Johannes Schwank's research program is focused on fundamental and applied research problems in heterogeneous catalysis, fuel cells, thin films,  chemical sensors, and energy storage materials.  Major research themes are the development of correlations between surface structure of materials and their reactivity, catalysts for automotive emission control, and materials for abatement of volatile organic compounds. He also leads an interdisciplinary team of faculty and students working on case studies of microenvironments that are representative of developing world settings where a better synergy between energy, water, and food supplies is needed.