Joinus

Join Salmeron group's research projects:

1. Growth and structure of thin liquid films on surfaces of aqueous solutions

Experiments are carried out using non-contact AFM (SPFM) to obtain topographic and dielectric information, and at the Berkeley Synchrotron (ALS) to obtain spectroscopic information. At the ALS we build a unique chamber where XPS and NEXAFS (or XAS) spectroscopic studies can be carried out in the presence of vapor pressures of up to 10 torr. See Ambient Pressure Photoelectron Spectroscopy for Environmental Sciences.

2. Manipulation of atoms and molecules. Imaging with low temperature STM

Studies of adsorption structure, diffusion, and reactions of atoms and molecules. Excitation of electronic transitions (to explore bonding structure) and vibration excitations of individual molecules. Displacement of atoms and molecules with the STM tip to form clusters and other structures with unique electronic properties.

3. Surface chemistry and catalysis

In this project surfaces of model catalysts (Pd, Pt, Rh, etc.) are studied with STM inside a chamber that can be filled with reactant gases up to one or more atmospheres. The project is aimed at obtaining information on the atomic structure of the surface of catalyst in equilibrium with gases as function of temperature and while a catalytic reaction is going on.