Projects

International

MagEIMat – Vývoj nových multifunkčných materiálov pre magnetoelektrické senzory a úložiská digitálnych dát budúcej generácie
Development of novel multifunctional materials for next-generation magnetoelectric sensors and data storage devices
Program: Bilateral – other
Project leader: RNDr. Kovaľ Vladimír, DrSc.
Duration:
Progresívne metódy úpravy funkčných a mechanických vlastností práškových materiálov
Progressisve methods for treatment of the functional and mechanical properties of powder materials
Program: Inter-academic agreement
Project leader: RNDr. Kovaľ Vladimír, DrSc.
Annotation: Rapidly solidified powder alloys as well as mechanically prepared powder metal alloys have a limited plastic deformation capability. Limited plasticity of the powders leads to their limited form-ability and in some cases prevents compacting of the powder by uniaxial cold pressing. Structural defects typical for mechanically synthesized alloys also cause deterioration of their electrical and magnetic properties. The aim of the project is to investigate the progressive processing methods of mechanically prepared powder alloys in order to improve their compaction, while maintaining or improving their electrical, magnetic and mechanical properties. The project solution can bring original findings, leading to expansion of the usability of fast-solidified and mechanically synthesized alloy powder materials in industry.
Duration: 1.1.2018 – 31.12.2021
MagElMat – Vývoj nových multifunkčných materiálov pre magnetoelektrické senzory a úložiska digitálnych dát budúcej generácie
Development of novel multifunctional materials for next generation magnetoelectric sensors and data storage devices
Program: Bilateral – other
Project leader: RNDr. Kovaľ Vladimír, DrSc.
Annotation: The main goal of the proposed project is to establish and develop a scientific cooperationbetween Slovakia and China in the field of multifunctional materials for advanced applications inmicroelectronics and spintronics. Joining of the research teams from both countries is motivatednot only because of great technological potential of multifunctional materials but also due to thefascinating physics behind their unique properties. Multiferroics, exhibiting simultaneouslyferroelectric and magnetic properties, are among the most attractive multifunctional materials.They allow for controlling the magnetic state of multifunctional devices with an external electric field, and vice versa. The main obstacle is, however, the scarcity of multifunctionalmagnetoelectrics in nature. Currently, single-phase multiferroics are far beyond any practicalapplication, because they only demonstrate useful properties at very low temperatures.Recently, we showed that Aurivillius-type ferroelectrics doped by magnetic atoms can exhibitmultiferroic behavior at room temperature. The origin of magnetism and magnetoelectriccoupling in these materials, however, still needs a proper interpretation and confirmation fromdetailed experimental and theoretical studies. Our aim is to combine research on multiferroicmaterials in Slovakia with activities in China on theoretical modelling of multiferroics to designand prepare single-phase materials with the improved magnetoelectric property at roomtemperature.
Duration: 1.1.2018 – 31.12.2019
SIMUFER – Feroelektrické a magnetoelektrické materiály
Ferroelectrics and magnetoelectric multiferroics
Program: COST
Project leader: RNDr. Kovaľ Vladimír, DrSc.
Annotation: The goal of the Action is to build a high level European scientific knowledge platform in the field of single and multiphase nanoscale ferroic and multiferroic oxides with restricted geometries, in which new properties are driven by engineering size, shape and interface-mediated phenomena.
Project webpage: http://stoner.phys.uaic.ro/cost/
Duration: 13.1.2010 – 31.5.2014
ELENA – Štúdium vzájomného vzťahu medzi mikroštruktúrou a vlastnosťami v progresívnych elektrokeramických materiáloch pripravených z nanopráškov
Structure-property Relationship Study in Advanced Nanostructured Electroceramic Materials
Program: COST
Project leader: RNDr. Kovaľ Vladimír, DrSc.
Annotation: no description
Project webpage: www.cost539.cms-bg.net
Duration: 27.5.2005 – 22.6.2009
Charakterizácia ferolektrík pri mechanickom a elektrickom namáhaní
Switching and subswitching properties of ferroelectrics under mechanical load
Program: Bilateral – other
Project leader: RNDr. Kovaľ Vladimír, DrSc.
