Laboratory of Hybrid Nanomaterials and Interfaces

The Hybrid Nanomaterials and Interfaces Group is a dedicated research collective focused on the design, synthesis, characterisation, and application of advanced hybrid nanomaterials and interfaces. Our core mission is to leverage the unique properties that emerge from combining materials and examining their effects at the interface, addressing critical challenges in sustainable energy, advanced catalysis, functional material development, and biological interfaces.

Our primary research areas include:

• Polydopamine-Based Systems: We investigate polydopamine for its utility in energy production, specifically hydrogen generation, various photocatalytic applications, and its relevance in bio-integrated systems due to its biocompatibility. Our work includes developing controlled polydopamine thin films and understanding their integration into functional hybrid heterojunctions and biological environments.
• Flexoelectricity and Photoflexoelectricity: We explore these phenomena, which involve the coupling between mechanical strain gradients and electrical polarization. Our research focuses on their fundamental mechanisms and potential for energy harvesting from mechanical stimuli, with implications for future bio-sensing and medical devices.
• Advanced Thin Films and Coatings: We possess expertise in developing and characterizing thin films and coatings, with an emphasis on controlling their mechanical properties and achieving desired two-dimensional (2D)-like structures. This includes materials with potential for biomedical applications.
• Diverse Hybrid Materials for Catalysis and Flexible Electronics: Beyond polydopamine, we develop tailored hybrid materials to enhance specific functionalities in catalysis (e.g., environmental remediation) and flexible electronics (e.g., electrodes for sensing and substrates). This also extends to developing advanced bio-integrated devices leveraging hybrid nanomaterials.

The group employs a comprehensive array of methodologies, including advanced synthesis techniques (e.g., self-assembly, nanoparticle synthesis, electrospinning, thin-film deposition) and state-of-the-art characterization tools (e.g., SEM, TEM, XPS, FTIR, mechanical testing, electrochemical methods). This integrated approach allows us to thoroughly investigate structure-property relationships and evaluate material performance in specific applications, including those at biological interfaces.

We are committed to advancing the fundamental understanding of interfacial phenomena and paving the way for more efficient and sustainable energy technologies, advanced catalytic processes, and the development of smart materials with precisely tailored properties for diverse applications, including bio-integrated electronics and medical technologies.

Group members:

Researchers:

• dr hab, Olena Ivashchenko, Prof UAM.
• dr Karol Zalenski
• dr Jakub Szewczyk

Postdocs:

• dr Mieszko Kołodziej
• dr Paulina Błaszkiewicz

PhD Students:

• Daniel Aguilar-Ferrer
• Agata Henschke
• Angela Lalatovic
• Michał Budziałowski
• Divyasree Radhakrishnan

Undergraduate:

• Zuzanna Łukasiewicz
• Martyna Kamińska