Projects / Programmes
Razvoj materialov po sol-gel postopkih in njihova uporaba v sistemih za izkoriščanje nekonvencionalnih virov energije (SG-MAT-SYS) (Slovene)
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.04.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
| 2.03.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Energy engineering |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P352 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Surface and boundary layery chemistry |
| P401 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Electrochemistry |
| P305 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Environmental chemistry |
| T155 |
Technological sciences |
Coatings and surface treatment |
Researchers (19)
Organisations (3)
Significance for science
An understanding of structure-properties correlation of sol-gel materials, in particular organic-inorganic hybrids (OIH), represents the most important outcome of research implemented in this Programme. OIH due to the ease of their production, mild synthesis conditions and possibility to prepare high-tech materials with multifunctional properties instigated research worldwide in many laboratories. (i) In comparison to simple sol-gel OIH and monofunctionalized POSS, multifunctionalized POSS (MF POSS) with RxRy(SiO3/2)n (x+y = n = 8, 10, 12,...) and RxRyRz(SiO3/2)n (x+y+z = = 8, 10, 12,...) structures are particularly challenging because of relatively few MF POSS existing compounds and the fact that the most appropriate synthesis routes for their commercial fabrication still have to be established. The most current problem is to find synthesis routes which would give MF POSS without employing annoying purification needed to get well-defined MF POSS. Some of MF POSS preferably appear in octameric, other as T10 or T12 polyhedra (phenyl polyhedra) while MF POSS containing perfluoro groups usually consist of various cube-like species (AP2IO4PF2 POSS). Undoubtedly, this is a fertile area of research with high potential for publishing results in high quality journals. (ii) It is obvious that in order to gather information relevant for the structure of MF POSS thin films appropriate experimental techniques have to be developed. One of the most promising is infrared reflection-absorption (IR RA ) spectroscopy performed at near-grazing conditions and with polarized IR light, apropriate for corrosion studies of thin coatings, in-situ spectroelectrochemical studies of intercalation films, etc. However, widespread use of this method has been hindered due to the need for applying calculations bringing about information about absorption spectra. The adherence of various substances to different surfaces undoubtedly represent widening of research in nowadays actual directions (health), among them also to research of POSS impregnation of textile fabrics. The main goal is to understand the interactions assuring firm attachment of various alkoxysilane and MF POSS compounds on textile fabrics enabling their multiple washing. Attenuated total reflection IR (IR ATR) spectroscopic technique will be employed for this purpose. Oleophobic finishes for cotton bandages for wounds should be mentioned due to their importance for the pharmaceutical industry. Finally, the relevance of MF POSS in solar energy materials has to be mentioned. For these materials the synergy between the scientific relevance and technical importance is typical because even the most successful practical solution could not penetrate the solar market without in-depth understanding of their structure and functioning. Finally, the novelty of this Programme weer stability issues of materials which are important for solar energy materials' research. This research goes beyond the materials investigated and developed in the frame of this Programme and could be easily extended to materials important for photovoltaics (encapsulating plastics for silicon wafers), stability of various dyes important for long-term functioning of photoelectrochemical cells of Graetzel type, framing materials for solar thermal collectors, encapsulating thermochromic chameleon organic dyes used for heat protecting paint coatings, etc. The list of materials could be easily extended to already studied degradation of pesticides, excellently performed in the period from 2004-2008. All these examples clearly show that even simple and frequently overlooked problems become important due to the changing needs of everyday life (energy consumption…).
Significance for the country
General impact of the Progam could be expressed by the following general facts: - Development of materials for new technologies and collecting basic knowledge about their structure - Reduction of costs for their production and manufacturing by the optimization of the corresponding processes - Introduction of more environmentally-friendly production and products - Strengthening of technological and scientific background in Slovenia enabling the production of new materials by fast exchange of knowledge - Rational use of research equipment - Fostering of new knowledge in the scientific and industrial environment (paint fabrication, solar technologies) Direct impact of this Programme on the socio-economic development is foreseen from the following: - Mastering of sol-gel processing (NIC) and the preparation of ensuing materials will contribute to Slovene industry to fabricate new solar energy systems at a lower price. - The present situation in Europe favors the development of solar thermal technologies. A strong focus is given to the development of the solar building (low or zero energy), where at least 50 % of the thermal energy needs would be covered by the energy obtained from solar collector systems. The clear target expressed in documents of the European Solar Thermal Technology Platform (www.esttp.org) was quantitatively established by setting as a minimal goal that each householder should have solar energy in the house to heat water. In Southern Europe (where Slovenia belongs) this means at least 0.5 m2 (0.35 kWh) of solar collector per person and in Northern Europe closer to twice as much. This means that we are facing the challenge of going from the current less than 20 Mm2 (14 GWh) installed solar collectors to more than 300 Mm2 (210 GWh) in 22 years. Much more intensive efforts must be made to reach this target because the present rate of solar collector installation is about 3.2 Mm2/yr (2.2 GWh). An even more demanding goal is faced when solar heating (probably combined with cooling in the southern countries) in every house and building in Europe is needed. This increases the target to 1500 Mm2 (1050 GWh) (aiming at a solar fraction not smaller than 50 %). At present, there are more than 168 Mm2 of solar collectors installed worldwide, equivalent to a total capacity of 118 GWh and these numbers are growing every year. However, solar systems are not equally distributed in Europe. Austria, Greece and Cyprus are the leaders, having more than 80 % of all solar thermal systems installed in Europe. This successful story must be transferred to other European countries, including Slovenia where there are at the moment not more than 120,000 m2 of installed solar collector systems, small compared to the neighboring country of Austria (3 Mm2). Plastic solar collectors, concentrated parabolic (CPC) solar collectors and metallic solar facade collectors represent viable options which have to be urgently considered. - Last but not at least, it should be noted that this Programme will strengthen the already established collaboration with the Faculty for Archeology (UL, Ljubljana) through lecturing of Dr. B. Orel, by closing the gap between chemistry of materials, metallurgy and archeology, which will result in more complete and in-depth studies of Slovene cultural heritage.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
