The Key Laboratory of Surface & Interface Science and Technology, Henan Province, China (hereinafter referred to as the "Lab") was established through years of sustained investment and development, building on the foundation of the former Applied Chemistry Laboratory (GQR [1998] No. 122), a key research center recognized by the Ministry of Light Industry, and the Applied Chemistry as a key discipline in Henan Province. In April 2007, the Department of Science and Technology of Henan Province (YK [2007] No. 69) officially approved the establishment of the Lab. In June 2015, the Lab passed the acceptance inspection by the Department of Science and Technology of Henan Province. It was rated as "Excellent" by the Department of Science and Technology of Henan Province in2017.
Guided by national and provincial sci-tech development strategies and leveraging its competitive edges, the Lab has gradually shaped three distinctive research areas tailored to meet the economic and social development needs of the country, particularly Henan. These areas include polymer surface and interface science and technology; surface modulation and technologies for micro/nano materials; and phase interface properties and their applications.
Over the years, the Lab has assembled a top-tier research team guided by academicians and Changjiang Scholars, with young and middle-aged professors and PhD holders at its core. The team consists of 79 regular researchers, 13 visiting researchers, and 14 full-time equipment managers. Among the regular researchers, there are 26 professors and 24 associate professors; 69 PhD holders; one recipient of the State Council Special Allowance; one candidate for the New Century National Hundred, Thousand, and Ten Thousand Talent Project; one Central Plains Scholar in Henan Province; two distinguished professors in Henan Province; ten recipients of Outstanding Youth in Science and Technology Innovation of Henan Province and Science and Technology Innovation Talents in Higher Education Institutions of Henan Province; eight recipients of Science and Technology Innovation Talents in Higher Education Institutions of Henan Province; 14 academic and technical leaders recognized by the Education Department of Henan Province; and 20 key university teachers in Henan Province. In terms of age distribution, 11 individuals are under 35, 54 are between 35 and 49, and 14 are over 49. This robust academic team constitutes a well-structured talent pipeline distinguished by strong research capabilities. The Lab has developed Applied Chemistry, Materials Science, and Chemical Technology, which have been included in of the seventh batch of key provincial disciplines. It also offers five master's degree programs in Materials Science, Materials Physics and Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Chemical Technology, and Chemical Engineering. Building upon its regular researchers, the Lab has fostered nine scientific and technological innovation teams, one of which has been recognized by the Ministry of Education's Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team.
The Lab is well-equipped for advanced research in morphological observation, structural characterization, thermal analysis, spectroscopy, and chromatography. Major instruments include X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM), Thermal Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, X-ray Single-Crystal Diffractometer, Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The total value of these instruments exceeds RMB 60 million.
Driven by the mission of "Independent Innovation, Priority, and Contributing to the Economic Development of Henan", the Lab leverages its extensive expertise to inspire original and integrated innovation in surface and interface science. Today, it's evolving into a key hub for scientific research, sci-tech innovation, and talent development, both in China and internationally.