Research direction

Energy and Composite Materials

The design of energy storage devices at the Tomas Bata University (TBU) in Zlín, Czechia is carried out within the University Institute centres Centre for Technology Transfer and Centre of Polymer Systems. TBU has been actively developing energy storage devices in two main directions: supercapacitors and lithium-based batteries. However, we examine also other scientific questions with connection to preparation of magnetic nanoparticles and design of matrices for advanced bio composite systems, such as natural biocompatible and biodegradable polymers. Finally, we consider the clean energy transition going far beyond technology solutions and include life-cycle assessment and other socio-economic aspects into research.

Advanced batteries and supercapacitors technologies

Future of energy storage is represented of batteries and supercapacitors technologies. Thus, worldwide many efforts are perform to accomplish the transition toward decarbonisation and electrification.  Our research group at UTB is involved in development distinct direction which cope with advanced technologies related to electrochemical storage of energy:

Development of new generation of rechargeable batteries with improved electrochemical features and new chemistries, such as all-solid state batteries or hybrid technology;

Advanced symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitors or hybridized structures based on 2D and 3D nanostructure which enhance energy density and stabilize charge transfer;

Optimization and engineering of fabrication technologies for development of flexible structures in organic and aqueous electrolytes.

Magnetic Hyperthermia and Polymer Memristors

Research in this area focuses on the preparation of materials for various applications of conductive, dielectric and magnetic materials, from electromagnetic shielding, selectively reflective surfaces and selectively permeable plate materials, to the materials intended for the hyperthermic treatment of cancer, which have already been patented.

The material design is mainly focused on the preparation of magnetic nanoparticles, possibly also on the application or modification of magnetic and other fillers (particles and short fibres) from commercial sources into composite materials with a polymer matrix. In the field of synthesis, the group also successfully works with polyaniline and similar conductive polymers. The combination of a magnetic inorganic core and an electrically conductive polymer shell creates a core-shell particle with significantly improved properties. The ability to convert the absorbed energy of an alternating magnetic field into heat is used in cases which require a heat source in volume; in the most demanding application it is hyperthermia. The mentioned materials are also used to produce conductive composites for electromagnetic shielding. Selective reflectivity is then achieved by the preparation of so-called metamaterials, where, in addition to the material composition, the geometry of the individual components of the composite contributes to the function. Flat structures with material patterning are prepared by material printing methods.

Sino-EU Joint Laboratory of New Energy Materials and Devices

The current clean energy transition forms the basis of the ongoing transformation of the global energy sector from fossil sources to renewable energy sources. In this context, many scientific questions arise, including the types and forms of stakeholder participation, ownership issues, financial implications and other socio-economic aspects.

The requirements for future energy systems need to be examined in the context of key trends such as decarbonisation, decentralization and digitization. In addition, it is increasingly important to respond flexibly to innovations in the renewable energy sector, energy price volatility, and subsequently consider environmental, economic and social impact assessments of energy materials, technologies and equipment.

Energy and Medical Composite Systems

The subject of interest of this research group is the study and preparation of matrices for advanced biocomposite systems as well as active/functional components that can be incorporated into these matrices. The matrices are mainly polymer gels made of synthetic and natural biocompatible and biodegradable polymers. A special case is the use of bacterial cellulose from the team´s own production in bioreactors. These gels are used, for instance, as cover wounds in medicine, in pervaporation processes and are also applied (in cooperation with the group of Composites with electrical and magnetic properties) as an electrolyte in supercapacitors. Mineralized gels serve as templates in bone replacement surgery. The carbonate-based filler is prepared directly in the structure of the gel matrix by the biomimetic mineralization method. As functional agents, synthetic polypeptoids and peptoid nanoplates, which have significant biological activity, are used.

Socio-economic Aspects of Energy

The current clean energy transition forms the basis of the ongoing transformation of the global energy sector from fossil sources to renewable energy sources. In this context, many scientific questions arise, including the types and forms of stakeholder participation, ownership issues, financial implications and other socio-economic aspects.

The requirements for future energy systems need to be examined in the context of key trends such as decarbonisation, decentralization and digitization. In addition, it is increasingly important to respond flexibly to innovations in the renewable energy sector, energy price volatility, and subsequently consider environmental, economic and social impact assessments of energy materials, technologies and equipment.

 Collaborating Institutions

  • Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
  • East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
  • Polymer Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
  • Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
  • Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, AS CR, Prague
  • Riga Technical University, Riga, Latvia
  • Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
  • Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
  • Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Slovakia
  • Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Germany
  • Institute of Experimental Physics, , Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
  • Institute of Nuclear Sciences “VINCA” , Serbia
  • Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), acting for IPCMS and France - Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg (IPCMS), Francie

Head of the group: prof. Ing. Petr Sáha, CSc. dr.h.c.


