Projects / Programmes
Advanced materials for low-carbon and sustainable society
January 1, 2015
- December 31, 2021
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.04.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
|
| 1.04.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T152 |
Technological sciences |
Composite materials |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
advanced materials, renewable energy, sustainable materials, low-carbon technologies, solar technologies, spectrally selective paints, ionic liquids, batteries, fuel cells, electrocatalysis, corrosion protection, photoelectrocatalysts, implants, materials for biomedical applications
Researchers (83)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
The programme is focused on synthesis, characterisation, understanding and practical application of novel materials for sustainable development. The main focus is on materials that can either contribute to a decrease of the negative influence of human activities on environment or that can improve the quality of human life. An example of the first class of materials are materials for low-carbon energy sources whereas the latter might refer to materials for health etc. In order to meet the high requirements for use in advanced sustainable technologies the materials need to fullfil at least the following criteria: a) multifunctionality, b) stability during usage/operation, c) safety, d) environmental acceptability. All criteria are strongly correlated with the materials nanorchitecture. Creation of highly-defined nanoarchitectures will be carried out through precise control of reactants on atomic or molecular scale, combined with understanding of interactions between various phases and their impact on final properties. Experimental techniques will be consistently upgraded with appropriate theoretical modeling. Using these principles, several classes of materials will be investigated: A) Paints and other technologies for exploitation of solar energy, B) Materials for energy storage (Li-ion, sulphur and magnesium batteries), C) Materials for energy conversion (mostly electrocatalysts for fuel cells) D) surfaces with improved stability, E) materials for improved health and cleaner environment. The programme group has excess to a large set of most modern equipment for materials structural characterisation, chemical, electrochemical, physical and analyses. Finally, the group includes several experts that master modeling on various levels – from ab-initio to continuum level. Combining modeling with designed experiments (model experiments) has given important insights so far and this approach will be preserved also in the next stage of this programme. To keep the high intensity and further enrich the approaches of our reasearch we will continue to cooperate with most established research institution across the world. The programme will retain a big focus on education of young engineers and scientist. Finally, the knowledge will be continuously transferred to our industrial partners, both in Slovenia and worldwide.
Significance for science
Mastering the materials architecture at nanoscopic level is a precondition for preparation of materials with better functionality (or multifunctionality), higher reliability, longer durability etc. During the past years, great advancements have been reported using this approach in many areas, including those of the present interest: materials for energy sector, materials for health and other advanced sustainable materials. Still, looking carefully into the structure, morphology and compositional features of selected top recent achievements across the world, one can realize that full control of materials nanoarchitecture is only achieved on spatially very limited model systems, for example on nanoobjects, interfaces or surfaces of very small surface areas (on the order of several micrometers or less), composites of very limited volumes etc. In order to make a significant step further and prepare macroscopic materials with predominantly »perfect nanoarchitectures«, we need to invent novel synthesis routes, understand much better the phenomena during synthesis and understand much better the interactions between various components constituting a given material.
All these aspects are systematically included in the present programme. For example, in the field of synthesis, we have constantly been using new approaches coupled with extensive use of in-situ monitoring of processes taking place during the synthesis. Similarly, to improve the understanding of materials behaviour (functionality), we have even introduced novel in-situ and ex-situ techniques for investigation of morphological, structural and compositional changes under given conditions. Finally, many phenomena have been explained using theoretical modeling on different levels – from atomistic to continuum. This approach has already led to high quality results published in top journals like Nature Materials, Angewandte Chemie, Advanced Material, JACS, Physical Review Letters, ACS Nano etc.
It is expected that continuation of the programme will lead to similar discoveries of worldwide significance also in the future. Based on previous dynamics of programme activities we expect that we will invent up to 5 completely novel materials, up to 15 materials with improved functionalities and get insights into a dozen of mechanisms and fundamental laws connected with properties of solid matter.
To keep the high intensity and further enrich the approaches of our research we will continue to cooperate with most established EU research institution such as three Max-Planck Institutes (Sttuttgart, Potsdam, Dusseldorf), University of Uppsala, Frauenhofer Institute, CEA and CNRS in France, TU Delft but also with Argonne National Lab and others. The cooperation will range from vigorous exchange of students (in both directions) to participation in major EU project, bilateral cooperations to establishing new common platforms (possibly within Teaming, Twinning and similar actions).
The basic knowledge will be regularly transferred to application via cooperation with international and national companies. Currently we cooperate on the basis of direct contract with 6 companies while there are 13 companies more which use our facilities with the help and support of our staff.
Significance for the country
The programme deals with selected edge current problems in the area of materials science. In particular, it addresses materials that are urgently needed for novel sustainable technologies including low carbon technologies. The programme activities have been strongly connected with 10 Slovene companies active in the field of hydrogen or lithium technologies: Mebius, Inea, Domel, Thermal power plant Šoštanj, Holding of Slovene Power Plants, Petrol, Silkem, Cinkarna, Iskra Systems and a couple of other working in automotive sector. NIC in fact leads a consortium including these companies (Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon Technologies). Some of previously developed materials have already been included in selected products of these companies. It is estimated that in the coming years the market will further open for innovative technologies in the field of sustainable/low carbon technologies. Thus, we see the programme activities as strongly oriented in the future giving our companies a chance to become leaders in selected niches of most advanced technologies.
Besides in the fields of lithium and hydrogen technologies we also amply cooperate with Slovene paint industry (Helios, Jub), pharmaceutical industry (Lek) and even hospitals (Valdoltra).
Furthermore, our programme is very much focused on education of young engineers and scientist. Although our Institute is NOT an educational institution, there are about 20-25 young people regularly included in the programme activities on various levels of education. The degree is then granted by a partner educational institution, such as University of Ljubljana, International school Jozef Stefan etc. Additionally, we occasionally train people coming directly from an industrial partner to solve particular burning problem. Thus, the programme certainly contributes to better and focused education of young people and people working in industrial R&D departments.
Finally, we need to mention our wider embedment into EU area. We have many bilateral and project-based cooperations involving both EU industry and young researchers from various countries. Every year we accept up to 5 students to work on particular problems in our labs. Of course, the exchange works in both directions.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2015,
interim report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2015,
interim report
