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

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

HORIZON RISEnergy (101131793) Research Infrastructure Services for Renewable Energy 2024-2028

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