KUROWSKÁ, A. 2D metalo-organické sítě připravené z organických karbonitrilových sloučenin na slabě interagujících substrátech [online]. Brno: Vysoké učení technické v Brně. Fakulta strojního inženýrství. 2023.

Posudek vedoucího

Blatnik, Matthias

Ms. Kurowská wrote her thesis on the topic “2D Metal-Organic Frameworks from Organic Carbonitrile Molecules on Weakly Interacting Substrates”. In her thesis, Ms. Kurowská investigates the adsorption, phase formation of molecular self-assembly of organic carbonitrile molecules, and subsequently the creation of metal-organic frameworks including these molecules first on the coinage metals Ag(111) and Au(111). She further studies the possibility of transferring the obtained recipes to the surface of the weakly interacting (0001) surface of the topological insulator Bi2Se3. After reviewing the state-of-the-art concerning the adsorption of molecular phases of organic carbonitrile molecules and the formation of metal-organic networks including them on relevant substrates, Ms. Kurowská describes the main goals, which was the experimental investigation of the adsorption of carbonitrile molecules on low index coinage metals surfaces and formation of metal-organic frameworks. During the experimental work, she had to do pioneering adsorption and characterization studies as the chosen molecule was not previously used in our research group. These tasks Ms. Kurowská mastered in an excellent manner and even superseded them explicitly by investigating not only one but more than one candidate molecule and its incorporation into a 2D metal-organic framework and explored ways how to transfer these impressions and recipes to a weakly interacting substrate, e.g., the (0001) surface of the topological insulator Bi2Se3. I am happy to report thus, that Ms. Kurowská has succeeded and even exceeded in all of the tasks imposed onto her even though the achieved results were very difficult to analyze and understand. Ms. Kurowská’s work in the laboratory was excellent, completely independent, professional, and extremely motivated to go to extended lengths to master her task. In addition, I can report that Ms. Kurowská mastered the task of writing about her work in a highly scientific way and on an excellent level.

Posudek oponenta

Torre, Bruno de la

This master's thesis creates a favorable impression on the reader by employing a well-designed structure. The theory chapter provides essential information that enables comprehension of the results and discussion sections. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the manuscript stays focused on the topic, with each part seamlessly connected in a logical sequence. Overall, the text exhibits proficient style and grammar. It is important to mention that a few typos and minor grammatical errors are present, which is common. However, considering that the student is not a native speaker, the quality of the work surpasses the average standard. Takin into account the level of difficulty of a technique such as STM in UHV conditions, the results showed in the manuscript are of high quality. That implies a lot of effort from the student’s side to achieve enough proficiency in order to obtain the images and spectroscopies presented. After reading the whole manuscript, I find interesting the fundamental physics behind the results. I would also like to mention the importance of collaborating with the proper groups in order to extend the depth of understanding of the problem. 1. Fulfilment of requirements and objectives of assignment In particular, the thesis declares, "The primary objective of this study is to construct a 2D MOF using organic carbonitrile molecules on weakly interacting substrates." However, this objective has only been accomplished on the Ag(111) surface, which, in the field of surface science, is not regarded as a weakly interacting surface when compared to other suggested 2D materials. Although the intended goal was not fully realized, the thesis successfully encompasses several significant milestones towards the completion of this highly ambitious project. 2. Working process, extent and suitability of applied methods The planning and execution of the experiments are well aligned with the thesis framework. The chosen techniques are highly suitable and contribute to the successful achievement of the primary objective. 3. Scholarly contribution and originality While the concept of MOF formation on topological insulator surfaces and the proposed molecular systems may not be entirely original, this research has explored numerous novel phenomena in the field of molecular self-assembly. Several unanswered questions have emerged, presenting exciting research prospects. Notably, the utilization of the Bi2Se3 sample is particularly innovative. 4. Ability to interpret achieved results and draw conclusions The interpretation of the data presented in the manuscript is reliable and dependable. The student has made a genuine effort to extract as much information as possible from the acquired data, offering plausible analysis. The discussion follows a logical sequence that reflects the student's thought process in designing the experiment and determining the subsequent steps. 5. Applicability of results in practice or theory As mentioned earlier, the research delves into the fundamental comprehension of molecular processes in self-assembly on surfaces. Although there is no immediate apparent practical application of the findings, it paves the way for exploring and gaining insights into new physico-chemical phenomena occurring on significant surfaces of topological insulators. This research holds the potential to unlock further understanding in this field. 6. Logical arrangement of thesis and its layout As mentioned previously, the thesis exhibits a well-structured format, with the introduction and methods chapters providing essential information for understanding the results and discussion sections. However, I have a few minor remarks to share. In the theory chapter, there is a lack of theoretical content and instead, it primarily serves as an introduction to the field of surface science. While there is an extensive discussion on nucleation theory, it only covers a small portion of the experimental results and the presentation of analytical techniques. Therefore, the title "Theory" for this chapter may not be appropriate, as it mainly focuses on providing the necessary background. Additionally, there is a notable absence of crucial information concerning the Bi2Se3 sample, such as its acquisition method, which should have been included in this chapter. 7. Graphic layout, used style and language level The figures presented in the thesis are generally clear and informative. The use of appropriate colors and font sizes in figures and graphs aids in understanding the key findings being conveyed by the student. The image captions provide descriptive and illustrative information, effectively assisting in comprehending the results. 8. Work with used sources including quotations In this regard, the student has made appropriate choices regarding the citations, making it convenient to locate the relevant details when necessary.

eVSKP id 150185