Objectives:       The main objective is to train scientists from the SURPHARE Centre in advanced surface science techniques for characterisation and modification of solid state surfaces. This training will aim mainly at mastering the use of the apparatus which has recently been purchased by the Centre. This will involve more effective operation, gaining more information out of the potential possibilities of the apparatus, better interpretation of the results, and also learning how to cope with malfunction and shortcomings of the equipment.       Areas of the surface science will involve the following: Application of AFM/STM technique for studying: surface phenomena during electrochemical processes; in particular, interaction of cathodically evolved hydrogen with metallic electrodes (adsorption of anions, of catalytic poisons and of hydrogen; the formation of hydrides); interaction of oxidising and reducing gases with surfaces of metals;. highly dispersed systems; they involve: dispersed monometallic and bimetallic systems used in catalytic processes for environmental protection. These systems are foreseen for catalytic removal of chlorine from harmful organic compounds (utilization of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) from organic wastes), and of nitrates or nitrites from soil and ground waters. nanocrystalline transition metal carbides on active carbon (AC) supports (used as novel catalysts in HDS and HDN reactions) and nanocrystalline components for solid – state rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (aimed at optimisation of the battery performance). Application of artificial intelligence methods in electron spectroscopies for complex solid surfaces.

Description of the contents, the workplan, the steps, the approach or the methodology:       The objectives will be realised by the exchange of scientists between the Centre and other laboratories which possess modern equipment appropriate for the relevant research topics. Preferably, young researchers and PhD students will be sent abroad to get experience in operating advanced apparatus and in interpreting the results, and to get maximum out of the potential capability of the equipment. In a few cases, internationally renown experts will be invited to the Centre to train young scientists, to help solve experimental problems and cope with malfunction of purchased apparatus, and to deliver lectures. Only short-term visits (1 to 3 weeks) will be arranged.

Partners involved: Person responsible in the Centre: Dr. Iwona Flis-Kabulska. Other group leaders in the Centre: Prof. Zbigniew Karpiński, Prof. Jerzy Pielaszek, Dr. Beata Lesiak-Orłowska, Dr. Robert Nowakowski. Prof. Dr. K. Wandelt, Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany Institute of Solid State and Materials Research, Dresden, Germany Prof. Dr. J. Korecki, Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Krakow, Poland Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands (Prof. J.A. Moulijn and Prof. Dr. J. Schoonman) The University of Dundee, Department of Chemistry, Dundee, Scotland (Dr. J.A. Anderson) Laboratoire de Réactivité de Surface, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris (Prof. G. Djega-Mariadassou) Laboratoire de Chimie du Solide Minérale, Université H. Poincaré, Nancy (France) Institute of Physics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic (Dr J. Zemek) Institute for Nuclear Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Debrecen, Hungary (Dr. L. Kövér). Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK (Prof. P. Luckham) Department of Physics, University of Muenster, Germany (Prof. H. Fuchs)

Deliverables, expected results, milestone for the overall package: D 6.1. Improvement of the knowledge and research experience of the scientists in the Centre. D 6.2. Attraction of young researchers to the Centre. D 6.3. Increase of the co-operation between the Centre and the international Partners. D 6.4. Intensification on the networking activities and strengthening the links with other European laboratories.

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