfaces and nano-particles, and the early stage of metal oxidation.

The heterogeneous catalysis research is focussed on nanofabricated model catalysts, their characterization and catalytic properties, Monte Carlo simulations of catalytic kinetics, nano-fabrication for fuel cell electrodes, and photo-catalysis in nano-particle systems. A recent extension of the latter is photo-active nano-structures and devices for solar energy and environmental applications, and associated basic mechanisms.

The bio-interfaces research includes micro- and nano-fabrication and patterning of surfaces for specific bio-functionality, e.g., in the areas of biomaterials for medical implants, surfaces for cell and tissue engineering, and platforms for biosensors and biochips. This research also includes basic research on supported phospholipid bio-membranes and optical (bio)sensing using photo-active nanostructures.