Quantum Materials for Applications in Sustainable Technologies (QM4ST)

Provider: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic

Designation of the project: CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004572

Project duration: 1.10.2023 – 30.6.2028 – 5 years / 57 months

Scientific leader of the project: prof. Dr. Jan Minár

This project focuses on quantum materials research for sustainable technologies. Quantum technologies include new multidisciplinary research areas connecting physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science and materials science. These areas have great technological potential.

So far, most attention has been paid to quantum computers, which bring new possibilities to the field of information and communication technologies using quantum physics. However, the use of quantum mechanical principles can also bring progress in other areas of research and development, especially in the modeling and design of new materials, but also in the control of processes that are part of new devices. These materials form the basis of new devices with the potential for a major impact on sustainable, low-emission technologies.

Some rapidly developing areas in this context include spintronics, superconductivity, photocatalysis, electrolysis, fuel cells and photonics. Discoveries in these areas will be rapidly applied in energy-efficient applications such as the production of green hydrogen and ammonia for renewable energy systems, new fuel cells, data and memory storage materials, microelectronic components, sensors and other devices.

Revolutionary new approaches in theory, mathematical simulation, and experimental techniques enable the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as nanostructures, thin films, or doped systems. These materials promise the discovery of new functions and emergent properties.