Interface Science

Director: Prof. Beatriz Roldan Cuenya

Our group investigates the structural, electronic, vibrational and chemical properties of size- and shape-selected nanostructures and their interfaces with gas and liquid environments for applications in thermal catalysis and electrochemistry (read more).

Research Groups

Liquid Phase Electron Microscopy

See Wee Chee

Scanning Probe Microscopy

Markus Heyde

Photo-Electrochemical Scanning Probe Microscopy

Christopher Kley

Helmholtz Young Investigator Group

Thin Films

Helmut Kuhlenbeck

Structure and Reactivity

Shamil Shaikhutdinov

Spectro-Microscopy

Thomas Schmidt

Operando Hard X-ray Spectroscopy

Janis Timoshenko

Events

Fritz Haber Institute

Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften

Departments

Inorganic
Chemistry
Beatriz Roldan Cuenya
Interim

Interface
Science
Beatriz Roldan Cuenya

Molecular
Physics
Gerard Meijer

Physical
Chemistry
Martin Wolf

Theory

Karsten Reuter

Science News

Red light and blue waves interacting above a surface.

Pushing the resolution limits of scattering near-field optical microscopy

June 24, 2025

Researchers have developed a new microscope that can visualize the optical response of surfaces at an unprecedented spatial resolution of one nanometer. This paves the way for optical microscopy of atomic-scale structures, such as single molecules and atomic defects. Such capability is important for optical engineering of nanomaterials and surfaces at angstrom scales.

When Electrons "Jump" into Water: The Secret Behind High Electrode Capacities

June 20, 2025

In order to develop improved electrolysers for regenerative hydrogen production, the processes on the surfaces of the metal electrodes used must be precisely understood. Researchers from the Theory Department at the Fritz Haber Institute have now been able to show that even the smallest spillover of metal electrons into the aqueous electrolyte environment is sufficient to increase the energy storage capacity more than tenfold. Only if computer simulations take this quantum mechanical effect into account can they be used reliably to investigate promising new electrolyser materials.

Layered brown spheres form a pyramid structure, surrounded by molecular diagrams and stylized lightning bolts.

Understanding Copper's Role in Turning CO₂ into Useful Products

June 02, 2025

Researchers from the Interface Science Department (ISC) of the Fritz Haber Institute and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) have provided insight into the significant morphological changes that Cu surfaces undergo during the electrochemical reduction of CO₂, which influences the type of products formed. This combined theory (UCLA)-experimental ISC-FHI) study highlights the importance of specific surface defects, that are created and transformed in the course of the reaction, for enhancing the efficiency of CO₂conversion into industrially valuable chemicals.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Lunkenbein appointed as Professor at the University of Bayreuth

June 25, 2025

Prof. Dr. Thomas Lunkenbein, formerly the group leader in the Department of Inorganic Chemistry at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, has been appointed as a professor at the University of Bayreuth and has accepted the position. Starting in June, he will assume the professorship for Operando Analytics of Electrochemical Energy Storage.

Green Light for e-conversion 2.0

May 23, 2025

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) announced the renewal of funding for the Cluster of Excellence e-conversion, ensuring its continuation for another seven years starting January 1, 2026. The Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society is proud to be part of this distinguished and interdisciplinary research network, which drives cutting-edge energy science and fosters vital cross-disciplinary collaboration to tackle the pressing challenges of the global energy transition.

Dr. André Fielicke Successfully Habilitates at TU Berlin

May 21, 2025

The Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society congratulates Dr. André Fielicke on his successful habilitation in the field of Experimental Physics at TU Berlin.

Dr. Sandra Eibenberger-Arias receives Zellner Science Award 2025

May 14, 2025

On April 23, 2025, Dr. Sandra Eibenberger-Arias, group leader in the Department of Molecular Physics at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, was awarded the prestigious Science Award of the Professor Reinhard Zellner Foundation.