Investment 1: Support for international cooperation and participation in Horizon Europe projects and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
Support for the preparation of projects in the Horizon Europe programme – IEE SAS
- Photo-Atomic Layer Printing
Registration code: 09I01-03-V02-00098
Project leader: Ing. Boris Hudec, PhD.
Duration: Retrospektívny projekt
Abstract:
The aim of the project is to support the preparation and submission of a project plan to the Horizon Europe calls: Photo-Atomic Layer Printing.
Matching grants for funds obtained within the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programs
- Superconducting energy cables
Registration code: 09I01-03-V04 -00020
Project leader: doc. Ing. Fedor Gömöry, DrSc.
Duration: 1.4.2024 – 31.3.2026
Abstract:
The SUPENKA project follows up the European SCARLET project, the aim of which is to develop a superconducting cable for direct current at medium voltage level of 25-50 kV, which results in the removal of the converter platform (around 10,000 tons of material). Such a solution can be advantageously used, for example, in transmission from a wind turbine farm, where direct current can be directly obtained in the turbine structure at the medium voltage level (25 to 100 kV).
The proposed SUPENKA project aims to develop in more detail some aspects of the problem solved in the SCARLET project.
In the scientific field, there are two main goals:
• C1: development of a methodology for including the inhomogeneity of superconducting properties in the analysis of the stability of current transmission by a superconducting cable
• C2: verification of the possibilities of cooling superconducting cables with non-traditional cooling media. The basic verification of the methodology on short samples has already taken place, therefore the starting level of the SUPENKA project is in the range of TRL 3-4, and the intention is to reach the level of TRL 5.
The SUPENKA project will contribute to the fulfillment of the ambitious climate goals of the EC work program “Sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply” aimed at transforming the energy system and shifting energy supply towards climate neutrality within two areas of influence:
• leading position of European industry in key and new technologies for benefit of people
• affordable and clean energy - InN: Breaking the Limits of Solid-State Electronics
Registration code: 09I01-03-V04 -00019
Project leader: Ing. Ján Kuzmík, DrSc.
Duration: 1.11.2023 – 30.6.2026
Abstract:
The InBreak project follows Horizon 2020 project NANOMAT. NANOMAT aims to inaugurate and establish a new domain of “Flexible (Conformal) Power RF Nanoelectronics” through an ambitious innovative heterogeneous technology platform including organic-based electronics and heat sinks, semiconductor monolithic wide band gap microwave integrated circuits (MMICs), radio frequency microelectromechanical actuators (RF MEMS) and acoustic sensors. In the InBreak project, InN as a unique semiconductor material will be grown as strained channel on a tailored N-polarity InAlN buffer layer. Conventional GaN buffer will be replaced by InAlN with an In molar fraction of 0.7-0.9.
We expect that this approach, combined with a thin GaN interlayer between the InAlN barrier and the InN channel, will lead to excellent high-density 2-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) confinement in the epi-structures. Completion of the project will enable HEMTs higher working frequencies and the potential of approaching 6G technology in the (sub)THz band.
Investment 3: Excellent Science
Capital booster for research and development support schemes
- Perspective ionizing radiation detectors for high-energy particles
Registration code: 09I03-03-V06-00108
Project leader: Mgr. Bohumír Zaťko, PhD.
Duration: 1.7.2024 – 30.6.2025
Abstract:
The aim of the project is to procure a research infrastructure that will be used during the implementation of the project APVV-22-0382 and for conducting further independent research and development carried out by the organization.
The knowledge gained will be used to develop new ultra-thin, low-friction coatings for various metal substrates based on 2D materials, suitable for use in vacuum environments.
Investment 3: Excellent Science
Fellowships for excellent researchers R2-R4
- Lubrication challenge for ultra-thin advanced 2D-TMDC in extreme conditions
Registration code: 09I03-03-V04-00709
Project leader: Mgr. Andrii Kozak, PhD.