Development of research direction

RP/CPS/2024-28/007 - Energy and Composite Materials and Technologies, 2024-2028
Principal Researcher: prof. Ing. Marián Lehocký, Ph.D.

The aim of the development project is sustainable excellence in research areas:

  • Development of electrical energy storage systems,
  • Methodological solutions for technology assessment - Unit TAU
  • Energy transformation at electrochemical surfaces,
  • Energy and material evaluation of biomaterials,
  • Development of memristors and magnetic hyperthermic systems.

Implemented projects

HORIZON Europe (SMHYLES) - Safe, sustainable and Modular HYbrid systems for Long-duration Energy storage and grid Services, 2024-2027

The NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme (SPS) - Smart Portable Nanosensors for on-site Biomedical and Environmental Analysis (TERRITORY)

LUAUS24032 - Polymeric neuronal synapses, 2024-2027

GA24-10384S - Polymer memristors with neurosynaptic properties 2024-2026

IGA/CPS/2024/005 - Evaluation and transformation of biowaste into clean energy and material for healthcase & energy storage application, 2024

8X23034 - Self-heating magnetic nanoconstructs for theranostic applications -2023-2025

SOLiD ID (101069505) - Sustainable manufacturing and optimized materials and interfaces for lithium metal batteries with digital quality control

TwinVECTOR (ID 101078935) - Twinning FOR DEVELOPMENT OF WORLD-CLASS NEXT GENERATION BATTERIES

Horizon 2020 StoRIES (Storage Research Infrastructure Eco-System)

H2020-LC-GD-2020 (101036910)  Building a low-carbon, climate resilient future: Research and innovation in support of the European Green Deal, 2021-2025

Visegrad Grant No. 22310096 Biodegradable metal development and surface functionalization V4 network, 2023-2024

TK05020019 Development of LiFePO4 rechargeable batteries for stationary applications" - 2023-2025

TK03030157 - "Next generation all-solid-state Li-ion batteries", 2020-2025

FW01010327 - "Advanced polymer and composite materials for additive manufacturing" (cooperation with SPA 2000 and SYNPO), 2020-2024

TH71020005 - "Bioactive injectable hydrogels for soft tissue regeneration after reconstructive maxillofacial surgeries" (cooperation with Riga Technical University, Marmara University and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology), 2020-2024

Completed projects

LTAUSA19066 - "A study of polymeric memristors based on methacrylate polymers with pendant carbazole moietiesi" (cooperation with Czech Academy of Sciences and Clemson University), 2020-2022

LTT20005 - "Cooperation with EASE on the development of a hybrid supercapacitor"2020-2022

8X20041 - "Design and preparation of multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles for cancer cells detection", 2020-2021

TP01010006 - "Commercialization at the Tomas Bata University in Zlín II", 2020-2022

  • subproject "Renewable bioplymer-based textile for upper shoe parti" (cooperation with University Institute of TBU), 2020-2021

CA15216 - "Biosynthesis of Bacterial Cellulose using Inexpensive Nutrient Medium And their Characterizations", 2016-2021

CA18236 - "Entrepreneurial Universities emerging perspectives enrich regional social innovation ecosystems" (cooperation with University Institute of TBU), 2019-2023

CZ.01.1.02/0.0/0.0/20_321/0024533 – Design potted LED lights with homogeneous radiating surface

TH71020006 - "Li-ion Battery-Supercapacitor Hybrid Device" (cooperation with Slovak Academy of Sciences and Sabanci University), 2020-2023

LH14273 - "Construction and electrochemical properties of supercapacitors for high efficiency energy storage systems", 2014-2016

LTACH17015 - "Fabrication and electrochemical properties of hierarchical polyaniline/bimetallic oxides flexible electrodes", 2017-2019

FOSTECT_S1_M2_EN - "Developing of counter electrode based on carbon materials applied for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells", 2019-2020  

Research outcomes

Nickel nanoparticle-decorated reduced graphene oxide via one-step microwave-assisted synthesis and its lightweight and flexible composite with Polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene polymer for electromagnetic wave shielding application

CITATION DATA: Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials, VOL: 6, ISS: 3, https://doi.org/10.1007/s42114-023-00692-7, PUBLICATION YEAR: 2023

Polymer-based electrochemical sensor: Fast, accurate, and simple insulin diagnostics tool

CITATION DATA: Electrocatalysis, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12678-023-00827-w, PUBLICATION YEAR: 2023

Graphene oxide produced from spent coffee grounds in electrospun cellulose acetate scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

CITATION DATA: Materials Today Communications, VOL: 35, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2023.105974, PUBLICATION YEAR: 2023

