Physics of nanostructured oxide materials and strongly correlated systems

Project consists of two sub-projects: Physics of strongly correlated electron systems and physics of nano-oxide magnetic materials. In the first sub-project we will investigate the spin, charge and energy transport in inhomogeneous systems with strong correlations (superconductors, spintronic and thermoelectric materials) using detailed physical characterization methods (X-ray diffraction, inelastic light scattering, absorption and photoluminescence, ellipsometry or electron-microprobe investigations, transport and magnetic measurememnts). We will tune intrinsic anisotropic properties and we will perform theoretical modeling based on experimental results. In the second sub-project the sol-gel and chemistry methods will be further developed and optimized for production of oxide nanomaterials based on TiO2, CeO2, ZnO and their derivatives doped with transition or rare earth elements.The proper characterization of these materials will be performed by the same set of advanced experimental techniques. Multiscale computer modeling will be used to investigate molecular transport through nanoporous media, whereas density functional theory will be performed in order to follow the changes of the electronic band structure of oxide –based nanomaterials with doping. We expect to develop controlled production processes in which nanostructures and nanomaterials with desired properties will be created for environmental and spintronic applications.