Focus

Research and development Activities

The group focuses on the detailed imaging and characterisation of nanomaterials, nanocomposites, functional surfaces, and nanoparticles with the aim of understanding the structure-property relationships between morphology, crystallographic structure, and chemical composition. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical and imaging instrumentation enabling correlative analysis across length scales. Advanced electron microscopy methods play a key role in combination with atomic force microscopy, providing a comprehensive view of structure, topography, and local physical characteristics. Structural analysis is further supported by X-ray powder diffraction, while advanced surface-sensitive techniques allow for the detailed study of the chemical composition and interfaces of thin films. Through the combination of complementary methods, the laboratory serves as a key facility for modern materials research and the development of functional materials.

Main techniques

• Correlative electron microscopy (SEM/STEM/EDS) – morphology, structure, and chemical composition of materials
• LOM (Light Optical Microscopy) – optical microscopy
• AFM correlated with SEM (CPEM) – topography and local physical characteristics across length scales
• X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) – phase and structural analysis
• X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRFS) – chemical analysis
• Surface-sensitive techniques – chemical composition, interfaces, and thin films (LayerProbe, AFM)

Research group leader

Ing. Gabriela Kratošová, Ph.D.

email: 

Focus

Research and development activites

The group’s work focuses on the incorporation of nanoparticles—such as metal oxides, graphene, or nanolayers—into polymer matrices, as well as the incorporation of functional nanofillers based on clay minerals, inorganic and organic agents, or their combinations, to prepare hybrid materials. Furthermore, we are dedicated to the preparation technologies of polymer thin films and layers, the study of structure-property relationships, and the optimisation of processing techniques such as solvent casting, electrospinning, or 3D printing. A significant area of our research also involves improving the thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties of polymers using nanofillers, and the development of biopolymer-based composites for sustainable and biodegradable applications.

Main techniques

Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (TG/DTA/DSC)

• Possibility of evolved gas analysis by coupling the STA unit to FTIR and/or MS spectrometers via heated capillaries.
• Study of the properties of a wide range of materials as a function of temperature.
• Gas-solid reactions, isothermal stability of materials in a given atmosphere, phase transitions, etc.

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

• Determination of melting temperatures, glass transitions, crystallisation, and degradation.
• Both solid and liquid samples can be tested over a wide temperature range.

Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

• variabilní spektrometrický systém vhodný pro nejširší škálu aplikací
• nedestruktivní technika umožňující primárně kvalitativní analýzu
• stanovení organických funkčních skupin (polymery, léčiva, pigmenty, obecné organické látky), ale také pro stanovení některých anorganických látek (dusičnany, uhličitany, sírany, silikáty atd.)

Research group leader

Ing. Sylva Holešová, Ph.D.

email:

Focus

Utilisation of advanced computational methods for the design, analysis, and optimisation of materials and technological processes based on experimental data.

Research and development activities

The Computational Modeling and Materials Simulation Group focuses on the utilisation of advanced computational methods for the design, analysis, and optimisation of materials and technological processes, always in close correlation with experimental data and measured material, structural, and process parameters. Computational models serve not only to predict material behaviour but also to interpret experimental results and support the targeted design of new solutions. A key activity is molecular modelling and material design, including the study of material properties, their mutual interactions, and behaviour under defined conditions. Furthermore, the group is dedicated to modelling structural and surface properties, such as porosity, defects, surface morphology, surface energy, reactivity, adsorption sites, and material interfaces. Another area of research involves simulating processes in battery systems and battery recycling, including ion transport, material degradation, separation processes, and the recovery of valuable raw materials. The group’s activities also encompass simulations of sorption and filtration processes, which support the development of efficient materials and technologies for purification, separation, and environmental applications.

Main techniques

BIOVIA Materials a Discovery Studio - Software for molecular and atomistic materials modelling. It enables the design and analysis of crystalline, amorphous, polymeric, and porous structures, the calculation of surface and bulk properties, the study of adsorption, diffusion, and molecular interactions, and the optimisation of material composition.

Ansys - A tool for multi-scale engineering simulations of physical processes. It enables the modelling of fluid flow, heat transfer, mechanical stress, and electrochemical and transport phenomena. It is suitable for simulations of battery systems, filtration, sorption, separation, and device-level technological processes.

MATLAB - An environment for numerical computing, experimental data processing, mathematical model development, and optimisation. It enables the evaluation of measured parameters, model calibration, statistical analysis, system behaviour prediction, and the integration of experimental data with simulation tools.

Research group leader

prof. Ing. Gražyna Simha Martynková, Ph.D.

email: