Innochem

LITHUANIAN ROADMAP FOR RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURES (RI)

Participating institutions:

FTMC Insitute of Chemistry
Vilnius University Faculty of Chemistry

Summary:

The development of new high technology products requires modern materials that have to meet the increasing quality requirements; therefore, significant attention has to be devoted to the development of fundamental research in the area of synthesis and development of new materials, as well as the evaluation of their qualities. A major technological breakthrough is associated with the application of new materials in the areas of electronics, optoelectronics, laser technologies, biotechnologies and others. The Centre of Innovative Chemistry (INOCHEMAS) is established with a view to strengthening the infrastructure required for the production and description of complex structure materials to be used for the purpose of innovative technologies.

The Need for and the Purpose of the RI:

One of the key objectives of INOCHEMAS is the development of an infrastructure required for the studying and production of high added value chemical substances and products. Such infrastructure is expected to enhance the efficiency of the R&D activities in chemistry, and strengthen the cooperation with industry in the area of chemistry. INOCHEMAS is intended to become a centre for the development of technologies for the generation of new functional materials, the establishment of new spinoff start-ups for the purpose of their commercialisation or, alternatively, for the application of such technologies at high-tech, laser, light conversion, biotechnology and similar companies launching their operations in Lithuania.

Activities and Services:

Currently the Institute of Chemistry of the FTMC (FTMC Chl) provides a range of services, including the analysis of the chemical and physical composition of solid materials and solutions, deposition and characterisation of coatings, expert evaluation of corrosion damage, hazardous waste decontamination or regeneration of valuable elements. The Faculty of Chemistry of the VU (VU ChF) provides different services in chemical analysis of substances. The INOCHEMO RI will expand the range of services adding the synthesis (production) of substances, i.e. the synthesis of substances on individual orders and the deposition of friction-resistant aluminium, nickel or precious metal coatings.

Each of the partners individually intends to establish new or modernise the existing laboratories (5 laboratories at the FTMC Chl and 8 laboratories at VU Chl) installing unique synthesis and analysis equipment which will be used for high pressure and high temperature hydrothermal/ solvothermal synthesis, the synthesis of thin layers and membranes of functional materials, the synthesis and trials of micro quantities of organic compounds, the analysis of innovative materials, the development of biological sensors, the synthesis of optical materials and the production of coatings. The laboratories will be supplied with equipment enabling most advanced synthesising of complex structure materials required for innovative technologies, extracting their layers, membranes or coatings, and evaluating the indicators and qualities of synthesised materials.

The synthesis of micro quantities of organic compounds (especially important for biotechnology and industry), and the production of coatings of optical materials, thin layers and membranes of functional materials (relevant for electronics and optoelectronics industry) are possible only having established new laboratories equipped with unique and state-of-the-art apparatuses and devices. The systems integrating several different methods of analysis allow obtaining valuable information on the qualities of innovative materials and their practical applicability in a more accurate, complete and faster way. Unique equipment makes it possible to carry out experiments in a quality manner, and compete more successfully on the international research arena by publishing the results in most important scientific journals, carry out joint research with foreign partners, and obtain patents for the results of the research.

Structure and International Cooperation:

INOCHEMAS will bring together specialists in chemistry and chemical materials science of the FTMC and the VU into a single nucleus. As part of INOCHEMA, three new joint FTMC Chl and VU Chl research laboratories of Material Analysis, Organic Synthesis and PCVD Trail Test will be established within the framework of the Saulėtekis valley.

The Centre of Innovative Chemistry will be responsible for coordinating the participation of Lithuanian higher education and research institutions in the international consortium European Spallation Source (ESS), a future multi-disciplinary research centre based on the world’s most powerful and modern neutron source.

INOCHEMAS intends to participate in the Excellent Nordic Chemistry programme funded by the Nordic research board NordForsk. For Lithuanian chemists, it is a matter of strategic importance to maintain continuous relations with partners from Scandinavian universities, institutes and industry entities, since the universities of Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden provide the world’s best material synthesis and characterisation equipment.

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