Projects / Programmes
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2014
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.04.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P360 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Inorganic chemistry |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.04 |
Natural Sciences |
Chemical sciences |
Micro- and mesoporous molecular sieves; zeolite materials, catalysts, aluminosilicates, aluminophosphates, modified molecular sieves, organic-inorganic hybrids, bimodal pore size distribution, X-ray diffraction, solid state spectroscopy, catalytic reactions, polymer-modified concretes.
Researchers (22)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Nanoporous materials are inorganic or organic substances having a regular array of pores with diameters of up to 50 nm that are comparable to kinetic diameters of molecules taking part in chemical reactions. These materials (zeolites and zeolite- and oxide materials) can separate reactants or products on the basis of their dimension and shape. They act as catalysts in the petroleum industry and for the preparation of specialty chemicals; they also enable the clustering of atoms or smaller molecules. Basic periodical 3-D structures are built of corner-connected tetrahedra and contain channels and cavities that can be modified by choosing an appropriate organic molecule acting like a structure-directing agent. The fractional substitution of transition metals for basic tetrahedral atoms results in the formation of acid and redox centers that exhibit catalytic properties. The nature and quantity of substituted metal atoms influence the strength and concentration of active sites.
Microporous molecular sieves with pore dimensions ranging from 0.3 to 2 nm are crystalline materials capable of separating molecules with an accuracy of 0.01 nm. The consequences of their ordered frameworks are high thermal stability and adsorption capacity and large surface area.
Zeolite-like silicate-, aluminosilicate- and aluminophosphate-based mesoporous materials are less crystalline solids with pore diameters in the range from 2 to 50 nm. Thermal- and active sites stabilities are lower due to less ordered frameworks. Though their preparation is very demanding, they nevertheless generate a lot of research efforts because of their potential use in processes where larger molecules are present. The latest area of research deals with inorganic-organic hybrids where organic molecules form a part of the framework. The length of organic chain influences the dimensions of cavities and channels.
Our research will focus on the preparation of new nanoporous materials for the use in hydrocarbon conversions. Materials will be thoroughly characterised, particularly their microscopic structures, framework topologies and catalytically active sites. Metal-modified aluminosilicate- and aluminophosphate-based zeolite-like materials exhibiting acid and redox sites will form the basis of our research. Microporous (pore diameters from 0.6 to 2 nm) and mesoporous (pore diameters up to 10 nm) materials will be prepared. The advantageous properties of micro- and mesoporous zeolite materials will be combined with the preparation of composites with bimodal pore size distributions. New phosphate-based hybrid materials will be prepared for the potential use in catalytic and adsorption processes.
Research will also be carried out in the area of structural investigations of polycrystalline pharmaceutical solids by means of X-ray diffraction and MAS NMR.
Polymer-modified cement with mineral admixtures represents an important nanocomposite material. In order to understand its improved physical, chemical and mechanical properties it is necessary not only to monitor its bulk properties but also to gain an insight into its microscopic- and nanostructure.
Significance for science
Research in the scope of the program contributed to the development of science with some new discoveries in the field of materials for energy and environmental applications, which were also successfully presented at international and national level. New materials were successfully promoted through keynote lectures, invited publications in renowned scientific journals, active memberships in scientific and other associations (FEZA, IEA), as well as through the transfer of knowledge to younger researchers and students. The most important achievements were made in the field of synthesis and characterization of new materials for heat storage and water and air cleaning. Heat storage is one of the primary research focuses in Slovenian and European area, because it is crucial for the wider use of solar thermal energy and waste heat for heating/cooling and domestic hot water, which in developed countries represents half of the final energy demand. Thus, for efficient heat storage systems some very promising materials were developed, which were also structurally characterised in detail for a better understanding of the structure-property relationship and, consequently, better optimization for final use. From the standpoint of maintaining a clean environment, new materials for water and air cleaning developed in the scope of the program are also very important as they can significantly contribute to a sustainable development world-wide. Also in this field we have focused on precise structural characterization of the most effective materials for better understanding of the processes of adsorption and catalytic processes mainly fom the degradation of toxic organic pollutants.
Significance for the country
In the scope of the project, a common applied research with Slovenian industrial partners was successfully carried out. In this way, we enabled the transfer of the synthesis of the most interesting materials from the laboratory to semi-industrial level, and in one case also commercialisation in the Slovenian market. We participated in the preparation of new zeolite adsorbents at pilot level (from 250 ml to 1300L reactor), a successful granulation of several different materials on a pilot granulation line and in the successful development of innovation (preparation of the filter for cleaning of volatile compounds in indoor air). An important contribution to the success of the program was education of young people. Young professionals who finished their doctoral studies within the program group Nanoporous materials already occupy important positions in the public and private sectors, both at home and abroad, which is a proof for the successful work of established program group members in the previous period. With different other activities, such as publications in the popular media and the organization of international scientific and professional meetings at the National Institute of Chemistry and elsewhere in Slovenia, we contributed to a better understanding of the issues addressed in the program in the country.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
