We have synthesized thermally stable (up to 1050oC) and highly photocatalytically (self-cleaning) efficient nanoparticles of anatase. Various dopants have been incorporated into the anatase in order to increase its thermal stability. The doped and undoped nanopowders were used in preparation of effective layers for some building applications. Qualitative and quantitative methods for determination of photocatalytic activity have been established; we also reported on the newly developed method: monitoring the degradation of selected model organic compound in gas medium by FTIR.
E.02 International awards
COBISS.SI-ID: 21816103This international patent application was derived from the Slovene patent describing a new product, i.e. TiO2-SiO2 aqueous-based sol for deposition of transparent photocatalytic coatings that strengthen already at room temperature and under natural sunny conditions. The films are composed of photoactive anatase nanoparticles, while silica serves to attain better hydrophilicity and mechanical properties. The coatings are characterized by simple preparation and deposition, a good proportion between mechanical firmness and self-cleaning effect, and a high optical transmittance in the visible.
F.32 International patent
COBISS.SI-ID: 1466875U. L. Štangar was invited from the chair of the conference »12th International Ceramics Congress (CIMTEC 2010)« to give a talk in the frame of symposium “Science and Technology for Silicate Ceramics” on efficiency testing of self-cleaning surfaces. The aim was to give a short overview of the available current testing methods for photocatalytic self-cleaning surfaces and to present a new method based on fluorescence detection, which was developed by our group. In accordance with the conference subject, focus in the presentation was given to the thin photocatalytic films on ceramic substrates.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 1599739We developed preparation procedure of durable titania coatings on metal substrates, mainly intended for use in aqueous media. It is based first on protection of metal surface with SiO2 coating and second on deposition of photocatalytic coating from a so-called sol-suspension, where a highly active TiO2 powder is suspended in a binder composed of colloidal and hydrolyzed SiO2 and additionally also hydrolyzed TiO2. In this innovative synthetic approach, low-temperature thermal treatment of the derived coatings is sufficient (under 200°C).
F.33 Slovenian patent
COBISS.SI-ID: 1756411Minoo Tasbihi, member of the project team, successfully accomplished her PhD work in 2010 under the supervision of U. L. Štangar. She has synthesized a variety of powder catalysts based on TiO2, whereby its dark adsorption and photocatalytic activity towards degradation of gaseous pollutants were increased by incorporation into mesoporous silica. Activities were determined by using in situ gas photoreactor, which she constructed and optimized. It represents a big achievement for the laboratory and is continuously used in research work and work with students (BSc degree theses, group projects).
D.09 Tutoring for postgraduate students
COBISS.SI-ID: 1736955