Fyzikální ústav Akademie věd ČR

Our published works complete experimental and theoretical research of perovskite cobaltites LnCoO₃ (Ln = La, Y, rare earth). Systematic calculations of the stability of different Co³⁺ spin states in the perovskite structure have proved that the transition in LaCoO₃ at T = 100 K consists of a local excitation from the LS ground state to the close-lying HS state, and pointed to a strong repulsion between neighboring HS states.  The full text >>

Nanomaterials based on magnetic oxides have formed an important part of our research almost for ten years. Major efforts have been directed towards finding novel methods for the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles with precisely controlled magnetic properties and for advanced modification of their surface, including organic functionalization. At the same time, their magnetism and structural peculiarities have been thoroughly studied and compared to bulk samples based on SQUID magnetometry, x-ray and neutron diffraction measurements, Mössbauer spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and determination of oxygen stoichiometry. Principal studies have been focussed on monodisperse ferrite nanoparticles and nanocrystalline phases of ferromagnetic manganites La_1-xSr_xMnO₃.

Thermoelectric effect is an ability of a given material to produce voltage when temperature gradient is present, thus converting thermal energy to electric energy. Thermoelectric power generation technology is expected to improve the total efficiency of energy utilization and to suppress the consumption of fossil fuels.