Computational Surface Chemistry and Interface Physics

Our research focuses on the theory and simulation of molecular reactions on surfaces and at interfaces. We study the structure, composition, and reactivity of molecules interacting with solid surfaces. Using quantum mechanical simulation methods, such as Density-Functional Theory, our goal is to find a detailed understanding of the explicit molecular-level dynamics of molecular reactions as they appear in heterogeneous catalysis, photochemistry and nanotechnology. Our method development efforts target the efficient simulation of nonadiabatic and quantum effects in large surface-adsorbate systems, complex surface nanostructures, and gas-surface dynamics.