Task 1. Materials and nanomaterials for photonics, microelectronics, nanoelectronics, and sensors:

Task 1.1. Nanomaterials for photonic and biomedical applications
Task 1.2. Nanomaterials for optoelectronic and sensory applications
Task 1.3. Nanohybrid materials for photonics
Task 1.4. Application of materials in the nanometric scale in the process of producing functional coatings
Task 1.5. Nanoscale separations of phases and electromagnetic couplings in multifunctional materials
Task 1.6. Application of composite layers based on selenium and sulfur compounds doped with lanthanide ions as concurrent UV blockers and luminescent concentrators in photovoltaic cells

Task 2. Photonic crystal fiber structures for application in metrology and telecommunication:

Task 2.1. Lasers and optical amplifiers
Task 2.2. Microstructural polymer optical fibers
Task 2.3. Fiber optic amplifiers and lasers with the working wavelength of 2µm
Task 2.4. Fiber optic amplifiers for optical signals

Task 3. Functional polymer materials

Task 4. Nanocomposites and SMART materials

Task 4. Nanocomposites and SMART materials
Task 4.2. Preparation of ecological polyurethane foams
Task 4.3. Production and testing of textile products
Task 5. Rare earth elements and their compounds as output materials for application in electronics, photonics and sensorics:

Task 5.1. Electromagnetic radiation detectors and converters for the digital medical diagnostics and protection systems for documents and banknotes
Task 5.2. Water absorbing intermetallic alloys and permanent magnets based on lanthanides – development of nanocomposite hard magnetic materials based on locally available raw materials
Task 5.3 Evaluation of the potential for obtaining rare earth elements from domestic anthropogenic sources
Task 5.4. Geochemical and mineralogical examination of samples with allowance for the specificity of slate rocks and materials that contain critical metals
Task 5.6. Scintillators with reduced contents of critical elements – rare earth elements

Task 6. Materials and technologies for advanced energy storage and conversion systems

Task 7. Application of electric, spectroscopic, and optical methods in biodetection and bioimaging

Task 7.2 BioSens – Biosystems for detecting microbiological hazards

Task 7.1. NAOMIS – developing modern methods for biodetection and bioimaging of cells with the aid of nanomeasure luminescent markers
Task 7.2. BioSens – Biosystems for detecting microbiological hazards

Task 8. Laser microprocessing technologies and their application:

Task 8.1. Laser microprocessing technologies and their application
Task 8.2. Development of non-toxic technologies for producing protective coatings for the protection of metal and color-marked surfaces

Task 9. Nanomaterials produced by the sol-gel method for medical and sensory applications:

Task 9.1. Nanomaterials produced by the sol-gel method for medical and sensory applications
Task 9.2. Technologies for the hybrid glass synthetized by the sol-gel method
Task 9.3. Thermoinsulating composite nanomaterials produced by the sol-gel method for ensuring the electromagnetic compatibility of electric and electronic devices

Task 11 Polymer and ceramic nanocomposites for electrotechnical applications:

Task 11.1. Polymer and ceramic nanocomposites for electrotechnical applications
Task 11.2. Development of new polymer, ceramic and composite materials (including nanocomposite ones) and their application in selected electrotechnical solutions (varistors, overvoltage limiters)
Task 11.3. Development of a modified technology for the production of epoxide nanocomposites with the aid of specialist technological and research devices
Task 11.4. Development of the mass production technology for ZnO-based varistors with reduced contents of harmful additives

Task 12. Functional Materials for use in printed electronics and solar cells

Task 12.1 modern thin-film solar cells of the third generation prepared based on organic and inorganic nanomaterials
Task 12.2. Development of technology of obtaining flexible anti-reflective coatings using digital ink-jet printing

Task 13. Design and construction of a complete device for measuring changes in the output operation with the Anderson method

Task 14. Preparation of three-dimensional nano- and microstructures using a focused ion beam – Fresnel lens for fluorescence microscopy on a chip

In addition, the project assumes realization of two NanoMat tasks related to the preparation and management of the project:

Task 0. Preparation of the project

Task 10. Project management and its promotion

INFRARED FIBRE OPTIC LASER WITH OPTICAL POWER OF 5W

The laser operates in a MOPA configuration, with a high repetition rate pulse. As a source a coherent broadband or pulse radiation can be used. However, the output radiation is the standard single-mode fibre SMF-28. Output power is fully adjustable. The product can be used in industries such as telecommunications, precision surveying the military and defence.

