We are a young and dynamic research group established in April 2025 with the support of the prestigious Junior Star grant (24-11928M). Our mission is to investigate and control the properties of molecular materials, with a particular focus on electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and molecular magnetism. Through extensive collaborations, our research spans a wide range of fields, from water decontamination, catalysis, and photophysics to the mechanisms of anticancer drugs, the generation of reactive oxygen species, the study of defects in ceramic materials, and the development of radicals for advanced magnetic resonance applications. We actively engage students at all levels, from high school and undergraduate students to PhD candidates, Erasmus trainees, and postdoctoral researchers from the Czech Republic and abroad. Our work is supported by the GAČR Junior Star project, institutional funding, the City of Brno's PhD Talent programme, and European funding initiatives, including the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
EPR spectroscopy is a versatile technique that helps us understand the behavior of molecular systems with unpaired electrons. It is used in areas ranging from studying biomolecules and heterogeneous catalysts to developing renewable energy materials and quantum technologies.
One of the most exciting real-life applications is quantum computing. Qubits, the building blocks of quantum computers, promise to revolutionize fields that demand fast and efficient calculations — such as artificial intelligence, materials design, cybersecurity, and climate modeling. Current qubit technologies rely on superconductors and require extremely low temperatures, which limits scalability. Our research explores molecular materials as an alternative platform because of their flexibility, tunability, and potential for operating under less restrictive conditions.
Our group has received research grants, published work, and established collaborations in the Czech Republic and abroad.
Although recently established, our group have already achieved notable successes, such as the Junior Star grant (24-11928M) awarded to the head of the group (PI) and an internal grant within CEITEC BUT awarded to our PhD student, Luan Gonçalves de Lima. We also hosted students from foreign universities within the Erasmus program, who participated in our research activities. In cooperation with JCMM (South Moravian Centre for International Mobility), one high-school student has received support to develop a project and initiate his path in science via the Středoškolská odborná činnost (SOČ) program.
One important aspect of the group is the promotion of good scientific practices, the valorization of soft skills, and the mentoring of students from diverse backgrounds and career stages. Besides, we have established active cooperation with research groups both within CEITEC and internationally.
We investigate molecular systems with unpaired electrons using spectroscopy, synthesis, and data analysis.
Our research spans multidisciplinary areas at the interface of chemistry, physics, and materials science, with three main directions.
1) Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectroscopy:
We use EPR to probe fundamental parameters such as g-values, hyperfine interactions, and zero-field splittings, which reveal the intrinsic properties of unpaired electrons in materials. At CEITEC BUT, we have the unique capability of performing high-frequency/high-field EPR (HFEPR) and magnetic Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FIRMS) on a custom-built instrument, enabling superior spectral resolution and sensitivity. This allows us to uncover details often invisible at conventional frequencies, which is crucial for understanding molecular magnetic materials and their potential technological applications. Besides, we explore the CEITEC Nano core facilities to support the structural, magnetic and spectroscopy properties of the studied materials.
2) Chemical Synthesis:
We synthesize new transition metal complexes and organic radicals tailored for magnetic resonance studies. These compounds are designed for potential use in molecular magnetism (e.g. single-molecule magnets), dynamic nuclear polarization, and magnetic resonance imaging.
3) Data Analysis and Modeling:
Our work emphasizes advanced analysis and simulation of EPR spectra, extracting key information about electronic and magnetic structures. By linking experimental results with theoretical models, we establish precise structure–property relationships, guiding us throughout research goals ranging from the design of next-generation molecular materials for quantum technologies to the identification of radicals for biochemical and catalytic applications.
