Molecular designing of nanoparticles with controlled morphological and physicochemical characteristics and functional materials based on them

Various innovative bottom-up and top-down procedures for the synthesis of nanoparticles via molecular designing have taken a prominent place among the activities conducted by the research group submitting this project proposal. The proposed research programme, which has high topicality for relevant fields, is focused on the acquisition of fundamental and application knowledge in molecular design of nanoparticles with controlled morphology and physicochemical properties and development of functional materials based on them. Particular attention is laid on novel methods enabling prediction, control and modulation of the materials’ structure, its comprehensive understanding, and the manipulation on a molecular level to create new or to improve the existing properties of the materials. Thus obtained nanoparticles are used in scientific research or further processed to create two- or three-dimensional microstructures of high density. Research focuses in the area of advanced materials and nanotechnologies cover a wide range of functional materials: from electronic, electrochemical, optical and catalytic materials, through biomaterials, to various pharmaceutical materials used as carriers for controlled drug release. The aim of the programme is to find solutions to major issues of sustainable development related to health, environment, energy and water treatment, as well as to other present and future global challenges.