Annotation: The objective of the proposed research is to investigate and develop current understanding of the ferroelectric and ferroelastic subcoercive behavior and switching processes in ferroelectric ceramics and thin films subjected to a combined electro-mechanical loading.
Duration: 16.1.2007 – 15.7.2007
POLECER – Polárna elektrokeramika
Polar Electroceramics
Program: FP5
Project leader: RNDr. Kovaľ Vladimír, DrSc.
Annotation: no description
Project webpage: www.polecer.rwth-aachen.de
Duration: 1.4.2002 – 31.3.2007
Elektromechanická charakterizácia tenkých feroelektrických filmov s využitím nanoindentácie
Electromechanical characterisation of ferroelectric thin films using nanoindentation
Program: FP5
Project leader: RNDr. Kovaľ Vladimír, DrSc.
Annotation: The overall objective of the project is a characterisation of the electromechanical response of ferroelectric thin films by using nanoindentation techniques. The force, displacements and charge transients signals will be used to study the elastic, plastic, ferroelastic and electromechanical propertiesof the films.
Duration: 3.3.2003 – 2.3.2005
Spolupráca pri mikroštruktúrnej charakterizácii a meraniach elektrofyzikálnych vlastností piezoelektrickej keramiky
Co-operation for microstructural Characterization and Electrophysical Properties Measurements of Piezoelectric Ceramics
Program: Inter-academic agreement
Project leader: RNDr. Kovaľ Vladimír, DrSc.
Annotation: The objective of the project is the development of novel piezoelectric ceramic materials based on the lead zirconate titanate system (PZT), currently used in many electromechanical applications, through the incorporation of multicomponents. In order to improve the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of these systems, special attention will be paid to the study of the relationship between the chemical composition and the electrical response of the obtained ceramics, as well as to the existing relationship between the microstructure and the dielectric behaviour of samples upon introducing modifications in the poling processes.
Duration: 13.2.1998 – 12.2.2001

National

Povrchové inžinierstvo práškových feromagnetických častíc a štruktúra magneticky mäkkých kompozitov
Surface engineering of powder ferromagnetic particles and structure of soft magnetic composites
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Bureš Radovan, CSc.
Annotation: The project deals with SMC based on powdered ferromagnetics and electro-insulating ceramics in the form of a continuous network. The research of such materials applied in the field of energy conversion is motivated by increasing performance and efficiency, which is achieved by increasing the working frequency of magnetization. The project aims to investigate the structure of ferromagnetic and dielectric particle interfaces, their influence on the formation of microstructure and the functional properties of compacted SMC materials with a focus on the frequency stability of electromagnetic properties. The high variability of the geometrical characteristics of ferromagnetic microparticles and modifications in the distribution of ceramic nanoparticles provide a large scope for increasing the frequency stability of the functional properties of the composite. The analysis of interphases, structural discontinuities and compaction mechanisms will contribute to clarifying the evolution of electromagnetic properties.
Duration: 1.1.2024 – 31.12.2026
Bezolovnaté feroelektrické materiály pre efektívne uskladňovanie elektrickej energie
Lead-free ferroelectric materials for energy storage applications
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Kovaľ Vladimír, DrSc.
Annotation: The proposed project is devoted to the research and development of novel relaxor-type ferroelectric ceramics.Relaxor ferroelectrics (RFEs) are receiving considerable attention from materials scientists due to their uniqueproperties for energy storage applications. However, dielectric capacitors made of RFEs, although presentingfaster charging/discharging rates and better stability compared with supercapacitors or batteries, are limited inapplications due to their relatively low energy density.The main goal of the project is to design and prepare a lead-free RFE ceramic material with high energy storagedensity and efficiency. A series of structural modifications using cationic substitution on a RFE material will becarried out to enhance the energy storage capabilities of the ceramics. The effect of the chemical substitution onferroelectric phase transitions and formation of polar nanoregions will be investigated in relation to thecompositional disorder and stability of antiferroelectric state.
