Projects / Programmes
Nanoengineering of self-assembled materials
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.04.01 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
Inorganic nonmetallic materials |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T150 |
Technological sciences |
Material technology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
Nano-engineering, tunable materials, composites, block-copolymers, inorganic nanoparticles, self-assembly, tunability of properties
Researchers (11)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
28014 |
PhD Ines Bračko |
Chemistry |
Researcher |
2010 - 2012 |
48 |
| 2. |
21173 |
PhD Marjan Ješelnik |
Chemistry |
Researcher |
2013 |
30 |
| 3. |
22281 |
PhD Špela Kunej |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2010 - 2013 |
111 |
| 4. |
26153 |
PhD Manca Logar |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2011 - 2013 |
74 |
| 5. |
24273 |
PhD Matjaž Spreitzer |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2010 - 2013 |
364 |
| 6. |
08012 |
PhD Danilo Suvorov |
Materials science and technology |
Head |
2010 - 2013 |
1,050 |
| 7. |
30613 |
PhD Tina Šetinc |
Materials science and technology |
Junior researcher |
2010 - 2013 |
22 |
| 8. |
15600 |
MSc Maja Šimaga |
|
Technical associate |
2010 - 2013 |
5 |
| 9. |
17272 |
Mirjana Širca |
|
Technical associate |
2010 - 2013 |
3 |
| 10. |
29676 |
Jasmina Turnšek |
Materials science and technology |
Technical associate |
2010 - 2013 |
3 |
| 11. |
06126 |
PhD Majda Žigon |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2010 - 2012 |
661 |
Organisations (2)
Abstract
In the proposed project we intend to study the sustainable development of advanced materials with tunable properties using block copolymer nanotechnology. This kind of research has not been investigated systematically yet and thus presents a novel approach in a multidisciplinary field of material science. We anticipate developing materials with remarkably improved characteristics and to develop a device with completely novel functionalities. These assumptions are based on the effective self-assembly of various nanoparticles within block copolymers and thus result in the quality design of nanostructured composites, which cannot be prepared using classical synthesis techniques.
We intend to control the polarization of the investigated materials using electrical, mechanical or magnetic fields. On this basis, the project is divided into three parts:
- In the first part of the project we would like to investigate electrically tunable composites based on the Ag(Nb,Ta)O3 system. Using block-copolymer techniques we would prepare composites at low temperatures and control their structure at the nanosized level. This would enable us to prevent a redox reaction of the silver present in the systems and to improve the functional properties of composites, mainly quality factor and temperature stability.
- In the second part of the project we intend to investigate mechanically tunable composites, which would contain Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 ferroelectric particles self-assembled within a SrTiO3 non-polar matrix. In this way we would prepare artificial relaxors using block copolymers as a synthesis technique. Within these materials the concentration of polar clusters would exceed its natural concentration, resulting in an improved tunability and better performance of the devices. With investigations in this field our group would become one of few preparing artificial relaxors and systematically studying mechanical tunability.
- In the third subproject we would investigate magnetic tunable composites, which would contain different solid solutions from the Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-K0.5Bi0.5TiO3 system to act as a piezoelectric, while Sr2FeReO6 would be used as piezomagnet. The application of block copolymers would enable us to suitably isolate the piezomagnetic phase and to effectively structure composites on the nanoscale. This is a required step for any strain transfer between the components of the composites and determines the level of magnetoelectric coupling. Unlike most of the studies from this field we intend to thoroughly investigate synthesis and chemical properties of magnetoelectric composites.
In the proposed investigation block copolymers serve as a template to order components in various composites. Previously, these components would be prepared using the sol-gel method or hydrothermal reaction. This work opens an entirely new field of research combining different synthesis methods with tunable components. The research project is expected to gain new basic knowledge, which will have a a key impact on the development of different applied devices. Based on the originality of proposed research we intend to publish results of the work in journals with high impact factor; however, for developed materials we will previously estimate a possibility to apply for local and international patents.
Significance for science
For electrically, mechanically and magnetically tunable material considerable scientific progress was achieved in the field of synthesis and optimization of their functional properties. Specifically, we managed to self-assemble corresponding phases, which was achieved by optimization of critical synthesis parameters or by application of block copolymers. New scientific findings can be divided with respect to specific group of materials: - Engineering of Ag(Nb,Ta)O3 composites: We determined solid-state synthesis mechanism for different solid-solutions from investigated system and determined a new and simple method for minimization of temperature dependent resonant frequency. Furthermore, we prepared a series of Ag(Nb,Ta)O3 thin films using pulsed laser deposition. The investigation enabled us to determine for the first time a complete set of deposition conditions, which result in controlled oxidation of silver. - Engineering of composites composed of NBT and ST: Initially we revealed new hydrothermal conditions for preparation of pure and well crystallized NBT nanoparticles. We also determined intrinsic reasons for formation of defects in ST nanoparticles prepared by combination of sol precipitation and hydrothermal method. For the first time we managed to prepare NBT-ST thin film with compositionally graded structure, which resulted in considerably improved electrical properties. - Engineering of composites composed of PMN-PT and CF: For CF synthesis conditions for stabilization of well dispersed superparamagnetic nanoparticles in relation to surfactant bonding nature were precisely determined. These findings are relevant for the research community since analogue approach is used for fabrication of various nanoparticles. Related to this part of the research project we also determined new methods for rapid fabrication of well-ordered block copolymer thin films, which were tested for variety of inorganic phases relevant for electronic industry, while in the literature mainly repots related to self-assembly of TiO2 can be found.
Significance for the country
The impact of the project on the society was observed in following directions: - A number of project members were involved to implement all the objectives, including postdoctoral students, PhD students, and undergraduates. By such networking of the project members education of students had one of our highest priorities and assured successful progress. Part of the program was performed by 2 PhD students, while 5 bachelor theses were closely related to the problems of the project. - The scientific field does not involve only ceramic engineering, but also polymer science and applied physics. Such interdisciplinary approach provided us a new pathway in materials engineering for preparation of well-nanostructured composite materials. - In 2012 Advanced Materials Department, Jožef Stefan Institute and Center of excellence in Nanoscience ans Nanotechnology established the first laboratory for pulsed laser deposition in Slovenia. The laboratory has also a high resolution X-ray diffractometer, which is dedicated for thin film analysis.The project enabled us to intensively use these techniques for preparation and characterization of high-quality thin films. Specifically, we grew Ag(Nb1-xTax)O3 thin films for the electrically tunable applications. - Project results were disseminated using a number of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals, which are most relevant for the specific topic (Journal of the American Ceramic Society, Journal of the European Ceramic Society, etc.). Furthermore, results were also presented on the thematic conferences, which promoted project members and their institutions on the international level.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2010,
2011,
2012,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2010,
2011,
2012,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
