Jan Balajka

Jan Balajka is an Assistant Professor at TU Wien's Surface Physics Research Area (E134-05). His research focuses on atomic-scale characterization of oxide surfaces using advanced techniques like noncontact atomic force microscopy (ncAFM). He specializes in studying surface reconstructions of materials such as α-Al₂O₃(0001) and Fe₃O₄ in both dry and aqueous environments. Key themes include surface dynamics, adsorption mechanisms, and interfacial chemistry.

• Expertise: Oxide surfaces, ncAFM imaging, ab-initio force fields, surface hydration
• Recent studies: Alumina reconstructions, magnetite surface reactivity, water-vapor interactions

His work bridges experimental surface science and computational modeling, with contributions to understanding surface structure-function relationships in catalytic and environmental contexts.