Duration: 1.1.2023 – 31.12.2025
Katalyzátory pre elektrolýzu vody v membránových elektrolyzéroch.
Catalysts for water splitting in membrane electrolyzers.
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Strečková Magdaléna, PhD.
Annotation: Hydrogen is a flexible and clean energy carrier because it offers not only the prospect of large green electricity storage capacities, but also a wide range of industry decarbonisation. The development of hydrogen technology activities has been supported by the European Commission as "A hydrogen strategy for a climate-neutral Europe". Slovakia has developed a national hydrogen strategy and at present, the Hydrogen technology center is being established in Košice with the main concept "Power-to-Gas" using renewable energy sources. Water electrolysis appears to be the most promising technology for hydrogen production. Bimetallic phosphide nanoparticles represent future substitutes for noble-free metals and critical materials in electrolysers and fuel cells. The main challenge of this project is to reduce hydrogen production and at the same time maintain the high efficiency of water electrolysis in membrane electrolysers. The main goal of the project will be dedicated to the improvement of electrode material.
Duration: 1.1.2023 – 31.12.2025
FUCO – Funkčné vlastnosti kompaktovaných kompozitov na báze magnetických častíc s povrchovo modifikovanými vlastnosťami
Functional properties of compacted composites based on magnetic particles with surface-modified properties.
Program: SRDA
Project leader: Ing. Bureš Radovan, CSc.
Annotation: The project is focused on the experimental and theoretical research of the soft magnetic composites in order to improve their functional properties. Magnetic powder composite systems will be prepared by advanced innovative chemical and mechano-chemical routes and powder metallurgy techniques not yet used by default. The series of composite samples will be prepared with insulated ferromagnetic particles of different morphology and properties with properly selected dielectric phases. The expected results will bring the novel advanced materials intensifying the application potential in electrical engineering as well as extend the theoretical modeling the magnetization processes in the soft magnetic composites and build up the database with the data structure utilizable for the application of artificial intelligence in the development of novel materials.
Project webpage: http://www.imr.saske.sk/project/fuco/index.html
Duration: 1.7.2021 – 30.6.2025
Vplyv mikrovlnného žiarenia na štruktúru a vlastnosti práškových funkčných materiálov
Influence of microwave radiation on the structure and properties of powder functional materials
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Bureš Radovan, CSc.
Annotation: The subject of research is the interaction of MW radiation with functional powder materials with specific electrical and magnetic properties, especially soft magnetic composites (SMC). The aim of the project is to contribute to the explanation of the mechanisms of densification of the MW processed structure of powder composites based on the primary ferromagnetic component and the secondary dielectric component distributed in the volume of the composite as a network. The structural characteristics will be correlated with the electromagnetic and mechanical properties of MW sintered materials in order to contribute to the explanation of changes in the functional properties induced by the interaction of MW radiation with ferromagnets and dielectrics. It is assumed that fundamental knowledge about the relations of process parameters, structure and physical properties will contribute to the application possibilities of MW PM processing. The contribution can also be expected in the field of structural design of SMC.
Duration: 1.1.2021 – 31.12.2023
Inovatívne postupy vo výskume a vývoji nových feroických materiálov s využitím komplexnej impedančnej spektroskopie
Innovative approaches to research and development of novel ferroic materials by using complex impedance spectroscopy
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Kovaľ Vladimír, DrSc.
Annotation: Ferroelectric and multiferroic (e.g., magnetoelectric) materials have received extensive attention in the last few decades, primarily because of their numerous potential applications in microelectronics and spintronics. Ferroic ceramics, however, suffer usually from high losses, leakage currents and low polarization (ferroelectric and/or magnetic) due to grain boundary effects and interfacial polarization phenomena. These microstructural featuresimpede largely commercial viability of electro-active ceramics. The main goal of the proposed project is to employ the AC complex impedance technique for probing the electrical properties of functional ceramics and reveal the correlation between the microstructural features and conductivity phenomena in grain boundary and/or interfacial layer dominated materials. Understanding the structure-property relationship would allow designing novel (multi-) functional materials with improved dielectric and (multi-) ferroic properties.
