Surface Science of Materials

Dear Colleagues,

Surface science is one of the most significant materials research areas. Numerous studies are still being conducted all over the world. The performance and functionality of materials are significantly influenced by their surfaces and interfaces. These nanoscale regions, often just a few atomic layers thick, govern a material's reactivity, wettability, adhesion, electronic properties, and catalytic activity, substantially impacting their applications across numerous fields.

This Topic aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements and future directions in this crucial area, including but not limited to the following key areas:

• Surface characterization techniques: advanced microscopy (AFM, STM, TEM, etc.), spectroscopy (XPS, UPS, Auger, etc.), and other analytical methods for surface analysis.
• Surface modification and engineering: techniques for controlling surface composition, structure, and properties (e.g., deposition, etching, and functionalization).
• Surface reactions and catalysis: studies on heterogeneous catalysis, surface-mediated reactions, and the design of novel catalysts.
• Surface-related phenomena: adsorption, desorption, diffusion, wetting, friction, corrosion, and other surface-dependent processes.
• Nanomaterials and surfaces: the unique surface properties of nanomaterials and their applications in various fields.
• Biointerfaces and biomaterials: the interaction between materials and biological systems at the interface.
• 2D materials and surfaces: focus on the unique properties of 2D materials and their surface modification for specific applications.

This Topic aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art in the surface science of materials. It is intended to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and professionals across various disciplines, stimulating further research and facilitating cross-disciplinary collaborations to fully harness the potential of materials science through a deeper understanding of their surfaces.

We welcome submissions demonstrating significant progress in fundamental understanding and technological applications within this vital field.

Dr. Satoshi Komasa
Dr. Akina Tani
Prof. Dr. Yoshiya Hashimoto
Dr. Hideaki Sato
Topic Editors