This experimental-theoretical project focuses on radiation-induced degradation in several functional materials and scintillators currently in use/planned for particle physics, space application and medical imaging. The main goal is to understand and predict the long-term radiation resistance of scintillators via a thorough analysis of the kinetics of defect creation/thermal annealing. The project is aimed to the systematic study of radiation-induced effects in optical materials with focus on transformation/annealing of radiation defects induced by high doses of radiation (gamma, neutrons, protons, swift heavy ions). Advanced experimental techniques, incl. in-house (optical, EPR, Raman, elipsometry) and European large scale facilities (synchrotron, neutron) will be applied alongside ab- initio and kinetic diffusion-controlled modeling to achieve the main objectives: - characterize particle-induced defects and explore their structure by ab initio methods - develop theoretical models as experimentally validated predictive tools for evaluation of dose-dependent radiation damage characteristics establish all positive/negative roles of impurities on interstitial-defect stabilization with endgame to recommend targeted improvement of radiation hardness of materials. As a main result of this investigation, general cost-effective concept of radiation damage behavior of materials as a function of incident particle type and fluence will be established.

Piezoelectric materials are used starting from ultrasonic imaging in medicine and ending with mundane spark generators in cigarette lighters. Most of the best piezoactive materials are lead-based (notably Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 – PZT - system). However, since ~ 2000s a European Union’s RoHs directive has been introduced, which restricts use of hazardous substances in products (as the best piezoelectrics contain lead, they fall under this directive). However, PZT and its derivatives have been exempt from this directive as there are simply no competing alternative materials available. In 2022 a new way of turning materials in to piezoelectrics was found by inducing piezoelectricity with static electric field. As a surprise this effect is at least by a magnitude or two greater than in the best conventional piezoelectric materials, however it is prominent only at low driving field frequencies. At the moment the origins of the effect is put on the interplay of the electric field with the defects and mobile charged species within the material, but direct evidence is still lacking. In this project we aim to elucidate the mechanisms behind the recently found large induced piezoelectric effect via challenging in situ/in operando experiments and several chemical synthesis methods, which should confirm or deny hypothesis put on the origins of the effect at the current time.

Thermoelectricity has a great potential to increase energy efficiency by converting waste heat into electricity and limiting global warming. Recently, new so-called high-entropy multicomponent compounds containing at least five principal elements in similar concentrations, with excellent functional and mechanical properties have emerged. Such materials are promising, yet little explored for thermoelectric applications. In this fundamental project, we propose to develop the low, medium, and high entropy multicomponent solid solutions based on layered metal chalcogenide compounds for thermoelectric applications and investigate the correlation between their structure and properties using synchrotron radiation X-ray absorption spectroscopy combined with lab-based techniques and a set of advanced atomistic simulations such as reverse Monte Carlo (RMC), molecular dynamics (MD), and quantum chemistry calculations. The goal of this project is to explore the impact of individual components on the structure and thermoelectric properties of multicomponent chalcogenide compounds suitable for high-performance thermoelectric applications.

The proposed project aims to develop light-responsive materials for 4D printing of vascular junction elements, enabling the repair of blood vessels and treatment of thromboembolic diseases. Leveraging the capabilities of 4D printing, which allows objects to change shape over time in response to external stimuli, the project seeks to fabricate smart, active structures using shape-changing polymers activated by light. 4D printing holds immense potential in the field of biomedical engineering. By utilizing shape memory polymers, hydrogels, and liquid crystal elastomers, 4D printing enables the creation of complex structures without the need for assembly. In this project, the focus lies on exploiting this technology to develop biocompatible materials that can serve as scaffolds for repairing damaged blood vessels. This project aims to explore biocompatible composite materials capable of sequential folding, achieved through light induced photothermal effects in nanoparticles embedded within the composite. The project\'s main objective is to synthesize and improve light-responsive materials for 4D printing, enabling sequential folding. It entails investigating the synthesis parameters of composite to enhance folding properties and exploring the actuation properties of the polymer and nanoparticles in response to different light power densities and wavelengths. The anticipated impact of this project is significant, benefiting both material science and medicine.

The project aims to develop new hybrid systems for thermoelectric (TE) applications by incorporating nanoparticles into the matrix of solution processed smal molecule charge carrier transport matrix. Thin films from hybrid materials allow creating flexible coatings of various shapes, thus opening the possibilities to develop TE devices for the practical conversion of low-level heat into electricity. The heat source can be body heat (for wearable electronic devices) and wasted heat in various production and transport processes. The selection and modification of nanoparticles will be carried out, as well as the selection of organic materials to find synergetic systems with matched energy structures to obtain efficient TE layers. From the hybrid systems with the best TE properties, a thermoelectric device/prototype will be created. Before that, a 3D model in COMSOL software will be made using the measured TE parameters for the hybrid systems. Modelling will allow optimising the devices parameters to obtain higher efficiency. The outcomes of this project will serve as the foundation for development of collaboration in TE materials synthesis and will be the basis for the preparation of new international projects. The projects successful realisation will provide materials for the next generation of environment-friendly, low-cost, energy-efficient TE coatings/devices, providing a positive socioeconomic impact.