Duration: 1.7.2024 – 30.6.2026
Abstract:
The friction, stiction, adhesion, and wear are significantly influenced not only by the chemical and physical properties of the objects in relative motion but also by their shape, dimensions of the interacted area, and environment. Tightening the moving objects to the nanoscale make surface forces dominate the tribological behaviour, and the appearance of additional energy dissipation mechanisms can be observed, which can be critical for the lifetime and reliability of the devices. In turn, the environment renders multi-varied effects on the sliding interface, promoting the structural superlubricity or opposite extremally high friction caused by atomic interactions.
The aim of this project is fabrication of low-friction wear-protected surfaces coating system applicable to advanced applications at the nano- and macroscale. Ultrathin coating of new 2D TMDs (PtSe2, MoSe2) will be formed with the aim to investigate their structure evolution during sliding in ambient air, vacuum environment as well as at elevated temperatures. The friction and wear processes on the surface of 2D materials and their interfaces will be systematically analysed by means of nanoscale and macroscale friction analysis. The gained knowledge will be then used to develop new ultrathin materials as a low-friction coating for different type of metal surfaces.
Investment 3: Excellent Science
Fellowships for excellent PhD. students R1
- Fellowships for excellent PhD. students R1 – IEE SAS
Registration code: 09I03-03-V02-00044
Duration: 1.9.2023 – 30.6.2026
Abstract:
The aim of the project is to support individual projects of PhD students within the organization. The activities of the project correspond to the activities of the individual projects identified as below and result from the topics of the dissertations and research tasks of PhD students.
Individual project No. 1 – Large-scale production and characterization of 2D materials – Mgr. phil. Faizan Ahmad, M.Phil.
Individual Project No. 2 – Memristic Sensors for Post-Digital Electronics – Mohammad Dehghan.
Investment 3: Excellent Science
Scholarships for excellent researchers threatened by the war conflict in Ukraine
Registration code: 09I03-03-V01-00006
Project leader: RNDr. Kalmykova Tetiana, PhD.
Duration: 1. 4. 2022 – 31. 3. 2025
Abstract:
Support for researchers whose careers are threatened due to the conflict in Ukraine. The aim of the project is to implement magnetic nanostructures of various configurations and to monitor the development of the magnetic states of these structures depending on their geometry, topology, composition and external conditions.
Investment 4: Research and Innovation for the Decarbonization of the Economy
- Enhanced safe materials for Li-ion batteries
Registration code: 09I04-03-V02-00028
Duration: 1. 1. 2025 – 31. 8. 2026
Project leader: Ing. Boris Hudec, PhD.
Partners: Centrum pre využitie pokročilých materiálov SAV, v.v.i.,
Ústav polymérov SAV, v.v.i.;
Ústav anorganickej chémie SAV, v.v.i.;
Slovenská technická univerzita v Bratislave – Fakulta elektrotechniky a informatiky
Abstract:
The development, production, and use of batteries are vital for the EU’s transition to a climate-neutral economy, as batteries play a key role in achieving zero-emission transportation, energy, and industry. Third-generation lithium-ion batteries are currently the most widespread type used in electric vehicles. The goal of the project is to develop materials that enhance the operational safety of lithium-ion batteries in a passive way. Each component of a Li-ion battery can contribute to improving its operational safety. Within the project, we aim to develop an anode and a cathode with enhanced performance and flame-retardant properties. Furthermore, a new type of separator will be designed to prevent mechanical and thermal damage during operation. Finally, the electrochemical properties and performance of a standard battery and a battery composed of safety-enhanced materials will be evaluated under conditions close to thermal runaway. - Development of Advanced Nano-structured Materials for Electrocatalysis using an Eco-friendly Deep Eutectic Solvents: A Sustainable Approach to Decarbonisation
Registration code: 09I04-03-V02-00006
Duration: 1. 1. 2025 – 31. 8. 2026
Project leader: Ing. Ján Šoltýs, PhD.
Partners: Centrum pre využitie pokročilých materiálov SAV, v.v.i.,
Ústav materiálového výskumu SAV, v.v.i.
