The Laboratory has undertaken the basic chemical research related to solid surfaces and interfaces in the broad sense, and accumulated certain successes up to the present stage in the major areas of operations shown below; these areas also serve as the targets for future developments.

(1) To develop advanced surface/interface theory and computational methods; develop in-situ dynamic and high-resolution characterization methods and technologies, and develop new instruments. To put forward new research methods based on new concepts, new principles and new mechanisms, and create a new research paradigm by using large scientific facility, big data integration, computational simulation and artificial intelligence (AI).
 
(2) To develop new electrochemical systems and technologies for energy conversion and storage with high efficiency and net zero emission, and promote large-scale applications for EV-cell, bulky energy storage, etc.;

(3) To develop new relay catalytic processes by coupling the thermal/optical/electrical reactions, develop revolutionary routes for the direct conversion of carbon dioxide and methane to produce value-added chemicals and liquid fuels under mild conditions, and realize industrial demonstration through reactor optimization and process intensification;
 
(4) To develop high-efficiency energy materials, such as porous functional materials, single atom catalysts, high-entropy materials and low dimensional materials, and accelerate the upgrading of material research and development with combination of the material genome research.

    In the overall perspective, the laboratory envisages to establish solid and advanced experimental methodology and theoretical systems on physical chemistry of solid surfaces, and to build an in-depth foundation for frontier developments of new and better catalytic materials and processes as well electrochemical technology. Ultimately, the laboratory endeavors to make signal contributions in scientific knowledge for the benefit of pressing and critical socio-economic problems related to energy, materials, life, and information sciences.