Projects / Programmes
Synthesis, structure, properties of matters and materials
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.04.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
| 2.02.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Chemical engineering |
|
| 2.02.02 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Chemical engineering |
Separation processes |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P351 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Structure chemistry |
Chemical Synthesis, Crystal Structure, X-ray Structure Analysis, Coordination Compounds, Organometallic Compounds, Bioinorganic Chemistry , Chemical Processes, NMR Spectroscopy, Quantomechanical Calculus, Dynamics in Solution, Model Compounds of Biological Systems, Nanotechnologies, Material Science, Ceramics, Composites, Metal Powders, Nanomaterials, VOC Catalysts, SOFC Fuel Cell.
Researchers (27)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The research group is dealing with the chemical synthesis of various compounds (coordination, organometallic, bioinorganic ...), structural characterization of the obtained compounds and with the study of relation between the structure and properties (biological, chemical, physical...). The research group is well equipped with the instruments for X-ray structure determination of monocrystals as well as for the preparatory work at low temperature and in inert atmosphere.
Significance for science
In the frame of the program, new substances were synthesized, which is already a substantial contribution to the knowledge base (directly manifested through the records in the international databases). These basic informations were supported by the analysis of the structure-properties relationships and possible application of this knowledge to improve the properties of materials. We managed well also to develop various methods (tools). Due to the limited amount of informations in the powder diffraction patterns, any possibility of gaining additional information was welcome, so we spent intensively time to upgrade the powder diffraction methods. Development of new synthetic strategies, preparation of new compounds, study of processes in solution observed on new systems contributed to the advance of knowledge and opened some new applications (for example-new homogeneous catalysts). The structure-property (biological, physical, chemical, etc.) relationships are crucial for understanding the nature (especially through the study of the model compounds and structures). The recent research on synthesis and structure of metal complexes enabled us partially to predict the connectivity of crystalline lattices based on the molecular structures of the small building blocks used in their assembly. On the other hand in the field of metal ions-biologically active compounds (antibiotics, antiviral agents, cytostatics) the structure studies leaded us to try to elucidate some of the mechanisms of action of the certain drugs. Realization of this project gave us new compounds, but also contributed to better understanding of the formation of coordination compounds. In the case of successful single-crystal preparation the crystal-structure determination were performed with the use of X-ray diffractometer with CCD detector. The research was also directed toward searching of new synthesis routes and processes for the preparation of single or multi-component new materials on the basis of pure oxides, mixed oxides, perovskites and cermet materials. The emphasis was directed to the study of properties and applicability of these materials. The scientific programme linked the basic and somehow also applied research. The results were published in the international scientific journals.
Significance for the country
There is a clear distinction between the fundamental and applied research. This kind of fundamental (basic) research at university is necessary for the undergraduate and graduated students. After some time the results of fundamental research luckily can be found to have some application. Basic research of this kind at university is therefore good foundation for the innovative and R&D work for our graduates after they finished their study. Our research was strongly connected with the study programmes at our university (Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Biochemistry). We have to point out also at the difficulties we were and are facing. There is a strong tendency in Slovenia to use old model - to separate higher education (at universities) and research (to be done at research institutions). Also the Bologna reform is oriented in that direction - first and second degree to be more vocational (more practical skills) and the only real research degree should be achieved with a PhD. More and more PhD works nowadays are performed at research institutions which are also better equipped with the research facilities. Best PhD students are taking employment at the research institutions and not at the universities or industry. It is important to state that the only future for the university is a "proper well financed research university" and that the research institutions should do more applied research for the industry. The education and the research are inseparable at universities. It is worth mentioning that recently University of Karlsruhe and Kernforschung Institut joined together to form an "elite university" with the large enough "critical mass". For that reason we should perform the proper "external" analysis of our high education as well as research area and carefully consider all the recommendations. It would be of great help also to have all the relevant data about the higher education as well as for research freely available on the internet. After all, we are obliged to give these data to EUROSTAT.
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