Duration: 1.1.2020 – 31.12.2022
Vývoj elektródového materiálu na báze uhlíkových vlákien dopovaných fosfidmi kovov pre elektrokatalýzu vodíka.
Development of electrode materials based carbon fibers doped with metal phosphides for electrocatalysis of hydrogen evolution reaction.
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Strečková Magdaléna, PhD.
Annotation: Hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources is considered to be a fuel of the future that has the potentialto reduce the energy dependence of developed countries on oil imports and to improve the quality of human life.Hydrogen produced from electrolysis of water could be a sustainable source of energy. However the simple,efficient, and secure methods of hydrogen retrieval must be developed before it can be recognized as aneconomically significant resource with an exceptional energy potential. The project is devoted to the preparationof new catalysts for the effective hydrogen evolution from water. The porous carbon fibers modified with metallicnanoparticles and metallic phosphide nanoparticles will be prepared by needle-less elektrospinning technologyfrom the free surface of polymers, to catalyze the production of hydrogen at low overpotential.The outcomes ofthe project will be design of a compact electrode composed of modified carbon fibers that would effectivelycatalyse hydrogen evolution.
Duration: 1.1.2020 – 31.12.2022
Výskum progresívnych metód úpravy práškových zliatin určených na prípravu magneticky mäkkých kompozitov
Investigation of the progressive powder processing methods designated for fabrication of the soft magnetic composite
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Bureš Radovan, CSc.
Annotation: Excellent powder soft magnetic materials are characterized by limited compressibility due to shape, size and plastic deformation ability. Compressibility is improved by pressing additives. Additives degrade the magnetic properties and resistivity of the soft magnetic composites. Aim of the project is investigation of the progressivemethods of powder alloy processing with focus on modification of powder particles and dielectric coating formation at their surface. Motivation of modifications are improvement of the compressibility, increase in resistivity of the powder alloy thus improvement of functional and mechanical properties of the composites. The project will contribute to evaluation of the physical and technical possibility to utilize the microwaves and high density electric field in modification of metallic powder. It could be expected preparation of the powder alloy ofwhich physical and technological properties will be suitable for the soft magnetic composites production or potentially 3D printing.
Duration: 1.1.2018 – 31.12.2020
MACOMA – Dizajn štruktúry a funkčných vlastností magneticky mäkkých kompozitných materiálov na báze 3-d prechodných kovov
Design of the structure and the functional properties of soft magnetic 3-d transitions metals based composites
Program: SRDA
Project leader: Ing. Bureš Radovan, CSc.
Annotation: The project focuses on structure and functional properties design of 3-d transition metals based soft magnetic composite materials, in which will be carried out the experimental research of functional properties of advanced materials with heterogeneous structure consisting of isolated ferromagnetic particles. Magnetic micro- and nanocomposite systems will be prepared using advanced powder metallurgy method and current chemical processes. The research will be focused on explanation of the interface influence on the electric, magnetic and mechanical properties investigated magnetic composite materials. Expected results extend the potential for application of advanced soft magnetic materials suitable for use in a medium frequencies, where ferrites are currently used.
Duration: 1.7.2016 – 31.12.2019
Multifunkčné keramické materiály Aurivilliového typu pre pokročilé magnetoelektrické pamäťové zariadenia a senzory
Multifunctional Aurivillius-type magnetoelectrics for advanced data storage and sensor applications
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Kovaľ Vladimír, DrSc.
