povrchem

Povrchem is a term used to describe the interdisciplinary study of processes that occur at interfaces between different phases, particularly solid–liquid, liquid–gas, and solid–gas boundaries. In practice, povrchem covers adsorption and desorption dynamics, wetting and capillarity, surface diffusion, interfacial charge transfer, catalysis at surfaces, and the behavior of thin films and coatings. The etymology combines elements referencing surface chemistry, with "povr-" alluding to the surface and "-chem" indicating chemistry, and it is used mainly in academic and industrial contexts to discuss interfacial phenomena.

Historically, povrchem emerged as a shorthand in cross-disciplinary discussions linking surface science, catalysis, and materials engineering. Its usage expanded with advances in surface-sensitive characterization techniques and computational modeling, making it a practical umbrella term for describing interfacial phenomena across disciplines.

Methodologically, povrchem relies on tools such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle goniometry, ellipsometry, and surface-sensitive spectroscopies, alongside computational simulations.

Applications of povrchem span corrosion inhibition, protective and functional coatings, semiconductor processing, energy storage materials, sensors, and the engineering of biocompatible interfaces for medical devices. Ongoing research in povrchem emphasizes sustainable and adaptive interfaces, high-contrast interfacial properties, and multiscale modeling to predict behavior in complex systems.