Coating of leather with dye-containing antibacterial and conducting polypyrrole

CITATION DATA: Coatings, VOL: 13, ISS: 3, https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13030608, PUBLICATION YEAR: 2023

Boosting photocatalytic degradation of estrone hormone by silica-supported g-C3N4/WO3 using response surface methodology coupled with Box-Behnken design

CITATION DATA: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, VOL: 441, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2023.114733, PUBLICATION YEAR: 2023

Silane-modified kombucha-derived cellulose/polyurethane/polylactic acid biocomposites for prospective application as leather alternative

CITATION DATA: Sustainable Materials and Technologies, VOL: 36, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susmat.2023.e00611, PUBLICATION YEAR: 2023

Engineering of inhalable nano-in-microparticles for co-delivery of small molecules and miRNAs

CITATION DATA: Nanoscale Research Letters, VOL: 18, ISS: 1, https://doi.org/10.1186/s11671-023-03781-0, PUBLICATION YEAR: 2023

Whey protein isolate-chitosan PolyElectrolyte Nanoparticles as a drug delivery system

CITATION DATA: Molecules, VOL: 28, ISS: 4, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041724, PUBLICATION YEAR: 2023

Flexible, ultrathin and light films from one-dimensional nanostructures of polypyrrole and cellulose nanofibers for high performance electromagnetic interference shielding

CITATION DATA: Carbohydrate Polymers, VOL: 309, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.120662, PUBLICATION YEAR: 2023

Enhanced specific capacity and cycling stability of flexible nanocellulose-based pseudocapacitive electrodes by controlled nanostructuring of polyaniline

CITATION DATA: Electrochimica Acta, VOL: 441, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2023.141830, PUBLICATION YEAR: 2023

Controlled release of vitamin U from microencapsulated brassica oleracea l. var. capitata extract for peptic ulcer treatment

CITATION DATA: Food and Bioprocess Technology, VOL: 16, ISS: 3, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-022-02965-3, PUBLICATION YEAR: 2023

Atomic Fe on hierarchically ordered porous carbon towards high-performance Lithium-sulfur batteries

CITATION DATA: Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, VOL: 928, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2022.117046, PUBLICATION YEAR: 2023

Contacts

Head of the group: prof. Ing. Petr Sáha, CSc., dr. h. c. 

+420 57 603 8040 406/U11
+420 57 603 1709 A409/U17

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Project manager: Ing. Viera Pechancová, Ph.D.

+420 57 603 8044 A507
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research

Scientific team

Ph.D. students

  • prof. Ing. Marián Lehocký, Ph.D.

  • +420 57 603 1215 215/U1

  • +420 57 603 8035 A319/U17

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  • A319/U17

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  • prof. Ing. Jarmila Vilčáková, Ph.D.
  • +420 57 603 8113
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  • doc. RNDr. Renáta Oriňaková, DrSc.
  • +420 57 603 8142
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  • doc. Nabanita Saha, M.Sc. Ph.D.
  • +420 57 603 8156
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  • Professor Extraordinary, MSc. Natalia Kazantseva, CSc.
  • +420 57 603 8114
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  • Adam Aberra Challa, MSc.
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  • Ahmad Reshad Delawary
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  • Mainak Chaudhuri
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  • Poulami Chatterjee
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  • Dr. Ing. Constantin Bubulinca
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  • Eva de Melo Ferreira. Ph.D. 

  • +420 57 603 1761

  • A507/U17

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  • Ing. Anita Eckstein, PhD.

  • +420 57 603 8142

  • A416/U17

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  • Haojie Fei, MSc. Ph.D.
  • +420 57 603 1738
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  • Thaiskang Jamatia, Ph.D.
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  • Nikhitha Joseph, Ph.D.
  • +420 57 603 1762
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  • Ing. Marek Jurča, Ph.D.
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  • Ing. Roman Kimmel, Ph.D.

  • +420 57 603 1107

  • A410/U15

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  • Ing. Jiří Matyáš, Ph.D.

  • +420 57 603 1350

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  • Ing. Robert Olejník, Ph.D.

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  • Kadir Özaltin, M.Sc., Ph.D.
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  • Debashri Paul, Ph.D.
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  • Ing. Tomáš Sáha, Ph.D.
  • +420 57 603 8157
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  • Nibedita Saha, Ph.D. MBA
  • +420 57 603 8151
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  • Ilona Smolková, M.Sc. Ph.D.

  • +420 57 603 1721
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  • RNDr. Jaroslav Stejskal, CSc.
  • +420 57 603 1731
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  • Ing. Kateřina Štěpánková, Ph.D.

  • +420 57 603 1721

  • A207/U17

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  • Elif Vargün, Ph.D.
  • +420 57 603 8117
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  • Ing. Oyunchimeg Zandraa, Ph.D.
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