Abstract:
The project “Development of Advanced Nanostructured Materials for Electrocatalysis Using Green Deep Eutectic Solvents: A Sustainable Approach to Decarbonization” addresses the urgent global challenge of decarbonization by developing highly efficient electrocatalysts for the production of “green” hydrogen. This innovative and comprehensive research initiative goes beyond the current state of the art in several key directions. By employing environmentally friendly deep eutectic solvents and advanced catalyst supports such as metallic and carbon foams, the project focuses on the research, development, optimization, and characterization of new electrocatalysts designed for efficient hydrogen evolution in alkaline aqueous solutions. These catalysts, consisting of nanostructured alloy coatings based on Ni, Co, Mo, and Fe, and composites containing S and P coated with noble metal nanoparticles, are engineered to enhance electrocatalytic activity and stability. The uniqueness of the project lies in its profound theoretical scope, which not only investigates electrolytic and electroless deposition of catalysts but also provides an in-depth understanding of the relationship between composition, morphology, and catalytic performance. The goal of the project is to develop comprehensive theories that enable the effective design of multifunctional catalysts that synergistically combine the advantages of various active sites, thereby pushing the boundaries of catalysis research. Furthermore, the project will evaluate the applicability of these new materials for potential industrial applications, taking into account factors such as cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and feasibility.
By emphasizing the production of “green” hydrogen using renewable energy sources, the project supports the global transition toward cleaner energy solutions, contributes to carbon emission reduction, and addresses sustainability challenges. This forward-looking approach is based on interdisciplinary collaboration and interregional partnerships, laying the foundation for future EU-funded projects such as those supported by the European Research Council (ERC) and Horizon Europe.
The proposed project represents a significant step forward in the field of electrocatalysis, offering a holistic approach to addressing the challenges of catalysis and hydrogen production. The innovative materials, novel methodologies, sustainable practices, and theoretical foundations developed through this project will serve as a transformative force on the path toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. - Superconducting components for hydrogen-electric aircraft
Registration code: 09I04-03-V02-00039
Duration: 1. 3. 2024 – 31. 8. 2026
Project leader: Mgr. Enric Pardo, PhD.
Partners:
Abstract:
Air transport is a growing source of green-house gas emissions (CO2, NOx, and water steam at high altitude). In addition, fossil fuel prices will grow. Then, the future of commercial aviation comes through emission-less aircraft. Hydrogen-electric aircraft are very promising, where electricity comes from either fuel cells or burned in turbine generators. Electric power trains enable distributed propulsion that highly improves aircraft aerodynamics, which can save up to 70 % of energy. Since liquid hydrogen boils at 20 K (-253o C), it allows to use superconducting electric propulsion motors and power-transfer cables, which are much lighter than conventional ones. This project is intended to develop superconducting components of the power train: electric motors, power cables, and superconducting materials that they are composed. The results of this project will also be useful for other decarbonization areas like fusion energy, wind turbines, and efficient power-transmission lines. - SPEARhydro – harnessing the energy of rivers for everyone
Registration code: 09I04-03-V03-00001
Duration: 1. 4. 2025 – 30. 3. 2026
Project leader: Mgr. Mykola Soloviov, PhD.
Partners: Archee, s.r.o.
Abstract:
Investment 5: Research and Innovation for the Digitalization of the Economy
- Smart gas and temperature sensors with neural-network-based low-level in-sensor data processing capability
Registration code: 09I05-03-V02-00058
Duration: 1. 1. 2024 – 30. 6. 2026
Project leader: Ing. Boris Hudec, PhD.
Partners: Univerzita Komenského Bratislava,
Ústav Informatiky SAV, v.v.i.
Abstract:
A large number of sensing elements communicating with each other or with central control units is an integral part of the Internet of Things. The associated transmission and processing of an extreme amount of produced data is problematic. One of the solutions is processing of sensory data in close proximity to the sensor (near-sensor computing) or directly in the sensor (in-sensor computing), which radically reduces the requirements for their subsequent transmission and processing. In this project, we focus on the development of resistive gas and temperature sensors implemented into synaptic matrix of a hardware neural network, enabling low-level processing of measured sensory data directly in this network using a hardware algorithm. In the project, we will develop a methodology to calculate this algorithm and to encode it into the sensor matrix. This methodology will be one of the outputs of the project with the potential for wider application in hardware neural networks. - New semiconductor materials for pixel sensors with applications in digital radiography
Registration code: 09I05-03-V03-00073
Duration: 1. 1. 2024 – 30. 6. 2026
Project leader: Mgr. Bohumír Zaťko, PhD.
