Atomic-scale insights into silicate mineral surfaces and their reactivity

Dr. Giada Franceschi

Technische Universität Wien, Oberflächenphysik 

am Dienstag, 17. November 2026, um 17:30 Uhr

Ort: Lise-Meitner-Hörsaal, Fakultät für Physik, Universität Wien,

1090 Wien, Strudlhofgasse 4 / Boltzmanngasse 5, 1. Stock

Barrierefreier Zugang: Boltzmanngasse 5, Lift, 1. Stock rechts über den Gang zum Hintereingang des Hörsaals

Abstract:

Silicate minerals underpin key processes in geochemistry, atmospheric science, and materials technology, yet their atomic-scale surface chemistry remains insufficiently understood. Their intrinsic heterogeneity and electrical insulation have long limitedexperimental characterization, leaving most mechanistic insight to simulations. Here, we extend the capabilities of noncontact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM) in ultrahigh vacuum to achieve genuine atomic and chemical resolution on natural silicates (muscovite mica [1, 2], feldspar microcline [3], wollastonite [4]) that had previously remained unresolved. Our measurements, complemented by density functional theory, provide direct, real-space evidence for processes central to mineral reactivity, such as ion hydration, ice nucleation, and carbonation reactions. They demonstrate that atomically resolved nc-AFM can access mechanistic insight previously restricted to theory and offer benchmark data to guide and challenge emerging computational models of mineral–water–gas interactions.

[1] Franceschi et al., Nat. Commun. 14, 208 (2023)

[2] Franceschi et al., Faraday Disc. 249, 84 (2024)

[3] Franceschi et al., JPCL 15, 15 (2023)

[4] Conti et al., ACS Nano 20, 10456 (2026)