Projects / Programmes
CHEMISTRY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
January 1, 2017
- December 31, 2021
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.04.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P003 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.04 |
Natural Sciences |
Chemical sciences |
sustainability, green chemistry, TiO2-photocatalysis, visible light, pollutant mineralization, CO2 reduction, VO2 thermochromic thin films, Mo and W oxidase enzymes, oxidative transformations of organic compounds, natural oxidants, animal biochar, soil remediation, curcumin
Researchers (29)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Materials and processes suitable for sustainable applications will be studied in this programme, taking benefits from joint expertise of inorganic and organic chemists in the group. Photocatalytic thin films and powders of TiO2 active in visible light will be prepared using the sol-gel method. Visible light sensitivity will be achived by doping TiO2 with metals and non-metals applying new approaches of inorganic synthesis. Several techniques will be used for deposition of TiO2 on different supports. To specify the efficiency of these photocatalysts, specially designed reactors will be used for water treatment application and for artificial photosynthesis (CO2 reduction to produce solar fuels). Regarding coatings for windows, their photoinduced anti-fogging characteristics will be examined by measuring water contact angles, self-cleaning characteristics through degradation of a solid deposit and self-sterilizing properties by using viability assays on model bacteria. Outcomes of the mentioned functional tests together with modern structural characterization will be used to fine tune dopant concentration and preparation conditions to optimize the performances of photocatalyst. Thermochromic VO2 will be prepared by sol-gel and hydrothermal synthesis starting from inorganic precursors. Its semiconductor-to-metal phase transition temperature of about 68oC is too high for application on »green windows« and should be lowered to ambient one. Lowering the transition temperature will be accomplished by doping with selected metals. Dopant concentration together with preparation conditions will be adjusted to optimize the performance of thermochromic VO2. Transition metal oxo species appear as catalytic centres in molybdenum and tungsten oxidase enzymes. Mimicking nature by model compounds like MoVIO2L and MoIVOL will be carried out to get insight into the mechanism of oxidative reactions of these enzymes and to assess the possibility of their practical application. Aerobic oxidative transformations of organic compounds induced by atmospheric oxygen can also be catalyzed by compounds bearing reactive nitroxyl radicals. We will focus on development of new reaction systems for oxidation and oxidative halogenations of organic compounds and transformation of alcohols to other derivatives using new type of catalysts. Besides aerobic also anaerobic process, e.g. pyrolysis of waste such as meat and bone meal in low oxygen atmosphere will be studied to prepare biochar of animal origin and to evaluate the impact of pyrolytic conditions on physico-chemical characteristics of prepared animal biochar (ABC). Furthermore the use of ABC as potential remediation solution, as fertiliser and metal immobilization agents for degraded metal contaminated area (e.g. tailings impoundments), where plant growth is seriously inhibited due to high concentrations of potentially toxic elements, low water retention capacity and low concentrations of nutrients, will be evaluated.
Significance for science
Work packages of the programme follow the priorities, that are defined in Horizon 2020 strategy, the current framework programme of European community. Sustainable development is an integral objective of Horizon 2020. Excellent science and innovation are key factors that will help Europe to move towards smart, sustainable, inclusive growth, and along the way to tackle its pressing societal challenges. Following priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy, our programme will be focussed on secure, clean and efficient energy, green chemistry and technology, and sustainable approach to management of the environment. We will follow the excellence in research with a strong tendency toward inovation and industrial co-operation. It is the way we intend to support european science excellence and contribute to industrial inovation of our industry.
Significance for the country
The proposed programme is an important contribution to sustainable development of Slovenia. The importance of the programme for Slovenia´s socio-economic and cultural development are:
a new kowledge and education of top inorganic and organic chemists
contribution to benign chemistry processes, which are friendly to the nature
development of renewable energy technologies
implementation of sustainable environmental technologies
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2017,
2018,
2019
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2017,
2018,
2019