Annotation: The purpose of the proposed project is to design and prepare novel single-phase Aurivillius-type ceramic materials with improved multiferroic properties at and above room temperature. The research is motivated by the great potential of these materials for non-volatile data storage, transducers, sensors, and many other future device applications. Bismuth-layered structure ferroelectrics, doped on the A- and B- sites by magnetic cations, will be synthesized by solid-state reaction. An innovative method of microwave heating will be introduced along with conventional sintering in processing of ceramics in order to produce at the reduced sintering temperature and time phase pure multifunctional magnetoelectrics with improved properties. The effects of the rare-earth (RE) substitution at Bi sites and modulation of the number of perovskite layers on the crystal structure, microstructure, and electrical and magnetic properties of Aurivillius phase ceramics in the Bi4Ti3O12-(Bi,RE)FeO3 system will be investigated.
Duration: 1.1.2017 – 31.12.2019
Nízkorozmerné systémy pre elektródové a magnetické materiály využité v zelených technológiách
Lowdimensional systems in electrode and magnetic materials potentially applied in green technologies.
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Strečková Magdaléna, PhD.
Annotation: The growing demand for energy and depletion of primary fossil energy resources causes an increasing pressure on use of alternative energy sources in larger scale. The project will be focused on the preparation and development of technologies producing 1D and 2D nanostructures. The carbon fibers incorporating metalnanoparticles represent a prospective materials for catalytic hydrogen evolution. Ferrite thin films and nanofibers are potentially useful for the preparation of soft magnetic composites with low eddy currents and total current losses during magnetization. The needle-less electrospinning technology will be used for fibers production due to cheap, user friendly and production of fibers in a wider scale. The thin ferrite films will be prepared by sol-gel method. The main aim of project concentrates on the effect of input parameters of the solutions influence the finalfunction properties of prepared fibers and films.
Duration: 1.1.2017 – 1.12.2019
Štúdium fázových prechodov indukovaných v keramických magnetoelektrikách chemickou substitúciou a teplotnými zmenami
Investigation of phase transitions induced in magnetoelectric ceramics by chemical substitution and temperature changes
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Kovaľ Vladimír, DrSc.
Annotation: The main goal of the proposed research is to identify and describe the fundamental mechanisms involved in phase transitions in rare earth substituted BiFeO3 magnetoelectrics. Multifunctional ceramics will be prepared bymodified solid-state reaction with the selected lanthanides and various concentrations of substituting element. A thorough analysis of the dielectric response measured in wide frequency and temperature ranges will be carried out in order to evaluate the basic processes related to the magnetoelectric coupling. The effect of the introduction of rare earth ions in BiFeO3 on the phase evolution and magnetic ordering will be investigated in relation to both the rare earth concentration and variation in temperature. Understanding fundamental structure-property relationships and their connection to the stoichiometric composition would allow fabricating multifunctional ceramics with improved magnetoelectric properties for potential applications in microelectronics and spintronics.
Duration: 1.1.2014 – 31.12.2016
MAGCOMP – Mikroštruktúra a vlastnosti mikro a nano-kompozitných materiálov pre stredofrekvenčné magnetické aplikácie
Microstructure and properties of poder micro and nano-composite materials for middle frequency aplications
Program: SRDA
Project leader: doc. Ing. Dudrová Eva, CSc.
Annotation: The main goal of the project is preparation of isotropic PM micro- and nano-composite materials with optimal distribution of insulation compound with favourable complex of magnetic and mechanical properties for middle frequency magnetic applications. Preparation of powder composite magnetic materials by chemical way will be realized: a) „nanocasting“ of magnetic particles in porous matrix, b) sol-gel method resulted to the preparation of Fe/SiO2 nicro and nanoparticles with core/shell“ structure. Also hybrid composites „inorganic/polymer“ will be prepared based on coated microparticles. Prepared powders will be compacted into shape of cylinder, ring and prism by application of simple cycle of cold pressing and thermal treatment by microwave heating to achieve needful structure and strength, elimination of distortion in Fe lattice and residual stresses. The project proposal imposes interdisciplinary approach of analysis of physical-chemical properties in dependence on size of structural elements of investigated materials. Applied methods will provide knowledge about properties of investigated structures those up to no were not enough examined by these methods. Magneto-structural correlation and magnetic interactions in materials with different degree of size of magnetic active compounds will be explained. Explanation of magnetic interactions will lead to the explanation of macroscopic parameters in direct and alternating magnetic fields under different physical conditions.