COLOURFUL LASER MARKING OF METALS

The solution enables obtaining of reproducible colours on marked surfaces. The resulting colour is independent of the size or the distance of the marked surface. Marking, according to the invention can be performed on curved surfaces.

FIBER AMPLIFIER WITH NOISE SUPPRESSION

The solution to increase optical efficiency (by over 25%) of laser systems as compared to conventional Er-Yb amplifiers. It extends the service life of active fibres, reducing the likelihood of photodegradation. The solution is made entirely in the “all-in-fibre” technique. The amplifier, according to the invention, can be used with pulsed or continuous input signal.

SAFECORE – THE LUMINESCENT MULTI-LAYER MATERIAL

New material intended for thermowells and protection systems, which can be excited by cheap and readily available source of excitation (UV, infrared laser). It is possible to obtain emissions of different colours under the influence of a single wavelength and depending on the temperature. The material is stable under strong alternating magnetic field.

OPTICAL AND X-RAY MEMORY

Winner of the silver medal at the innovation fair Brussels Innova 2012

Luminescent material for use in the detection of ionizing radiation. It is characterized by high stability and repeatability of the process of gathering information and storage. The recorded information can be stored for a long period of time without loss. Its reading is possible after thermal or optical excitation. The material is stable with respect to environmental factors.

ANODE MATERIAL WITH HIGH-CAPACITY

New composite anode material having much higher electrical capacity than graphite. The average loss of capacity during the operation is not more than 0.4% per cycle. The anode made of a material is compatible with a standard cathode (e.g. LiCoO2 or LiNiMnO2). The material can be produced using existing and globally available technology. The material is environmentally friendly, contains no heavy metals and toxic substances.

NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIAL OF SUPERCAPACITOR

The composite material of the electrochemical capacitor based on nanofibres and a method for preparing carbon nanofibres. Controlled synthesis enables to increase the capacitance by more than four times, in comparison to composites with carbon black. A capacitor made from the new material can work in aqueous electrolytes.

THE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY OF POLYMER OPTICAL FIBERS

The invention relates to a technology for producing microstructured polymer optical fibers, which are characterized by high flexibility and significantly higher levels of strain than the silica fiber. They can be doped with various types of compounds depending on their uses. The manufacturing technology also includes a method of polishing the preforms, thereby reducing the loss of signal in the fiber. In optical fibers produced in our technology it is possible to record Bragg gratings and long-term grids for metrological applications. Fiber optics can be used in optical fiber sensors, medical diagnostics, optoelectronic measuring instrumentation, telecommunications network.

A process for preparing polymer composites containing the modified carbon nanotubes, the composite comprising a polymer-modified carbon nanotubes and its aplication

The object of invention relates to polymer composites containing the modified carbon nanotubes, the composite comprising a polymer-modified carbon nanotubes and its application used in the production of flexible heating mats.

The invention allows the manufacture of low-voltage heating mats resistant to mechanical and chemical damage, safe for the user. The resulting composite is very flexible and it is possible to roll it in the range from 0° to 360° and cut it freely, which makes it attractive in applications in floor heating, heating of car seats, operating tables, and clothing.

THE NEW LAYERED SILICATES ORGANOPHILIZED WITH AMIDONIC SALTS OR PROTONATED WITH AMIDOAMINES.

The object of invention relates to the new layered aluminosilicates organophilized with amidoaminic salts or protonated with amidoamines and a method for their preparation. The invention is used in industrial chemistry.

The new layered silicates do not constitute a toxic waste. They are characterized by high thermal stability. They have good biodegradability.

