The Institute of Thermomechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences is a public research institution focusing on basic and interdisciplinary research in applied physics, particularly fluid dynamics and thermodynamics, dynamics and vibrations in solid bodies and mechanical systems, impact and waves in solids, ultrasound methods for studying mechanical properties of solid materials, electrical engineering and electrophysics.
The Institute of Thermomechanics has several branches across the Czech Republic. Although the Institute is focused primarily on basic research, it maintains extensive collaboration with large industrial companies as well as dynamic and technology-oriented SMBs. Our research has a strongly interdisciplinary character and is relevant to mechanical, power and environmental engineering, biomechanics and electrical engineering.
In the field of hydrogen technologies, the Institute focuses on the development of methods of synthesis and deposition of metal nanomaterials using the principle of aerosol synthesis by spark discharge. We use nanopowders synthesized from the platinum-group metals (such as platinum, iridium, palladium, ruthenium) and their mixtures to produce catalytic layers for PEM hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysers, and we characterize their performance and durability. Our research in this area is motivated by the use of hydrogen technologies for energy storage.