Günther Sebastian

Prof. Günther Sebastian is a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the TUM School of Natural Sciences and the Department of Physical Chemistry / Catalysis. His research focuses on surface chemistry and heterogeneous catalysis, employing advanced microscopy and spectroscopic techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), photoelectron spectromicroscopy (PEEM), and low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM). His work emphasizes model systems to study catalytic reactions under high-pressure conditions.

Education:

• Bachelor's/Master's in Physics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich), completed 1990
• Doctorate in Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, University of Ulm, 1995
• Postdoctoral research at ELETTRA Synchrotron in Trieste, followed by a Marie Curie Fellowship there
• Completed habilitation at Leibniz University Hannover in 2003

Research Interests:

Prof. Sebastian's research integrates theoretical and experimental approaches to study catalytic processes at interfaces. Key areas include graphene growth mechanisms on metal substrates, high-pressure catalytic reactions, and the development of advanced imaging techniques for in situ analysis of surface reactions. His work bridges surface science and materials chemistry, with applications in energy storage and catalytic systems.

Awards:

• DFG Habilitation Scholarship (2000-2001)
• Marie Curie Fellowship (1998-1999)

Grants & Collaborations:

His research has been supported through grants focusing on surface chemistry and catalysis. Collaborations include work with synchrotron facilities and materials science groups to advance in situ spectroscopic techniques.

Labs & Teams:

He leads a research group at TUM investigating catalytic interfaces and graphene-based systems, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches combining physics, chemistry, and engineering.