We visited Promatech in Košice. Many thanks go to Maros Halama, who presented us with the tasks and laboratories in an accessible way. Promatech was founded as a joint project of several academic institutions and industrial partners, and since then, it has been at the forefront of research and development in the fields of advanced materials and technologies. The centre's primary goal is to create innovative solutions that can be applied in various industries, using a multidisciplinary approach that combines expertise from different scientific fields such as physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering.
One of the key research areas of Promatech is nanomaterials. At the centre, researchers are exploring the properties of materials at the nanoscale level and developing new materials with unique properties that can be used in a wide range of applications. For example, by controlling the size and shape of nanoparticles, scientists can create materials with enhanced electrical conductivity, improved mechanical strength, and greater resistance to corrosion and wear.
Another area of expertise at Promatech is functional materials. These materials have specific properties that can be used to perform a specific function, such as sensing, actuation, or energy storage. Promatech researchers are exploring different types of functional materials, including piezoelectric materials, which generate electrical charges when subjected to mechanical stress, and thermoelectric materials, which can convert heat into electrical energy.
Promatech is also focused on renewable energy, and its researchers are working on developing new materials and technologies that can contribute to the transition to a sustainable energy system. For example, they are exploring new types of solar cells, energy storage devices, and fuel cells that can be used to generate and store clean energy.
The research activities at Promatech are not limited to advanced materials, however. The centre is also home to experts in advanced manufacturing technologies, including 3D printing, laser processing, and microfabrication. These technologies can be used to create complex structures and devices with high precision and accuracy, which can be used in various applications, from medical implants to aerospace components.
In addition to research and development, Promatech also provides education and training in the field of advanced materials and technologies. The centre offers courses, workshops, and seminars for students, researchers, and industry professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills in the field.
Promatech is equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities, including a cleanroom for nanofabrication, advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, and various testing and characterization equipment. The centre also has a pilot line for producing functional materials and devices.