Projects / Programmes
January 1, 2020
- December 31, 2027
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.04.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
|
| 1.02.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physics |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P260 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic and optical properties, supraconductors, magnetic resonance, relaxation, spectroscopy |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
| 1.03 |
Natural Sciences |
Physical sciences |
nanotechnology, intermetallics alloys, quasicrystals, permanent magnets, recycling, ceramics, minerals, sensors, environment, health, materials for electronics, semiconductors, thermoelectric materials, analytical electron microscopy, synthesis, modeling, crystal growth, interfaces
Data for the last 5 years (citations for the last 10 years) on
April 28, 2024;
A3 for period
2018-2022
| Database |
Linked records |
Citations |
Pure citations |
Average pure citations |
| WoS |
1,074 |
19,047 |
16,699 |
15.55 |
| Scopus |
1,094 |
20,759 |
18,317 |
16.74 |
Researchers (48)
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0106 |
Jožef Stefan Institute |
Ljubljana |
5051606000 |
90,753 |
Abstract
The research group is undertaking critical investigations into new, better materials for energy, electronics, sensor technologies, ecology, and health. The proposed research program will innovate in the following areas: a) magnetic materials and intermetallics, b) sensors, materials for sustainable and ecologically built environment and health, c) functional semiconducting and thermoelectric materials, d) learning basic principles of crystal growth and assembly, and e) advanced electron microscopy and materials’ modelling. While the first three fields focus on synthesis and processing of materials with improved properties, the last two combine the most sophisticated state-of-art electron microscopy techniques with the natural phenomena of crystal growth to reveal fundamental principles governing the behavior of matter on the atomic scale. The program is highly interdisciplinary combining knowledge from many fields to enable better understanding of the correlation between materials’ intrinsic properties and their consequent physical properties. In the field of magnetic materials we will continue our world leading research in permanent magnets and will respond to growing problems related to the supply of Critical Raw Materials. In the field of complex metallic alloys, we will continue our joint research with the Institute Jean Lamour, Nancy, France, in the frame of The International Associated Laboratory. In sensory applications we are focused on fully automated sensory devices for detection of toxic organic compounds and humidity using novel electrochemical and resistive sensing principles. In health materials we are involved in cancer treatment with new theranostic approaches with highly sophisticated procedures for the surface treatment of nanoparticles, and also implement advanced oxidation processes such as photo(electro)catalysis to degrade persistent organic compounds from water and air, to develop advanced pollution mitigation systems. Our research in functional semiconducting materials and thermoelectrics contribute to addressing world-wide problems in energy, and our leading expertise in electron microscopy enables advanced fundamental research. Materials modeling and grain boundaries remain one of our unique strengths where we lead worldwide. The program will also encompass prospective emerging fields towards the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), for example the design of hierarchic multi-materials by advanced additive manufacturing. The research is very well aligned with European Commission research and innovation strategy, and is focused in forefront areas of nanotechnology and advanced materials, and is in close relation to Leadership in Enabling and Industrial Technologies frameworks. The program is also very well aligned with the Slovenian Smart Specialization Strategy, supporting the Development to Manufacture and Marketing priority pillars, Material Development as Final Products, health and medicine, and Smart Factories.
Significance for science
We expect that within six years, the interdisciplinary research currently performed within our group specialized in materials and technical sciences will continue to expand from the fundamental fields of physics, chemistry and mineralogy to computer science and artificial intelligence, and many applied engineering fields. There are still many unanswered questions regarding understanding and utilising the intrinsic properties of earth’s dwindling natural resources and materials with the highest possible yields to respond to the ever-growing technological demands of society. Efforts in our field are also key to addressing emerging challenges in energy, building and materials, health care and medicine, and climate change and pollution mitigation.
