Future Energy and Innovation Lab

🏆 #MarieCurie #Fellowship on “Motion Powered 3D Printed Self-Healable Energy Storage for Wearable Electronics utilizing Plastic Waste" run at Future Energy and Innovation Lab🏆 This is Martin Pumera supervised-received #MarieCurie #Fellowship project #2 and we would like to present the progress on the Powering Wearable Tech with Self-Healing, Sustainable Energy Solutions. With the rise of portable and wearable devices like ⌚ smartwatches and 🧑⚕️ health monitors, the need for reliable, long-lasting power 🔋 sources is more important than ever. Enter triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs)—an innovative technology that converts body movements 💃 🕺 into electricity ⚡ . While TENGs generate low energy, pairing them with supercapacitors (SCs) enables efficient energy storage, creating systems that can capture and store biomechanical energy. 🪫 To enhance durability, scientists are incorporating self-healing materials that repair themselves when damaged. They’re also using 🖨️ 3D printing and recycled materials, like 🍼 plastic bottles, to improve performance and sustainability—transforming waste into valuable components for powering future wearables. This research brings us closer to sustainable, self-powered devices that align with the needs of both consumers and the environment. This fits well with our #Sustainability commitment Future Energy and Innovation Lab at CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology at Brno University of Technology The main awardee, Kalyan Ghosh is now a Newton Fellow University of Cambridge, UK, in the laboratory of Sohini Kar-Narayan. #WearableTech #SustainableInnovation #SelfHealingMaterials #EnergyStorage #CircularEconomy

🏆 #MarieCurie #Fellowship on “Localized catalytic hotspot detection,  manipulation, and creation for Energy Innovations" run at Future Energy and Innovation Lab 🏆 This is Martin Pumera supervised-received #MarieCurie #Fellowship project #3 and we would like to present the progress on the Revolutionizing Hydrogen Energy production. As European Union intensifies its focus on sustainability, hydrogen energy is emerging as a key solution. Producing hydrogen through the 🫧 hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) relies on effective catalysts, and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) offer a promising, low-cost alternative to platinum. However, performance challenges related to subtle chemical and structural variations have held TMDs back from reaching their full potential. Our project is tackling this with a cutting-edge approach: developing TMD nanocomposites that amplify specific “catalytic hotspots” to boost efficiency. Using scanning electrochemical microscopy, we can map electrochemical activity and fine-tune these surfaces at the nanoscale. This localized electrochemistry approach is set to open new avenues in 2D material design and push the boundaries of clean energy technology. 🌿 This fits well with our #Sustainability commitment Future Energy and Innovation Lab, CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology Brno University of Technology Main person of this grant, Christian Iffelsberger, is senior manager of R&D in German company. Project resulted to various papers, including #NatureCommunications Nature Portfolio https://lnkd.in/d3S9Yg6n #SustainableEnergy #HydrogenEconomy #Nanotechnology #Catalysis #2DMaterials

We are exited to welcome three talented PhD. students 🧑🎓 Yanzhen Song, Haohui Li and Ke Cheng coming from China to our international research group. Diversity is the strength of our group, and we’re thrilled to see how their expertise and enthusiasm will contribute to our projects. Let’s work together to push the boundaries of knowledge.  🎉 A warm welcome to our newest group members! 🎉 Future Energy and Innovation Lab CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology Brno University of Technology #Research #PhDstudents #Welcome #CEITECEnergy

🏆 #MarieCurie #Fellowship on “Sustainable Design of 3D-printed Responsive Interfaces for Electrically Monitoring Bistable (Supra)Molecular Switches: Towards 3D-printed Logic Gates " run at Future Energy and Innovation Lab 🏆 This is Martin Pumera supervised-received #MarieCurie #Fellowship project #7 and we would like to present the progress on Revolutionizing Electronics with 🧬 Molecular Computing and 3D Printing. As digital devices evolve, we’re pushing the limits of traditional silicon-based processors. Enter 🧬 molecular 🔌 electronics—a groundbreaking field where individual molecules can perform 🖥️ computing tasks. Nanotechnology reveals that these molecular systems can handle logic functions much like traditional semiconductors but on an even smaller, multifunctional scale. The challenge? Designing and assembling these complex molecular systems. 3D printing offers a powerful, bottom-up solution, enabling precise, layer-by-layer construction of molecular devices. By advancing molecular electronics and sustainable manufacturing methods, this research aims to address societal needs and reshape the future of electronics. This fits well with our #Sustainability commitment Future Energy and Innovation Lab at CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology at Brno University of Technology The main receiver of this MSCA, Jose Muñoz later received #RamonyCajal fellowship and now he runs his own group as #AssistantProfessor Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in Spain. #MolecularElectronics #3DPrinting #Nanotechnology #DigitalInnovation #SustainableTech

🎉 Our group has been honored with not one, but TWO prestigious Director's Awards in 2024! 🌟 Michela Sanna, Ph.D. Sanna has received the "Director's Award for Outstanding PhD Student 2024" for her exceptional research contributions. Dr. Keval Sonigara has been recognized with the "CEITEC BUT Tech Transfer Award 2024" for his innovative work in technology transfer. We are incredibly proud to have such talented and dedicated individuals in our team. Their achievements inspire us all to aim higher and push boundaries. 💪✨ Congratulations, Michela and Keval—you make us proud! 🎉👏 Future Energy and Innovation Lab CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology Brno University of Technology

🇲🇾 Reflecting on my recent visit to Xiamen University Malaysia —an impressively young and dynamic institution in Malaysia 🇲🇾 —I was impressed by its tremendous potential and forward-thinking spirit. I had the pleasure of engaging with Prof. Wee-Jun Ong （王伟俊）, the energetic Director of the Center of Excellence for Nano Energy ⚡ , as well as meeting with the associate president and the dean of the school. During our discussions, we explored cutting-edge topics and I gave talk on 3D printing in energy conversion. It was an inspiring experience that underscored the university’s upward trajectory and the remarkable caliber of its people. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this promising institution.

