The aim of the project is the preparation and physico-chemical characterization of ultrathin (1-2 atomic layers) films of iron oxides, sulfides and nitrides on single crystalline supports. Metal oxides, sulfides and nitrides exhibit unique electronic, catalytic and magnetic properties that may find potential applications in various industrial fields. Studies carried out with the project will be performed using ultra-high vacuum (UVH) methods, e.g. scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), low energy electron diffraction (LEED) or x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), as well as chromatographic and magnetometric techniques. In addition, the project will feature cooperation with research groups from Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft in Berlin (Germany), Università degli studi di Genova (Italy) and the University of Wrocław (Poland).