Currently, boron is our main target for 2D materials. Next to Carbon, boron shows a 2-dimensional sheet known as borophene. Boron's robust mechanical properties and potential conductivity have been considered suitable for next-generation devices. However, their fundamental geometrical and electrical structures are far from fully understood. We are revealing them using STM, LEED, and DFT calculations.

Magnetic ultra-thin films show unique properties, such as huge magnetic anisotropy and dead magnetic layers. We prepare single-layer magnetic thin films and reveal their physical properties using X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and the surface magneto-optic Kerr effect (SMOKE).

Metal oxide thin films are interesting and very promising materials because of their high catalytic activity and robust properties. They also have very beautiful but complex crystal structures. We are focusing on single-layer iron oxides for CO oxidation and CaO for CO2 adsorption.