The proposed research program will innovate in the following areas: a) magnetic materials and intermetallics, b) sensors, materials for sustainable and ecological built environment and health, c) functional semiconducting and thermoelectric materials, d) learning basic principles of crystal growth and assembly, and e) advanced electron microscopy and materials’ modelling. While the first three fields focus on synthesis and processing of materials with improved properties, the last two combine the most sophisticated state-of-art electron microscopy techniques with the natural phenomena of crystal growth to reveal fundamental principles governing the behaviour of matter on the atomic scale. The program is highly interdisciplinary combining knowledge from many fields to enable better understanding of the correlation between materials’ intrinsic properties and their consequent physical properties. In the field of magnetic materials we contribute to world leading research in permanent magnets thus responding to growing problems related to the supply of Critical Raw Materials such as Rare Earth Elements. In the field of complex metallic alloys, we base our research on understanding fundamental properties trying to unlock the applied properties within common research activities with the Institute Jean Lamour in the frame of The International Associated Laboratory. In sensor applications we are focused on fully automated sensoric devices for detection of toxic organic compounds and humidity using novel electrochemical and resistive sensing principles. In health materials we are exploring novel approaches for cancer treatment developing multifunctional theranostic approaches with highly sophisticated procedures for the surface treatment of nanoparticles. We also implement advanced oxidation processes such as photo(electro)catalysis to degrade persistent organic compounds from water and air, to develop advanced pollution mitigation systems. Our research in functional semiconducting materials and thermoelectrics contribute to addressing world-wide problems in energy, and our leading expertise in electron microscopy enables advanced fundamental research. Materials modelling and grain boundaries is one of our unique strengths where we lead worldwide.
Significance for the country
Our research programme accelerates development in many different segments of industry striving to push innovation beyond the national level. The generated know-how, which has high potential for technological breakthroughs, will be patented and exploited towards stakeholders and industry, improving significantly the economic viability and market potential, creating added value, and new jobs in advanced material production and nanotechnologies, equipment manufacturing and downstream industries. Specifically, in the field of nano, micro and bulk fabrication of an innovative line of products for the European market, we will be pursuing net-shaped high performance permanent magnets as a final product (with Magneti Ljubljana, Kolektor Group, Domel, ABB Switzerland), powerful new tools for production of cost-effective technologies diminishing supply risk of critical raw materials (with Gorenje, Zeos, Kolektor, Magneti and EU recycling companies ROCKLING, STENA) with the aim to incubate new business opportunities, create nanostructured portable sensors with greatly improved performance (with SMEs Impedanca, Dawesoft, and IOS and large industry players Gorenje, Bosch, and ABB). We will also be developing novel water/air/microplastic purification/cleaning methods (with partners Gorenje, Arhel and AquaViva), improving clinical translation of nanomedicine from bench to bedside via new, custom-made materials and by performing advanced analyses (with Medex and Aczon NanoBioTech and through new collaborations with SME's through the COST Action Nano2Clinic), enhancing performance and new types of varistor ceramics for overvoltage protection (Varsi, Keko Varicon), targeting breakthroughs in the efficiency of oxide thermoelectric materials by defect engineering and development of thermoelectric energy harvesting, and pursuing radically new methods for the quantum-mechanic assembly of hierarchic nanomaterials for future nanotechnology applications. We are also extremely active in obtaining external EU funding, now critical for ambitious science, and are accelerating efforts in new company creation, and management of research intellectual property.
Bridging the TRL gap. At present very few high-tech SMEs have emerged in Slovenia utilising our scientific excellence. Our research focus is well aligned with Key Enabling Technologies and Slovenian S4 strategy, specifically in the area of micro and nanoelectronics, nanotechnology, advanced materials, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Typical examples of successful translation from lab (TRLs 1-4) to market (TRLs 5-9) in recent years have been in the fields of varistor ceramics and new types of permanent magnets critical for renewable energy and smart mobility.
An important part of our activities is dedicated to inspiring and educating the younger generation of scientists by including them in our research work via praxis or Bachelor, Master, PhD theses, and post-docs, building careers of excellence that contribute to the country’s transition to a knowledge-based economy. The results achieved during the program will improve the scientific excellence of the groups and their visibility at the European and worldwide levels, and attract and retain Europe’s most talented young researchers, extremely important for broadening the specialization and engineering skills of the next generation. Members of the program group are elected in the Faculty for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Faculty for Physics and Mathematics, Faculty for Natural Sciences, and the Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School. The programme further exploits a rich and diversified pathway to disseminate and communicate results to all potential stakeholders, including NGOs and funding agencies, as well as outreach to the general public through reports to traditional media such as specialized monographs, contributions in newspapers, video, radio and TV interviews, school and science fair talks, and guided tours of labora