MICROPOROUS MATERIAL AND ITS PREPARATION METHOD

The object of invention is a microporous material and its method of preparation. The invention is applicable in many fields of technology, where materials with a very well developed free inner surface are used. The material, according to the invention, demonstrates morphological structure not yet described in the known publications. The inner core layer of fibers comprises of free spindle spaces with the size comparable to micrometer. These spaces are connected together in a continuous way with nano-channels. The outer layer of the fiber has the smooth form, without micropores, while ensuring the contact of micropores with the environment by the presence of the nano-channels. The fibers were obtained in an innovative way resulting in a very strong development of the free inner surface. Modification of the fibers causes a 25x increase in hydrophilicity, sorption properties in relation, for example, to metal ions of two or more valencies.

Properties of fibers obtained from their unique micro- and nano-porous structure enable them to be used in all types of filters in the household, as absorbents of metals in home water filters, heat insulating material in the disposable articles, etc. The fibers can be used in health care, especially of forestry workers and staff working in the field towards repellent securing of their clothing against ticks. It is possible to weld the fibres obtained in order to obtain electroconductive properties. The invention also allows to produce breathable films, providing directional transport of moisture.

A METHOD FOR PREPARING A MNO2/CARBON NANOFIBERS COMPOSITE FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE OXIDE ELECTRODES AND ASYMMETRIC ELECTROCHEMICAL CAPACITOR BUILT BASED THEREON.

The object of the invention is the method for preparing a MnO2/carbon nanofibers composite for the preparation of the oxide electrodes and asymmetric electrochemical capacitor built based thereon. The invention is applicable in the design of electrochemical capacitors.

An advantage of the composite, according to the present invention, is to improve the operating parameters of the electrochemical capacitor operating in a neutral electrolyte. The solution allows to work with a broader potential window (2.3 V) and to increase the capacitance, its power and energy while maintaining stability during cycling operation. The theoretical capacity of the MnO2 is very high (1370 F/g) and is associated with the use of loads originating from the chemical reaction of change and the degree of oxidation of manganese (pseudo-capacitance), but the disadvantage is a high electrical resistance. The solution to this problem was to design the composite, according to the invention, consisting of MnO 2 and carbon material having high electrical conductivity. This combination ensures high capacity and good conductivity of the material at relatively low costs.

The solution relates to a MnO2/carbon nanofibers composite having the characteristics of a pseudo-capacitance, which can be used as a positive electrode material in an asymmetric electrochemical capacitor operating in an aqueous medium. The key characteristic distinguishing discussed sollusion from the prior ones is the creation of a composite material using oxidized nanofibers. The distinguishing feature of the discussed invention is the use of carbon fiber with modified surface. Surface modification is very important for several reasons:

– Oxidized carbon nanofibers exhibit improved characteristics of the capacitance as compared to non-oxidized ones due to the pseudo-capacitance effect associated with the redox reactions of oxygenated groups.

– oxidation of nanofibers causes the change in the nature of the material from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, which facilitates the unraveling in aqueous solution;

– oxidation of the fibers leads to improved adhesion of the MnO2particles to the surface of carbon nanofibers, which allows better distribution of the manganese oxide in electrode material;

A METHOD OF HIGH RESOLUTION FLUORESCENCE IMAGING AND THE USE NANOLUMINOPHORES DOPED WITH LANTHANIDE IONS FOR HIGH RESOLUTION FLUORESCENCE IMAGING

The object of invention relates to a new high resolution fluorescence imaging and the use nanoluminophores doped with lanthanide ions for high resolution fluorescence STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion) imaging.

The most important innovation of present invention is to use the appropriate and not yet used combination of beams of light excting the fluorescent markers and the use of unique luminescent markers. These markers are in the form of nanoluminophores doped with rare earth ions, which absorb radiation from near-infrared range and have long lifetimes of excited levels, eliminating undesirable autofluorescence of the studied biological objects. Due to well-known and developed technology of lasers on solid-state object and semiconductor lasers and detectors in the field of visible and NIR radiation, it is possible to significantly simplify the measuring system and to use relatively cheap components. Using for excitation a 808 or 980nm near-infrared it is possible to image thick biological samples by a much smaller NIR light scattering which improves the signal to noise ratio, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the method. The fluorescent markers have a long lifetime, in the range of 10e-6 – 10e-3s, so it is possible to use the much simpler and cheaper semiconductor sources of continuous light (rather than extremely complex and tunable femtosecond pulsed lasers). These markers are further characterized by the absence of photobleaching, which allows for long-term observation, including study of the kinetics of biological processes. Moreover, the gap wavelength (i.e. Stokes shift) between exciting laser beam, quenching laser beam and the emission of light from the luminescent markers is more than 30nm, which can significantly simplify the detection system to the imaging system and increase its sensitivity.