Project webpage: http://www.imr.saske.sk/project/magcomp/index.htm
Duration: 1.5.2011 – 31.10.2014
Multiferoické materiály – príprava, štruktúra a vlastnosti substitučne modifikovaných perovskitových systémov na báze oxidu železito-bizmutitého
Multiferroics – fabrication, structure and properties of substitutionally modified bismuth ferrite based materials
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Kovaľ Vladimír, DrSc.
Annotation: The overall objectives of the proposed research are to prepare a multiferroic material that simultaneously show electric and magnetic order, to study dielectric properties of substitutionally modified bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3)-type ceramics; and to identify fundamental mechanisms and interactions responsible for magnetoelectric effect appearing in magnetoelectrics. A classic solid state reaction method will be employed to produce experimental materials. The effect of ionic substitution at the A-sites of ABO3 perovskite on spontaneous electric polarization in multiferroic Bi(1-x)LnxFeO3 systems (Ln is a substituting element) will be investigated. For A-site substitution, selected lanthanides and alkaline-earth metals are intended to be testified in various concentration profiles. AC impedance spectroscopy will be used to identify the contributions of structural elements to AC conductivity in wide frequency range and at selected temperatures, including temperatures close to phase transitions.
Duration: 1.1.2011 – 31.12.2013
nanoCEXmat – Centrum excelentnosti progresívnych materiálov s nano a submikrónovou štruktúrou
Centrum of advanced materials with nano and submicron sized structure
Program: EU Structural Funds Research & Development
Project leader: prof. RNDr. Dusza Ján, DrSc.
Duration: 20.5.2009 – 30.6.2011
Sol-gel procesy syntézy feroelektrických nanoprekurzorov a ich vplyv na fázové zloženie a mikroštruktúru v tenkých vrstvách
Sol-gel processes of the synthesis of ferroelectric nanoprecursors and their influence on phase composition and microstructure in thin layers
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Bruncková Helena, PhD.
Annotation: The main part of the project is concerned on sol-gel processes of the synthesis of nanoprecursors PZT,PMN, PMnN, PFN and PZN ferroelectric ceramics and thin layers and examines their influence on the phasecomposition in final materials. For the preparation of ferroelectric thin layers from sol-gel solutions onto thesubstrate by spin-coating method, hybrid composite slurrries will be synthetised by sol-gel process from organiccomponents by dispersing of nanoprecursors in the sols. Study of the processes of formation of the resultingperovskite phase in thin layers during the thermal treating and the development of the microstructure andanalysis their relationship to physical properties is also part of the project.
Duration: 1.1.2008 – 31.12.2010
Vývoj nanokompozitných keramických povlakov na báze WC, DLC, TiN a CrN z karbonylov kovov metódou PVD/CVD
The development of nanocomposite WC, DLC, TiN, and CrN based ceramic coatings from carbonyls using PVD/CVD method
Program: VEGA
Project leader: doc. RNDr. Lofaj František, DrSc.
Duration: 1.1.2008 – 31.12.2010
CELMEF – Korelácia elekrofyzikálnych a mechanických vlastností s mikroštruktúrnymi parametrami vo feroelektrických materiáloch perovskitového typu
Correlation between the electrophysical and mechanical properties and microstructural parameters in perovskite-type of ferroelectrics
Program: SRDA
Project leader: prof. RNDr. Dusza Ján, DrSc.
Duration: 1.2.2007 – 30.11.2009
Multikomponentné a dotované relaxátorové feroelektrické systémy na báze PZT a PMN s vysokou povrchovou aktivitou a chemickou homogenitou
Multicomponent and doped ferroelectric systems of relaxor type on PZT and PMN basis with high surface activity and chemical homogeneity
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Bruncková Helena, PhD.
Duration: 1.1.2005 – 1.12.2007