✨Our 4th Volume of on-site special edition of the Future Innovation Talk Series has successfully concluded! ✨ We were thrilled to host Prof. Alberto Escarpa from the Universidad de Alcalá, Spain, for his inspiring talk on micromotors in biosensing applications. His insights have sparked new possibilities in diagnostics in high mortality rate diseases. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Escarpa and everyone who joined us for this inspiring event. We’re already gearing up for the next edition of the Future Innovation Talk Series in 2025—stay tuned for more groundbreaking talks! Until then, let’s keep the conversation going. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years! Martin Pumera CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology #Innovation #MedicalRobotics #Biosensing #FutureTalks #GlobalEngagement

We’ve developed a 🌳 new generation of recyclable ♻️ supercapacitors that, after their lifetime 🧬 , can be repurposed into components for 🔋 sodium-ion batteries—ensuring no high-value materials go to waste 🗑️ . This approach reduces environmental impact 🌲 , supports circular economy principles ♻️ , and keeps critical resources in use for longer. It’s a meaningful step toward sustainable energy storage solutions and responsible e-waste management. More in detail, we developed green, HF-free synthesis of 2D Ti3C2Tx MXenes and their integration into fully recyclable 3D-printed supercapacitors and sodium-ion batteries. By using molten salt synthesis at lower temperatures and employing an organic additive (oxalic acid) to reduce the melting point of the etchant, we’ve successfully reduced hazardous chemical usage, minimized waste, and lowered energy consumption. The result? High-performance, energy storage devices that can be recycled and repurposed—embodying the “3R” concept (recycle, recover, and reuse). In a practical demonstration, these recyclable supercapacitors powered a digital thermometer and, after their service life, were recovered to produce conductive additives for a sodium-ion battery that powered a glucometer. By keeping valuable materials out of landfills, we’re paving the way for greener, more sustainable electronics. This work highlights a crucial step toward zero-waste devices and supports responsible e-waste management, setting a new standard in environmentally conscious energy solutions. Paper by Bindu, #MSCA-CZ fellow at our Future Energy and Innovation Lab, CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology Brno University of Technology in J. Mater. Chem A (Royal Society of Chemistry), IF 10 https://lnkd.in/gKC3tvz5

🤖 🇸🇬 Last week, I enjoyed visiting the NTU School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering 🦾 🦿 ⚙️ Nanyang Technological University Singapore. It was an inspiring day filled with engaging discussions and fascinating insights into cutting-edge research. I was honored to give a talk on 3D printing and 2D materials, and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the nano- and microrobotics research led by Asst. Prof. Guo Zhan Lum, as well as the advanced 3D printing laboratories of A/P. Hortense LE FERRAND (National Research Foundation Singapore fellow) & Prof. Domenico Campolo and their talented teams. Their innovative work is truly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. 🤖 I look forward to my next visit, where I’ll delve deeper into the world of microrobots! A special thank you to Professor Wai Yee Yeong, Chair of the School, for making these connections possible. And I found time to walk around Nanyang large as well 🌳 #NTU #Engineering #3DPrinting #MaterialsScience #Robotics #Innovation Future Energy and Innovation Lab CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology Brno University of Technology

🏆 #MarieCurie #Fellowship on “Molecularly Imprinted Photocatalytic light-driven micro/nanomotors for selective degradation and detection of pollutants in water and food " run at Future Energy and Innovation Lab 🏆 This is Martin Pumera supervised received #MarieCurie #Fellowship project #8 and we would like to present the progress on the advancing 🤖 microrobotics for water remediation. 🌊 To meet growing 🥗 food demands, agriculture 🥑 has ramped up pesticide use 🐞 , raising concerns about environmental pollution and 🧑⚕️ health risks. European Union stricter food quality regulations call for sensitive systems to detect pesticides in water and food sources. The MSCA project tackles this challenge with groundbreaking technology: ☀️ photocatalytic micro- and nanomotors engineered to selectively detect and degrade specific pesticides and microplastics. Using molecular imprinting and light as an energy source, these tiny, self-propelled devices target only desired pesticides, producing detectable substances without needing toxic fuels. This innovative approach could extend beyond agriculture, opening doors to new applications in water purification, environmental sensing, and medical diagnostics. Resulting paper published in Nature Portfolio #NatureCommunications https://lnkd.in/gruGmznX This fits well with our #Sustainability commitment Future Energy and Innovation Lab at CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology at Brno University of Technology The main holder of this #MSCA fellowship, Mario Urso, is now #AssistantProfessor at Università di Catania, Italy, running his own group. #FoodSafety #AgricultureInnovation #EnvironmentalTech #Nanotechnology #SustainableSolutions