Michael’s research has focused on surface structure/reactivity and catalysis, ranging from theoretical studies of the effect of sintering on product yields, to selective oxidation catalysis on oxide nanomaterials, to studies of adsorption on well-defined surfaces. He has used STM for 20 years to study various aspects of surface structure and reactivity, pioneering the use of high temperature, atomic resolution STM in this field. The group is focusing on environmental aspects of catalysis. Firstly, utilising solar energy to produce hydrogen directly from water splitting, by the use of light-absorbing photocatalysts. Secondly, examining CO2 reduction with solar hydrogen to make methanol, a way of storing solar energy at peak production, to be used when solar supply is low.