Research

The field of electrocatalysis comprises research work on the development of catalysts for use in low-temperature fuel couplings and water electrolysers, especially for the synthesis and characterization of stable catalysts for oxidation reactions of small organic molecules (methanol, ethanol and formic acid) as well as for reduction and oxygen removal reactions. Research into catalysts based on noble and transition metals and oxides is carried out from two perspectives: The first deals with thin films of catalytic materials as model systems for real catalysts, while the second focuses on the synthesis of nanocatalysts on carbon, polymers and composites with developed surfaces. The aim of the research is to obtain catalysts with better properties (activity, stability, lower amount of noble metal) than the commercial catalysts currently available.

This group includes research into the process of electrochemical deposition and dissolution of metals and alloys from aqueous electrolytes, melts and ionic liquids. It is concerned with the development of new processes for the electrochemical deposition of technologically important metals (copper, silver, tin, etc.) from aqueous electrolytes in order to improve their morphological, structural and mechanical properties. Processes are developed that make it possible to obtain metals and alloys in various forms, ranging from compact to advanced powder forms. The area also includes the development of new processes for the electrochemical deposition of non-ferrous metals, rare earths and their alloys, enabling more successful recycling of these metals and alloys from end-of-life products. The process of selective electrochemical deposition/dissolution of aluminum, magnesium, niobium, neodymium, praseodymium, lithium, etc. and alloys from inorganic low-temperature melts and corresponding ionic liquids is being investigated. It is also being investigated how nanomultifunctional coatings on titanium with biocompatible, osteoconductive, antimicrobial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties can be achieved by electrochemical deposition processes.

This area comprises the synthesis, physico-chemical and electrochemical characterization of composite particles with different core-shell structures, which are intended to serve as electrocatalysts in devices for generating alternative energy sources. The aim is to obtain composite particles by controlled core synthesis, the subsequent synthesis of core-shell particles and the testing of electrodes obtained from these particles in a fuel cell. Various methods are used to synthesize materials with an ordered structure, including electrochemical deposition, sol-gel method, ultrasonic spray pyrolysis, hydrothermal oxidation and ion exchange.

Research in this area includes basic and applied testing of various types of corrosion of construction materials using electrochemical and non-electrochemical methods. For this purpose, metallic, non-metallic inorganic and organic coatings, corrosion inhibitors and anodes for cathodic protection are tested. In addition, the protective effect of environmentally compatible corrosion inhibitors based on a combination of lanthanides (primarily cerium) and organic inhibitors is tested on commercially available aluminum alloys and steels. The mechanism of their effect on the protection of these materials is being investigated using modern electrochemical methods and techniques for morphological and structural characterization. The mechanism of action of the inhibitors with metal is additionally characterized by DFT simulation methods (density functional theory) on the basis of thermodynamic parameters (energy of the HOMO-LUMO orbitals, Fukui functions of the atoms).

The Department's activities include also other topics within the field of materials science and environmental engineering. In the field of materials science, research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of new composites, metals, refractories, ceramics, and construction materials with improved properties to meet the requirements of modern industrial concepts and sustainable development. Particular emphasis is given to experimental and computational studies related to the behavior and response of materials under extreme conditions, such as intense laser irradiation, high-temperature environments, thermal shock, cavitation, corrosion, and aggressive chemical exposures. In the field of environmental engineering, the Department explores technological processes to obtain useful and eco-friendly materials and products using underutilized natural resources or technogenic materials. Researches in this field involve the synthesis and characterization of functional polymers and polymer nanocomposites to develop new technologies for producing biodegradable materials for applications such as food packaging, drug carriers, etc.