Partners: Slovenská technická univerzita v Bratislave, Fakulta elektrotechniky a informatiky
Abstract:
Digital imaging using X-rays or other types of ionizing radiation (neutrons, electrons, ions …) is increasingly used in various fields of human activity. Digital systems operating in the so-called single photon counting or event counting mode are gaining more and more interest for research and progressive development. The most promising in this field appear to be the Timepix readout chips family developed at CERN. The main objective of the project is to prepare and optimize semiconductor pixel sensors for the TPX4 readout chip. We will use our previous experience in preparing SiC and GaAs based sensors, which have not been used with this chip so far. The advantage of the new TPX4 chip over the previous version is the larger detection area (3.5×), higher maximum speed (8×), better energy resolution and time resolution. The use of these sensors or radiation cameras would be mainly in industry, in defectoscopy, analysis of various materials, in medicine, in space research, etc. - Research of fabrication technology for low-cost oxide-based semiconductorelectronic devices for IoT and sensor applications
Registration code: 09I05-03-V03-00030
Duration: 1. 1. 2024 – 30. 6. 2026
Project leader: Ing. Milan Ťapajna, PhD.
Partners: Slovenská technická univerzita v Bratislave,
Ústav informatiky SAV, v.v.i.
Abstract:
Inkjet printing of sol-gel material inks and aerosol chemical vapor deposition are low-cost techniques for depositing thin oxide-based semiconductor layers as well as for fabricating electronic components. They offer several advantages over standard methods, including simplicity, low production costs, adaptability, and the ability to deposit layers at low temperatures and without the need for vacuum conditions. These techniques have the potential to revolutionize the fabrication of oxide semiconductor devices and enable their application across a wide range of fields. The proposed project focuses on researching these advanced deposition techniques and culminates in concept demonstrators of oxide-based semiconductor components. Low-cost deposition methods can be optimized to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, contributing to more sustainable semiconductor manufacturing. As costs continue to decrease, technologies that were previously expensive may become more accessible to marginalized or developing regions. - Advanced 2D based hybrid supercapacitor devices
Registration code: 09I05-03-V03-00037
Duration: 1. 3. 2024 – 30. 6. 2026
Project leader: Mgr. Michaela Sojková, PhD.
Partners: Slovenská technická univerzita v Bratislave, Fakulta elektrotechniky a informatiky
Abstract:
The project is focused on research and development of advanced 2D-TMD, carbon-based materials and electrode architectures for supercapacitor applications. The aim is to increase the energy density, lifetime, and power performance of supercapacitors as sustainable energy storage alternatives to batteries for key digital electronic and e-mobility applications. Within the project, carbon based materials (2D g-C3N4, biochar), 2D-TMD pseudocapacitive materials (e.g. MoS2), battery type materials (e.g. NiS2, Ni(OH)2) and their composites, binder-free nanostructures/heterostructures will be investigated as perspectives negative and positive electrodes for advanced hybrid supercapacitor devices. Supercapacitors with improved performance will improve sustainability and user value of electronics systems and will trigger new applications and new business opportunities in key digital technologies and mobility in Slovak and European areas. - Graphene encapsulated two-dimensional magnetic materials as a platform for spintronics devices
Registration code: 09I05-03-V03-00071
Duration: 1. 1. 2025 – 31. 8. 2026
Project leader: Ing. Marian Precner, PhD.
Partners: Ústav experimentálnej fyziky SAV, v.v.i.
Abstract:
The field of materials science is currently experiencing rapid growth. This project focuses on the investigation and development of two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures, which represent physical systems playing a key role in the advancement of future technologies aimed at digital and green energy transformation, in line with the general interests of our society. Our research targets new systems—two-dimensional magnetic metal iodides encapsulated in graphene—prepared using a one-step synthetic method (SinGO). The project brings together research teams with complementary expertise and infrastructure to maximize synergy, enabling the realization of fundamental theoretical and experimental research, technological improvement of sample preparation, and demonstration of the concept showing that charge-to-spin conversion can be achieved through proximity-induced effects in the fabricated prototype devices.