Ceramic materials can contribute to the development of alternative energy sources | Gdańsk University of Technology

At the University of Arizona, prof. Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń will conduct research at the Navrotsky Eyring Center for Materials, under the supervision of prof. Alexandra Navrotsky, one of the world's most eminent specialists in the field of ceramics.

 – I have already had the opportunity to work with professor Navrotsky on another project, at the University of California in Davis – explains the researcher – My trip to Arizona will be a continuation of my work on ceramics at the Ceramics Group. The innovation here, however, is the type of these materials. These are high-centropic oxides, materials with very interesting properties, discovered only a few years ago. Research work under the supervision of prof. Navrotsky is concerned with the thermodynamics of the formation of these oxides. As a result, data will be obtained that will allow to better understand the properties of this very interesting group of materials.

These are not all the plans for this year. After arriving from Arizona, prof. Mielewczyk-Gryń will continue research on ceramic materials at Kyushu University in Japan. She has just received a scholarship as part of the Bekker Program of the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAAE). Scholarships under this Program cover the costs of stays in renowned research centers abroad. Prof. Gryń is among 126 scholarship holders who will conduct research, among others in the field of natural, social, engineering and technical sciences, as well as medical sciences and humanities. Almost five hundred scientists from all over Poland applied for the scholarship.

–In Japan, I will work at the International Institute of Carbon-Neutral Energy Research. Together with other scientists under the supervision of prof. Aleksandar Staykov, we will try to find materials with the best electrical properties, which are stable and can be used to produce ready-made fuel cells containing hydrogen. Many industries around the world are interested in such research because it is the near future for alternative energy sources. There are hydrogen-powered cars in California already, and a network of hydrogen stations is being built in Germany.

Until now, prof. Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń cooperated with research centers in the United States, Brazil, Spain, Norway, Great Britain, Israel, India, France and Romania.

–I really like working in various research teams and at various universities. The last year was not good for travelling. I hope that the coronavirus will not thwart my plans for this year - adds the scientist.