The Nanotechnology Centre's astonishing journey; former director applauds its progress

Professor Čapková, what area does your research mainly focus on?

Over the past two decades, my research has primarily centred around nanotechnology and the development of nanomaterials for various applications. Nanomaterials have a wide range of uses, including optoelectronics, biomedicine, environmental protection, and even structural nanocomposites. However, my main interest lies in nanofibrous membranes for gas separation. This is particularly relevant to the broader topic of recycling. Pyrolysis is used to recycle plastics, waste biomass and other materials, and during this process a number of solid, liquid and gaseous by-products are produced. At Jan Evangelista Purkyně University, my colleagues and I focus on capturing and recovering waste gases from pyrolysis during recycling. We utilise two types of materials for this purpose. Firstly, catalysts are employed to maximise the efficiency and yield of pyrolysis processes. Secondly, membranes are used to selectively trap the gaseous products, allowing for their subsequent recovery. In recent years, we have developed and patented antimicrobial nanofibre membranes for air purifiers. However, our current emphasis is on selectively capturing gases, specifically carbon dioxide and hydrogen, and their recovery.

Let's now talk about your time at VSB-TUO, where you served as the head of the Nanotechnology Centre from 2005 to 2010. How did you transition from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University to Ostrava?

During that period, I developed a keen interest in the structure and properties of nanomaterials. I collaborated on several projects with my colleagues in Ostrava within this field. The predecessor of the current Nanotechnology Centre was known as the Higher Institute of Materials Chemistry, led by Professor Weiss, who started working on nanomaterials at VSB-TUO. After his sudden death, I was asked to take over the leadership of the institute. Despite some personal challenges at the time, I decided to accept the offer.

During your tenure, the institute underwent a name change?

It was a period when the development of nanomaterials and nanotechnology was just beginning to really take off. The rector at the time, Tomáš Čermák, had the vision of transforming the institute into a dedicated nanotechnology centre. As a result, we decided to change our name and intensify our focus on this subject on a larger scale. Prior to that, I had spent a considerable amount of time at the University of Amsterdam, where molecular modelling, or computer-aided design of nanostructures, started. Drawing from that experience, I established a laboratory for the computational design of nanomaterials, which remains active to this day. Modelling has proven to be a great support for technologists and, together with the development of advanced high-resolution imaging techniques, has significantly stimulated the development of nanotechnology in general and naturally also at VSB-TUO. By utilising computer-aided design, you can eliminate dead ends in advance, showing you that a complex or structure will not be stable. It's akin to constructing with molecular Lego pieces, saving technologists time, materials, and energy. When the IT4Innovations National Supercomputing Center was established at VSB-TUO, computer design became an integral part of that significant project.

During your leadership at the Nanotechnology Centre, the Nanotechnology study programme was accredited, becoming the first of its kind in the country.

Indeed, we were met with great interest in this study programme right from the start, and it undoubtedly enhanced the University's prestige and appeal. While I cannot confirm whether we were the absolute first in the Czech Republic, that would require verification from the National Accreditation Bureau for Higher Education. Nevertheless, the programme's impact extended beyond academics, positively influencing research projects and attracting talented individuals to engage in research activities.

After your five-year tenure, you returned to the Czech Republic, specifically to Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem. Does your collaboration with the Nanotechnology Centre continue? Do you keep track of its activities?

Yes, we still have joint publications.  And I am happy to see the remarkable progress made by the Nanotechnology Centre. The current professors were once young postdocs during my time there, and it was a pleasure working with them. I wish them great success today and I am very happy that they are doing well.

You attended the NanoOstrava 2023 conference. How would you assess it?

As a regular attendee of this conference, I make it a point to participate every year. The recent edition was exceptionally successful, featuring a multitude of inspiring lectures and captivating ideas. On my behalf, I would like to highlight Professor Praus, Professor Martynková and Professor Plachá. These three individuals have made significant contributions to the calibre of research in this field at VSB-TUO. Additionally, I would like to mention Associate Professor Tokarský, who was once my doctoral student and continues to maintain the computer design of nanomaterials and the laboratory for computer modelling of nanostructures and simulation of technological process simulations. I had the pleasure of accompanying my current PhD students from Ústí to the conference in Ostrava, and they too thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Has science undergone any changes since your time in Ostrava?

Science is moving forward very quickly. We now have access to new materials that are more efficient and possess novel functionalities. The speed of scientific advancements has increased, and analytical technologies are continuously improving. However, it remains true that science is an adventure. Albert Einstein aptly captured this idea in his book "The Evolution of Physics." I would add to that that chemistry is also a great adventure. In fact, I would even dare to say it is an even greater one.

Text: Martina Šaradínová, PR specialist for R&D

Photo: Petr Havlíček