Advanced Materials Synthesis Research Group
Research topics
The Materials Science & Engineering Center conducts cutting-edge research and provides specialized measurement services focused on the fabrication, design, modification, and characterization of functional materials with potential industrial and technological applications.
The development of materials with well-defined and controlled properties requires close collaboration within multidisciplinary research teams, combining expertise in chemistry, physics, and engineering. Our main research areas include the study of composite materials and coatings—such as self-cleaning, anti-graffiti, and anti-icing coatings—as well as the synthesis of luminescent, thermochromic, thermoelectric, and mechanical systems. We also design and synthesize antibacterial, electronic, and sensor systems, and explore new deep-UV emitters based on group-III nitrides (AlGaInN). In addition, we develop advanced macromolecular structures with tailored sequences and functionalities that extend beyond the traditional applications of polymers.
Our projects combine applied and fundamental research, bridging scientific discovery with technological innovation. The Center’s research groups and laboratories form a multidisciplinary and synergistic community of scientists dedicated to advancing modern materials technologies.
Organic Dyes
They exhibit specific optical properties (e.g., defined spectral regions of absorption and emission) and physicochemical characteristics (e.g., thermal stability), which can be achieved both through the modification of known molecular structures and the synthesis of new chemical compounds.
Additionally, the group possesses expertise in materials demonstrating long-lasting luminescent effects (so-called “glow-in-the-dark” materials), whose mechanism is based on the release of previously stored energy from UV or visible light irradiation after the light source has been turned off. The research interests also include biologically active organic compounds showing anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties.
Thermochromic Materials
These are materials that reversibly or irreversibly change color upon exceeding a certain temperature threshold. The color change may result from polymerization reactions of reactive monomers, the formation of a leuco dye complex—either induced or formed by combining an organic ligand with a transition metal ion.
Materials exhibiting reversible color change can be used as thermometers, providing visual information about the current temperature. In contrast, materials showing irreversible color change can serve as single-use indicators, signaling excessive cooling or overheating.
Liquid Crystal Systems Doped with Chiral Organic Salts
These systems involve the movement of chiral dopant ions within the liquid crystal cell under the influence of an electric field. The aim is to create a concentration gradient of these ions along the cell thickness, resulting in the broadening of the selective light reflection band.
This effect can be applied in electrically switchable mirrors and display systems. It has been shown that in chiral liquid crystal systems composed of acid–base pairs, hydrogen or ionic hydrogen bonds are formed, depending on the pKa difference between the acid and the base.
Fabrication and Characterization of Layers with a Controlled Refractive Index
This research focuses on materials synthesized through sol-gel processes or polymer-based materials. The goal is to optimize layer fabrication to achieve the desired refractive index and thickness, enabling their use in integrated optical systems, such as waveguide layers. These layers can also serve as matrices for luminescent organic dyes.
Methods for Fabricating Periodic Micro- and Nanostructures
This research focuses particularly on materials synthesized using sol-gel processes and polymer-based methods. The goal is to optimize the fabrication of layers with a controlled refractive index and thickness, which enables their use in integrated optical systems, such as waveguide structures. These layers can also serve as matrices for luminescent organic dyes.
Anti-Counterfeiting Materials
We develop materials based on photoniccrystals, including synthetic opals and modified structures with unique optical and visual properties. These materials can be incorporated into printing inks, paints, and fibers.
Our research focuses particularly on materials with special optical characteristics, such as opalescence, angle-dependent color emission, selective color reflection, and retroreflection.
The studies also include methods for applying visual anti-counterfeiting elements to various substrates in order to create patterns or shapes with specific designs. A high level of protection can be achieved, for example, in security documents, high-value products, jewelry, and brand protection, as well as in pharmaceutical, automotive, electronic, and medical industries.
The characteristic visual properties of the produced opal-containing layers can also be applied in decorative elements and coatings.