Principal Investigator: Prof. RNDr. Michal Otyepka, Ph.D.
Funding: 12,6 million EUR
Implementation period: 01/2018 – 12/2022
Nano4Future project is focused on the development of nanotechnologies with a crucial impact—‘high risk-high gain’—in the areas of improving the quality of the environment, human health, renewable energy resources. It will also involve the development of novel superfunctional materials with unique magnetic, optical, and catalytic properties or the use of waste materials for the production of nanomaterials. The key breakthrough topics include the development of organic magnets, nanolayers for advanced optical applications, 3D hybrid systems and metal-free nanomaterials for energy and sensoric applications (fuel cells, processes connected with production and storage of hydrogen), nanotechnologies for detection and regulation of processes at the level of a single cell or exploitation of waste materials and natural sources for production of nanomaterials with potential applications in medical diagnostics and treatment. Owing to the grant, we will be able to buy new infrastructure including a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with a high resolution and a focused ion beam (SEM-FIB), which will enable detailed examination of the inner structure of nanomaterials. RCPTM already has one of the most efficient transmission electron microscopies enabling precise chemical mapping or scanning via a tunneling microscope operating in ultra-high vacuum, which even allows looking at the structure and electronic properties of molecules. RCPTM has the potential to become the leading microscopy centre in Europe. Experts from the Czech Republic but also from USA, Hong Kong, or Italy will manage the research programmes. 12 world-renowned scientists mainly from abroad are expected to participate in the project activities. The grant should also enhance mobilities and foreign collaboration a great deal. Excellent research teams from countries such as Japan, USA, China, Norway, Israel, South Korea, and Germany have promised to take part in the research activities. The project will strengthen the position of RCPTM in the existing scientific collaborations, such as in the European laboratory for particle physics CERN or the Pierre Auger observatory in Argentina.
