Projects / Programmes
Heterogeneous photocatalytic processes: hydrogen production, water and air purification
January 1, 2013
- December 31, 2017
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.04.01 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
Inorganic nonmetallic materials |
| 2.02.09 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Chemical engineering |
Ecological technology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P003 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.10 |
Engineering and Technology |
Nano-technology |
| 2.04 |
Engineering and Technology |
Chemical engineering
|
Researchers (25)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
We will investigate photocatalytic processes and technologies for solar hydrogen generation with water splitting and purification of water and air. The research program combines the fundamental research, such as theoretical modelling, studies of basic electron transfer characteristics, electron structure, optoelectronic properties etc, with more applied and technological approaches such as development of novel nanostructured photocatalytic systems, innovative photocatalytic processes and technologies, and reactor design etc. The final goal of the research program is to increase the photocatalytic efficiency of the investigated technologies. The research program is characterized by very innovative approaches to the harvesting of the solar light. So, it is expected to trigger a wide research interest the field of photocatalysis. A successful realization of the program goals can facilitate commercial implementation of new technologies and increased use of renewable energy.
Significance for science
Research in the field of material science for sustainable growth is aimed at solving a complex of fundamental and applied problems, whose solution should lead to the development of new systems within the fields of renewable energy and environmental science.
Advance on photocatalysts for environmnetal applicationsrequires clear understanding of the mechanisms of physical and chemical processes at molecular and atomic levels, development of methods for affecting these processes and utilizing the processes in the new applications and technologies. The systematic experimental investigation of the photocatalytic properties of a variety of materials and nanostructure morphologies will be combined with the study of the fundamental basis of light harvesting from low dimensional systems. In particular, a great attention will be kept on the relation between of the electronic, crystallographic and optical properties of materials. A deeper understanding of the basis of the light harvesting in nanostructures for photo-induced reaction is obviously of great importance for many raising field of technology from the fields such, e.g. photovoltaics, artificial photosynthesis etc...
The gathered knowledge will be further used for more applied purposes where we are aiming to investigate new approaches to photocatalytic processes and new technologies to enhance the photocatalytic yield. Currently, this is another very important research direction, where smart engineering and process design is a key towards the development of new energy harvesting devices and environment remediation technologies.
Therefore, we believe that the impact of the proposed research program on the science and scientific community will be high. The new important scientific results can be expected from:
- development of novel materials and nanostructured systems and their application in photocatalytic process
- studies of the structural, electronic and photocatalytic characteristics of new catalysts
- studies of electron excitation, transfer and photocatalytic processes on the surface of the catalyst
- understanding influence of morphology, composition, polymorph characteristic and particle size on photocatalytic activity
- innovative approaches to photocatalytic processes
- development of the (micro)reactor design for hydrogen conversion
Finally, we believe that we can produce the photocatalysts and the photocatalytic process with characteristics that are superior to today’s systems. This would be technologically very important but would also represent an important scientific achievement.
An active scientific communication is foreseen to be established, which will give basis for a proper idea and expertise exchange on the field of photocatalysis. This will bring into the proposed program a synergy with other groups around the world, which are intensively involved in this topic.
Significance for the country
Slovenia’s countryside is a natural heritage which must be properly managed in the fast development of society in order of preserve its features. Furthermore, Slovenia’s population density and geo-economic structure is the perfect benchmark for the realization of a really sustainable society with a good integration between society, agriculture, industry and environment. For this reason any research on renewable energy sources and environmental remediation is of crucial importance, in particular if it combines, as in the present program, the fundamental science with the field of application and hands-on experience of real devices in real conditions. In fact, this is a bridge toward the industrial and tertiary sector which allows an actual collaboration between local economy, education system, R&D institutions and academia. This collaboration is obviously healthy for economic development and a step forward toward a more independent and environment preserving energetic national strategy.
The proposed research program is falling within the scope of advanced materials and nanotechnology that are recognized in the strategic documents of the European Union as Key Enabling Technologies (KET). KET are crucial source of innovation, they assure the necessary technological parts that enable different applications, among others also those necessary for development of low-carbon technology, higher energy efficiency and higher resource efficiency. Majority of contemporary innovative products from the field of new technologies for exploitation of renewable energy sources and environmental remediation include several KET in the form of independent or integrated parts.
KET links different economic sectors which can be observed in numbers of SMEs and in numbers of created employments with high added value. European commission estimates the growth of global market of KET between 2008 and 2015 at 54 %, from 646 billion EUR to over 1000 billion EUR, which represents more than 8 % of EU GDP. Number of employments in nanotechnology sector only is expected to grow from 160,000 in 2008 to around 400,000 in 2015. Estimations show that each euro invested in the research and innovation in this field will create at least 10 EUR revenue.
Due to high importance of KET, European Commission has foreseen the integrated approach to the financing of research and innovation in the field of KET in its recent proposal of Strategy for KET. It will include entire value chain for transfer of knowledge and research results into market products and hence in the economic growth. Strategic approach for financing regional innovation with the purpose of renewing European industrial foundations foresees the compliance of national and EU activities in this field. Investments in research and development in the field of KET will enable Slovenia to keep up with global competitors, to revive its economic growth, create new employments in industry and solve contemporary societal challenges.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