A PROCESS FOR PREPARING THE MODIFIED OXIDE VARISTORS

The object of invention relates to creation of oxide varistors for protecting against overvoltage or an overload of electronic systems and power plants. According to the invention, the method assumes bismuth oxide to be replaced by lanthanide-barium-Bismuth oxide with reduced antimony and bismuth oxide. Such doping allows multiple reduction of the amount of heavy metals additives harmful to the environment. These additives also sublime during sintering destroying furnace lining and poisoning the atmosphere. The present invention increases the service life of furnaces for varistor making and a reduction of added components. The invention improves the performance characteristics of the varistor, the addition of a lanthanide oxide increases varistor’s energy consumption. An advantage of the invention is to accelerate the sintering process, which entails saving of electricity. The invention will also improve the microstructure of the varistor. Due to homogenization of microstructure, electrically inactive areas are being eliminated. Furthermore, this method of doping allows to skip additional stabilization heat improving the energy properties of the varistor which is reflected in an increase in energy consumption of up to 100 J/cm 3

SUPERLUMINESCENT DIODE BASED ON ALINGAN

The object of invention is a superluminescent diode based on AlInGaN applicable in optoelectronics, photonics and fiber systems, and in particular as a source of 5 visible radiation.

The resulting spectrum has a higher spectral width and a smaller depth of spectrum modulation. It is also possible to apply 10 additional dielectric layers with a high coefficient of reflection (Bragg reflector). By increasing the reflectance of the rear window of the output waveguide what is achieved is reduction of the power emitted from the window, and at the same time increase of the power emitted from the front window.

CASCADED CONVERTER OF IONIZING RADIATION AND IMAGING DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE IN REAL TIME

The invention relates to a cascade converter of ionizing radiation and imaging diagnostic device applicable to medical diagnostic devices and X-ray scanners for airport baggage control.

Cascade converter of ionizing radiation, according to the invention, and apparatus for diagnostic imaging using a cascade converter of ionizing radiation characterized by a simple structure, limiting the number of used components. Inventions enable imaging in real time and reading the result with the naked eye in transmission and reflectance mode. They are transparent to visible light, and through the use of indirect conversion, the thickness of the layers of first and second degree conversion was reduced. It favourably influences the sensitivity of detection of ionizing radiation and reduces the amount of ionizing radiation energy required for effective imaging, helping to reduce the negative impact of said radiation at the patient.

THE METHOD OF TREATMENT OF PHOSPHOGYPSUM WASTE

The present invention relates to a process for treatment of phosphogypsum waste, in particular waste defaulting on landfill, applicable as raw material for cement production.

The invention allows to reduce the content of soluble phosphate and humidity of conditioned phosphogypsum to the level required by the cement producers. Moreover, it also requires the use of energy intensive technological machines and restricts the use of relatively expensive limestone powder, which in turn results in lower costs of producing of full value final product while reducing environmental pollution.

Contact person:

Krystian Żygadło – specialist . Evaluation of research projects
Tel:+48 71 734 71 10
e-mail:krystian.zygadlo@eitplus.pl

