Project title: Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials
Project registration number: CZ.1.05/2.1.00/03.0058
Operation Programme: Research and Development for Inovation Operational Programme
Grant recipient: Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci www.upol.cz
Start of the project realization: 01/10/2010
End date: 30/09/2014
Project leader: Prof. RNDr. Radek Zbořil, Ph.D.
Objectives:
Foundation of the Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials (hereinafter as RCATM or shortly as the Centre) as a source of new information and knowledge suitable for transfer into industrial practice, in the sphere of nanotechnologies, optical technologies, nanophotonics, thin micro/nano layers, analytical processes and instrumentation. Within the RCATM, a series of laboratories will be established (partly on the basis of existing infrastructure). The most important laboratories include, for example, i) the technological laboratory for solid-state syntheses of nanoparticles of metals, oxides of transition metals and oxides of iron in a high valence state, applicable in the field of water purification, production of magnetic elements, catalytic and biomedical applications; ii) the laboratory of advanced optical technologies, usable for surface modification of optical elements intended for building of the international „North Observatory“ as a part of „The Pierre Auger Observatory – North“ project in Colorado, USA; iii) the laboratory of advanced microscopy techniques, being a unique background for analysis of nanomaterials and biomacromolecules by means of microscopic techniques (cryoHRTEM, TEM, AFM, SEM); iv) the laboratory of magnetic characterization of nanomaterials including a complex background for analysis of materials in external magnetic fields (PPMS, SQUID, NMR, Mössbauer spectroscopy). Other laboratories are specified in the Part II.
Development of new synthetic procedures and advanced utilizations of nanocrystalline materials (metals, metal oxides, carbon nanostructures and their composites with biologically-active compounds, biomacromolecules and molecular magnets) for environmental, industrial and medical applications. Partial objectives include: i). development of technologies of immobilization of silver nanoparticles onto solid polymer substrates and technologies of high-capacity production of iron nanoparticles; ii) applications of functionalized magnetic nanocrystalline carriers in the field of medical science (MRI, drug delivery) and separation processes (proteomics); iii) preparation and functionalization of carbon nanostructures and their applications; iv) synthesis of new biologically-active complexes of transitions metals, molecular magnets on the basis of transition metals and hybrid systems of “magnetic nanoparticle – molecular magnet” type applicable in the field of MRI diagnostics and in the field of magnetic elements for electronics; v) utilization of optical methods for analysis of properties of nanocrystalline materials and thin layers; vi) research and development of nanophotonic sources of photons and methods of detection of single photons; vii) development of technologies for production and control of optical nanosurfaces and thin layers. It is assumed that the developed applications, methods and technologies will be found useful by regional, national and international clients working in the field of chemical, optical, environmental and pharmaceutical industry, machinery, medicine or within sizable international scientific cooperations.
Establishment of analytical and measurement background for characterization of chemical, magnetic and mechanical properties of nanomaterials and nanolayers. Utilization of nanostructures in analytical methods for separation of substances and signal enhancement (electrochemical sensors, capillary electrophoresis, mass spectroscopy, pre-concentration methods). Research of nanometric analytical systems working with nanoflows or nanovolumes of samples (liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, miniaturization of ions sources for mass spectrometry). The established background will be used by manufacturing subjects of the region (within the whole Czech Republic) which will allow them to apply high-technologies and realize manufacturing and production programmes with a high value added. The RCATM will make following technologies accessible to its clients and cooperating institutions: transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder and monocrystalline diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, mass, Mössbauer, NMR, EPR, UV, VIS, infrared, Raman and time-resolution spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, capillary electrophoresis, gas and liquid chromatography, SQUID magnetization measurements, PPMS physical measurements, electron microprobe, BET measurement of surface area and material porosity, etc. In addition, a unique computation background will be established for characterization of nanomaterials and description of their interactions with biomacromolecules and pollutants in the environment for exploitation in medicine and ecology.
Research and description of health risks and toxicity issue of nanoparticles in relation to human being and environment, to the monitoring of the process of their production and fate in living organisms and natural environment.
Increase in number of research employees focused on applied or industrial research by approximately 40 persons. In order to reach this goal, our research is closely connected with the PhD., Master and Bachelor study programs available at the Faculty of Science of the Palacky University, namely Applied Physics, Material, Physical, Analytical, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry.
Establishment of a functional management and administration structure of the RCATM and its connection to the Faculty of Science of the Palacky University. Primarily, the Department of Technology Transfer shall be built up, with the aim to interconnect the RCATM with potential users and clients (with the help of the existing Science and Technological Park of the Palacky University), furthermore, the Project and Propagation Department, focused on a support of research departments within preparation of research projects and a propagation of the research results of the RCATM in relation to the academic society, application sphere and public, and, at last but not least, the Department of Education and Human Resource Development, where its main goal is to ensure well educated and professional human resources for the RCATM.
Project budget:
Total costs: 737 mil. Kč
Eligible costs: 545 mil. Kč
Structural funds: 463 mil. Kč
National budget:ČR: 82 mil. Kč
Non-elibible costs: 192 mil. Kč
Tangible assets: 434 mil. Kč
Milestones and expected outputs:
1. 01/2009 Initiation of the preliminary phase of the Centre
2. 09/2010 Elaboration of documentation for selection of contractor
3. 10/2010 Initiation of realization phase of the Centre
4. 10/2010 Initiation of research programmes
5. 12/2010 Initiation of installation of some new technologies in the existing workrooms
6. 09/2011 Initiation of building
7. 09/2013 Termination of building
8. 12/2013 Termination of the investment part of the project
9. 01/2014 Transfer of some research teams to new building
10. 03/2014 Finalization of installation of new technologies in the new building
11. 12/2014 Termination of the project