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 focus on electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and molecular magnetism. Despite our recent formation, our activities span a wide range of scientific fields via collaborations, including water remediation, catalysis, photophysics, mechanisms of anticancer drugs, formation of reactive oxygen species, detection of antioxidant activity in biological systems (e.g. honeybees), defects/dopants in ceramics, and the development of radicals for advanced magnetic resonance applications. We actively engage with the next generation of scientists, involving students from high school to PhD level, Erasmus fellows, and postdoctoral researchers from the Czech Republic and abroad. Our work is supported by the GACR Junior Star project, internal institutional funding, from the City of Brno within the PhD talent program and ongoing applications to European programs such as 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 research spans multidisciplinary areas at the interface of chemistry, physics, and materials science, with three main directions: 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. 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. 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.
Not much so far, we are a new group since April only. But before becoming an actual independent group, we have developed and worked in many fields such as water remediation, catalysis for new technologies, photo physics, mechanism of drugs for cancer treatment. One of my main achievements I consider the 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. 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.
