Ferroelectricity at the Nanoscale: Confined Water as a Model Dipolar System
Public support
Provider
Czech Science Foundation
Programme
Standard projects
Call for proposals
SGA0202600001
Main participants
Univerzita Karlova / Matematicko-fyzikální fakulta
Contest type
VS - Public tender
Contract ID
26-24123S
Alternative language
Project name in Czech
Ferroelectricity at the Nanoscale: Confined Water as a Model Dipolar System
Annotation in Czech
This project explores the dielectric and vibrational behavior of water molecules confined in nanoscale cavities within crystalline solids. While bulk water lacks long-range dipolar order, confinement may enable new phases, including incipient or true ferroelectric states. Using broadband dielectric spectroscopy, complemented by thermodynamic methods and inelastic neutron scattering, we will investigate a range of natural and artificial hydrated minerals that exhibit sub-nanometer structural channels. The goal is to identify quantum and classical ordering phenomena and clarify how confinement geometry, isotopic composition, and external fields influence dipole dynamics. The study builds on recent observations of soft vibrational modes and low-temperature dielectric anomalies in beryl, and aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms of dipolar interactions in confined systems. The findings may have broader implications for quantum materials, nanotechnology, and bio-inspired electronics.
Scientific branches
R&D category
ZV - Basic research
OECD FORD - main branch
10302 - Condensed matter physics (including formerly solid state physics, supercond.)
OECD FORD - secondary branch
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OECD FORD - another secondary branch
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CEP - equivalent branches <br>(according to the <a href="http://www.vyzkum.cz/storage/att/E6EF7938F0E854BAE520AC119FB22E8D/Prevodnik_oboru_Frascati.pdf">converter</a>)
BM - Solid-state physics and magnetism
Solution timeline
Realization period - beginning
Jan 1, 2026
Realization period - end
Dec 31, 2028
Project status
Z - Beginning multi-year project
Latest support payment
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Data delivery to CEP
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data delivery code
CEP26-GA0-GA-R
Data delivery date
Apr 27, 2026
Finance
Total approved costs
9,284 thou. CZK
Public financial support
8,789 thou. CZK
Other public sources
495 thou. CZK
Non public and foreign sources
0 thou. CZK