Department of Inorganic Chemistry

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Zdeněk Sofer, Ph.D.

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The thesis is focused on the covalent and non-covalent interactions of layered pnictogens in order to improve their long-term stability. Mono- and multi-layer materials will be prepared by optimized mechanical exfoliation processes. For non-covalent interactions, substituted delocalized organic systems will be tested and their effect on material transport properties will be studied. The covalent functionalization will be performed using radical reactions. Finally, preparation of functional microelectronic devices based on FET transistors and photodetectors will be studied and optimized.

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Zdeněk Sofer, Ph.D.

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Topic is focus on development o novel inorganic analogues of graphene, study of their reactivity and possibilities of derivatisation. Synthetic methods will focus on development of Zintl phase exfoliation procedures. Materials will be studied for future applications in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis as well as energy storage applications.

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Zdeněk Sofer, Ph.D.

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This thesis is focused on the preparation of layered MAX phases with general composition M1+yAXy, where M is transition metal, A is metal or semi-metal from the group of p-elements (Al, Si, Ge) and X is carbon or nitrogen. MAX phases have a unique layered structure which can be chemically exfoliated to monolayers of MXens with general composition M1+yXy. Their surface can be stabilized by various functional groups. Student will work on the development of new methods for synthesis of MAX phases (SPS methods, high-temperature ceramic synthesis) and the processes of chemical exfoliation and surface functionalization. The prepared materials will be tested for applications in energetic (hydrogen evolution, Li and Na batteries, and membranes for hydrogen separation or supercapacitors). The influence of composition and structure on their properties will be studied as well.

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Ondřej Jankovský, Ph.D.

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This thesis addresses significant climate challenges by investigating the potential of plasma gasification as a sustainable energy solution, particularly for the conversion of challenging waste materials into syngas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide) and high-value carbon composite materials. The research aligns with the Paris Agreement’s goals by exploring methods to reduce carbon emissions through renewable energy systems and waste-to-energy technologies. Central to this study is the use of plasma technologies, especially DC steam plasma torches, which can generate a negative carbon footprint by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and producing carbon credits. Through advanced experimental diagnostics, this research will provide valuable insights into plasma-assisted waste conversion, helping to establish optimal conditions for efficient waste-to-energy processes. The outcomes of this work will contribute to the development of scalable plasma gasification technologies, providing a foundation for future commercialization in the waste management and sustainable energy sectors.

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Tomáš Hartman, Ph.D.

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In this work, 2D materials are prepared and studied in energy storage devices. The work consists of inorganic synthesis of 2D materials, their characterization and utilization as active materials in energy storage devices such as ion-batteries, including their electrochemical characterization.

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Zdeněk Sofer, Ph.D.

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This thesis is focused on the use of 2D nanomaterials based on layered chalcogenides and their composites for photo-electrochemical water splitting. Student will work on tailoring of their properties by doping, surface functionalization and composition optimization in order to reduce overpotential for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and optimize the response of materials to different wavelengths of light in the visible and ultraviolet region.

Institute of Inorganic Chemistry of the CAS

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry Institute of Inorganic Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Mgr. Jan Hynek, Ph.D.

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The constantly increasing world consumption of energy and the connected environmental problems require the development of new ecological energy sources, which includes a wider utilization of fuel cells and batteries. Proton-exchange membranes are an important part of the devices that separates the space of electrode half-cell reactions. Up to now, proton-exchange membranes are made of mainly conductive polymers which have several drawbacks; high manufacturing price, permeability for some fuels or amorphous character, which does not allow deeper understanding of the transport mechanism. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline porous coordination polymers consisting of metallic nodes connected to each other by di- or multidentate organic ligands. The regular structure containing pores and the possibility of tuning their size, physical and chemical properties make these materials suitable for proton transport within the membranes in hydrogen fuel cells. The work is focused on the preparation of zirconium MOFs containing tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin and its derivatives with an effort to maximize their proton conductivity. The prepared materials will be derived from the already known structures of PCN-222 and MOF-525, which are characteristic with a specific surface area of 2200 – 2600 m2/g, mesoporous character and, compared to other MOFs, exceptional chemical stability. Proton donating (phosphonates, phosphinates, sulfonates) or accepting (amines) functional will be introduced into the structures using the substitution of the porphyrin ligand and post-synthetic modification methods. The effect of these modifications on the proton conductivity of the resulting materials will be studied.

Institute of Photonics and Electronics of the CAS

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry Institute of Photonics and Electronics of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry and Technology of Materials ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Jan Mrázek, Ph.D.

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Active optical fibers are a key component of fiber lasers and distributed luminescence sensors. As their power increases and their use in extreme environments, including nuclear reactors, requires new materials with enhanced luminescence efficiency and temperature stability. Rare earth-doped nanocrystalline materials represent a suitable alternative to conventional glass and single crystals. The work targets the preparation and characterization of transparent nanocrystalline materials on the system Y2O3-Al2O3-SiO2 doped with rare earth elements. The effects of the composition and conditions of preparation on the reaction and growth mechanisms of nanocrystals evenly distributed in an amorphous matrix will be studied. The studied system's composition will be modified to reduce the phonon energy of nanocrystals and increase the luminescence efficiency in the infrared region and for conversion of high-energy radiation. A theoretical model of energy transfer in rare-earth ions will be elaborated, and the results will be compared with experimental results of luminescence measurements. The selected materials will be used for the preparation of active optical fibers, which will be used for the preparation of fiber lasers and distributed scintillators.

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry Institute of Photonics and Electronics of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry and Technology of Materials ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Dr.Ing. Ivan Kašík

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Fiber lasers are in focus of intense research thanks to their high efficiency, beam quality, high average power, compactness and other advantages that are beneficial for increasing scope of applications. Silica optical fibers doped with rare-earth ions represent hearts of these lasers. Knowledge of stability of their optical properties is important for wide employment of fiber lasers. Attention will be focused on investigation of glassy materials of various matrices doped with thulium emitting at 2 um spectral region. Glassforming, refractive index, spectroscopic and mechanical properties of the prepared materials will be studied. Achieved results leading to forecast of suitable materials in form of optical fibers together with methods of their preparation will be verified later by testing in fiber lasers.