1.1 Nanomaterials for photonic and biomedical applications.
1.2 Nanomaterials for optoelectronic and sensory applications.
1.3 Nano-hybrid materials for photonics.
1.5 Nanoscale phase separation and electromagnetic coupling in multifunctional materials.
2.1 Lasers and fiber amplifiers.
2.2 Polymer microstructure optical fibers.
2.3 Amplifiers and fiber lasers operating in the wavelength range of 2 µm
3.1 Functional polymer materials.
4.1 Nanocomposites and SMART materials.
5.1 Detectors and electromagnetic radiation converters for digital medical diagnostic and security systems for documents and banknotes.
5.2 Intermetallic alloys absorbing hydrogen and permanent magnets based on lanthanides – the development of nanocomposite hard magnetic materials based on domestic raw materials.
6.1 Materials and technologies for advanced storage systems and energy conversion.
7.1 Development of modern methods of biosensing and bioimaging of cells using nano-sized luminescent markers.
7.2 Biosensors for detection of toxins and neurotoxins using in-vitro neuronal cultures on planar microelectrode arrays.
8.1 Technologies associated with laser micromachining and their applications.
8.2 Development of non-toxic technology of protective coatings to protect metal and colourfully marked surfaces.
9.1 Nanomaterials produced by sol-gel technology for medical and sensor applications.
9.2 Technologies of hybrid glasses synthesized by the sol-gel method.
11.1 Polymer and ceramic nanocomposites for electrotechnical applications.
12.1 Modern thin-film solar cells of the third generation prepared based on organic and inorganic nanomaterials.

61TH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF INNOVATION, RESEARCH AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES BRUSSELS INNOVA 2012

Colour marking of metals using the laser without colouring additives in the technological process, developed by a team led by professor Krzysztof Abramski of Wrocław University of Technology won a gold medal of Brussels Innova fair.

The luminescent material manufacturing technology developed by professor Eugeniusz Zych, Aneta Wiatrowska and Dagmara Kulesza (all from the University of Wrocław) won a silver medal of Brussels Innova Fair. This is a new material for use in the detection of ionizing radiation (including medical imaging), which is characterized by a high efficiency in absorbing x-rays.

EXPOCHEM 2013, KATOWICE

International trade fair for the chemical industry Expochem 2013 took place this year in February and March in Katowice. Fair jury awarded two projects submitted from the NanoMat project:

• the gold medal of Expochem 2013 Fair won the technology of obtaining pulverized composite material for the production of lithium-ion cells anodes and a method of producing the cell. This invention is very helpful in, for example, the telecommunications industry. Due to it, the batteries used in e.g. mobile phones or tablets can work longer without recharging. It was written by a team of researchers composed of: Dr inż. Krzysztof Kierzek, Prof. Jacek Machnikowski and Dr Francois Beguin.

• distinction was awarded to the innovative technology of obtaining the luminescent material, developed by prof. Eugeniusz Zych and Aneta Wiatrowska.

63TH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF INNOVATION, RESEARCH AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES BRUSSELS INNOVA 2014

Gold medal with honours was awarded to the invention entitled “Microstructured polymer optical fibers” developed in the framework of the task 2. 2 by the research team of Prof. Wacław Urbańczyk of the Wrocław University of Technology. Due to the developed polymer composition prepared optical fibers have excellent optical quality and the process of fiber production is easier. The manufacturing technology also includes a method of polishing the preforms, thereby reducing the loss of signal in the optical fiber. With the optical fiber produced by the developed technology it is possible to record Bragg gratings and long-term grids for metrological applications. Optical fibers may be used in fiber optic sensing, medical diagnostics, optoelectronic instrumentation and telecommunication networks.

The silver medal was awarded for the technology of producing electromagnetic insulating foam silicate developed as part of Task 9.3 under the direction of dr hab. inż. Dariusz Hreniak from the Institute of Low Temperatures and Structural Research PAN in Wrocław. The developed porous silica material is non-flammable, chemically and biologically resistant and allows shape-shifting application. This material, suitably doped, exhibits magnetic properties and provides effective shielding with much less amount of active material used, which results in considerable cost savings. The product is intended primarily for the construction industry, but it is possible to use it in every sector of the market where electromagnetic radiation damping and acoustic and thermal insulation properties are required.

The second silver medal was awarded to the manufacturing technology of microporous material intended for obtaining fibers and films, which was developed under the Task 4.1 by research team of prof. Jarosław Janicki of the Academy of Science and Humanities in Bielsko-Biała. The developed microporous material is characterized by ease of formation of fibers and films from any fiber- and film-forming polymer. It has a very highly developed free inner surface. Parameters such as: fiber diameter, porosity, the ratio of micropores to the nano-channels network, may be modified depending on the purpose. The use of suitable dopants allows to obtain materials with bioactive, barrier, conductive and repellent properties. It has a significant market potential in sectors such as construction or the clothing industry.