Projects / Programmes
Research and Development of Analytical Methods and Procedures
January 1, 2015
- December 31, 2019
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.04.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
| 1.08.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Control and care of the environment |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P300 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Analytical chemistry |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.04 |
Natural Sciences |
Chemical sciences |
Analytical chemistry, spectroscopic methods, separation techniques, sample preparation, micro extraction, electroanalytical methods, food quality, trace analysis, speciation, corrosion studies, coatings, cultural heritage protection, environmental analysis, miniaturization
Researchers (29)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The proposed research program is focused on the following research areas:
a) Fundamental research of the analytical methods and approaches,
b) Research and development of methods for the analysis and characterization of the materials
c) Development of methods and procedures for the quality control in the industry, food safety and environmental protection
Fundamental research of analytical methods and approaches will be focused on all phases of the analytical procedure from sample preparation to final quantification and interpretation of the results. Spectroscopic, electrochemical and separation analytical techniques will be used. The main research will be focused on the modern analytical challenges: trace analysis, analytics of complex samples, speciation, investigation of biologically relevant coordination compounds, and miniaturization in analytical chemistry.
Research related to the characterization of materials will be focused on investigation of suitable environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors, nanomaterials and their possible application as selective sensors, investigations of volatile compounds released from different materials can serve as a tool for degradation study of materials (for example historical objects). We will study nanocomposite coatings based on sol-gel technology for solar energy application.
Research related to food control will include study of the influence of natural flavonoids addition to food products and development of methods for monitoring the occurrence of harmful and biologically active compounds in food.
Newly developed micro extraction methods will be applied in environmental studies of pollutants bonded to solid components and dissolved organic matter (humic substances). Tropospheric research will be devoted to the currently most urgent environmental problem – the presence of aerosol particles in ambient air. We will try to find the markers of their origin and explain mechanisms of secondary organic aerosol formation by using modern analytical approaches.
Significance for science
As has been outlined in the Resolution on the research and innovation strategy of Slovenia 2011-2020 (ReRISS11-20), fundamental scientific research is of the greatest importance for the development of science. Without excellence in science, no successful applicative work and transfer into the industrial practice is possible. Fundamental research is important for the development of analytical chemistry as one of the fundamental chemical sciences, and at the same time, it plays a key role in the development and progress in other fields of chemistry and other scientific fields. Many findings in biosciences, medicine, environmental sciences, materials science and others rely on the accurate analytical determination of various components in the biological, environmental, materials and other samples. The proposed research covers all of the above mentioned important scientific fields, which are also the priorities of the Slovenian research and progress strategy: advanced synthetic metal and non-metal materials; nanotechnologies; technologies for the sustainable economy, health and life sciences and environmental protection.
The results of the proposed research will be new or improved analytical methods, procedures and findings that will be published in the international scientific journals. The planned output is at least 10-15 publications per year, and at least half of them in the journals with high impact in the analytical science field. Young researchers will also participate in the proposed research programme and will be able to improve their knowledge and skills. This will contribute to the transfer of knowledge to younger generation of scientists, which is also one of the priorities set in the ReRISS11-20.
Our aim is also to participate in international projects and to cooperate with the research centers in Slovenia and abroad. This will increase the exchange of knowledge and the researchers on the international scale. The proposed research is original and important also from the viewpoint of the actual scientific problems in the international community. Therefore, the results of our research have a high possibility of a significant scientific impact both on a domestic and on an international scale.
Significance for the country
A great part of the proposed research is related with analytical applications for the solving several actual socio-economic problems, as outlined in the Developmental strategy for Slovenia in the years 2014-2020 (MGRT RS) within at least two of the priority fields: knowledge and employment; the green living environment.
The researchers of the program group actively participate in educational programs at University of Ljubljana (1st - 3rd cycle), as it is confirmed by several university textbooks and other study materials. This directly contributes to better educational structure of the population, expert education, transfer of skills to develop advanced technologies, and to progress in chemical and other professions. Most of the graduates, masters and doctors with the FCCT degree in chemical studies successfully implement their knowledge in the industry and in the research institutions at home and abroad. The students of all study cycles participate in the research program, their contribution is seen from the published articles in the international scientific journals.
The other priority is the green living environment. Several parts of our research are related to solve problems of environmental pollution (research on aerosols and volatile pollutant emissions with their environmental interactions; green procedures for the isolation of pesticides and similar pollutants from solid environmental samples and studies of their fate; green corrosion inhibitors; miniaturized analytical systems development for field analyses etc.); sustainable energy sources (new selective coatings in solar energy use); methods to provide safe food (determination of toxins in food; authenticity and quality determination for vegetable oils by marker analysis etc.); and to improve the quality of food (use of natural antioxidants; determination of biologically important compounds in the plants, etc.). Besides the indirect contribution to the technological progress through the research, we also collaborate directly, especially with the pharmaceutical industry.
For the cultural development and recognition of Slovenia, the conservation of cultural heritage is of special importance. We are involved in the investigation of cultural heritage materials and were in the past participating in several research programs of the 5th and 6th EU framework, which significantly contributed to the recognition of Slovenian researchers in the field of cultural heritage protection. In the future, we plan to develop methods for the non-destructive determination of the state of materials from the historically important objects, based on the determination of volatile organic compounds.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2015,
interim report,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2015,
interim report,
final report
