The list of national projects SAS
Institute of Inorganic Chemistry
Application of novel biochar-functionalized geopolymers in hazardous waste management
Aplikácia nových biouhlím funkcionalizovaných geopolymérov pri nakladaní s nebezpečným odpadom
| Duration: |
1.9.2025 - 31.8.2029 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Slaný Michal PhD. |
| Annotation: | Environmental pollution is an eminent, ever-present problem for mankind, jeopardizing the health of humans, ecosystems, and the environment. Extreme population growth and the associated rapid demand for agricultural activities, rapid industrialization, and increased waste production contribute to the contamination of soil due to the accumulation of heavy metals and also radionuclides. There is now an extremely growing need to find novel, environmentally friendly and low-cost materials from abundant resources that could be used to immobilize these dangerous substances. The main objective of the proposed project is to develop novel biochar functionalized aluminosilicate-based geopolymers that will be highly effective in immobilizing heavy metals and radionuclides. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to study in detail the influence of various factors not only by using experimental techniques such as FTIR, XRD, BET-N2 adsorption, TGA/DSC, PET, ICP-MS, but also by testing the developed material under real environmental conditions and using a construction solidification line, especially in the context of meeting the acceptability criteria for their application in the practice of hazardous waste disposal and potentially as “grey” building materials. The proposed project objectives focus on new applications and on previously unexplored leapfrog solutions that will answer the most important questions as well as research and technological development needs, including those that are important on a global scale. This project design can make a significant contribution to the integration of new knowledge in the field of geopolymer composite materials and manufacturing technologies. The proposed project and its outputs have the potential to gain support in sectoral and multi-sectoral applications and to have a strong impact on environmental protection as well as soil and plant quality improvement, which is also closely related to human health. |
Photofunctional hybrid materials of organic luminophores and nanoparticles of layered silicates
Fotofunkčné hybridné materiály organických luminofórov a nanočastíc vrstevnatých silikátov
| Duration: |
1.7.2023 - 30.6.2027 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Boháč Peter PhD. |
| Annotation: | The topic of the project is based on modern trends in materials research, and the experience and recent results of the project team. It was discovered that adsorption, intercalation, or molecular aggregation of specific types of organic molecules can significantly increase their photoactivity, manifesting as an increase in luminescence. The strategy of increasing photoactivity will be the main objective of the project. Each of the phenomena should be applied depending on the molecular structure of the luminophores. The project will focus on hybrids of photoactive organic luminophores and layered silicates. Structurally optimized S,N-heteroaromatic dyes and their ion metal complexes will be prepared within the project. Heteroaromatic systems will be modified by cationic groups or their functionalization with cationic metal ions including Ru(II), Ir(III), Au(III), and others to increase the compatibility of these chromophores with silicates and achieve the required photophysical properties. Appropriate selection of the layered carrier, choice of chemical modification, and suitable conditions for the synthesis of hybrid systems will be the key factors to achieve the project objectives. In addition to improving the properties of molecules, other goals will be to prepare complex functional materials with efficient use of light energy. Here, the organization of molecules in nanostructural hybrids will play a key role to achieve optimal photophysical interactions aimed at specific functionality. In addition to luminescent properties, the aim will be to prepare hybrids with mainly photosensitizing properties. The last step will be the use of nanoparticles for the modification of technical polymers by the formation of nanocomposites. The objective will be obtaining surfaces with photosensitizing and photodisinfection properties, which will be tested for the growth of microbial biofilms. |
Functionalized 3D glass-ceramic membranes for advanced photocatalytic drinking water treatment
Funkcionalizované 3D sklokeramické membrány na pokročilé fotokatalytické čistenie pitných vôd
| Duration: |
1.7.2024 - 30.6.2028 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Michálková Monika PhD. |
| Annotation: | Micro-pollutants, such as medication, disinfectants, laundry detergents, pesticides, metals, and antibiotic-resistant organisms, can often be found in underground and drinking water. To remove these pollutants, a specialized filtration process with effective porosity in the micro or nano range is required. Membrane processes offer numerous benefits over traditional water treatment methods, including high efficiency, low energy consumption, small space requirements, and environmental friendliness. However, membrane processes can also face challenges, such as scaling, fouling, and degradation, which can negatively impact their performance and lifespan. Efficient and affordable water treatment technologies are critical in today's world. The proposed project seeks to create durable, highly porous photocatalytic glass-ceramic membranes supplying specific nano, micro, or macro needs. The project will employ innovative and cost-effective upcycling techniques of pharmaceutical non-recyclable waste glass and various 3D additive techniques to develop the next generation of membranes. Creating these advanced 3D porous structures requires using a suitable precursor with micro-level porosity. This will be achieved through the process of alkaline activation and flame synthesis of pharmaceutical glass frit. TiO2 and Fe2O3 will be added to the glass structure to give photocatalytic properties in the UV-VIS region. The design optimization of membranes will solve the macroporosity. After printing, the final step involves using microwave sintering to create the 3D membranes, which has a lower environmental impact than traditional sintering methods. Additionally, an advanced phase separation process will be applied to achieve porosity on the nano level. |
Silicon carbide ceramic composite materials with high thermal conductivity
Keramické kompozitné materiály na báze SiC s vysokou tepelnou vodivosťou
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Hanzel Ondrej PhD. |
| Annotation: | The main goal of this project is preparation of dense silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics without sintering additives and/or silicon carbide composites with very low content (up to 1 wt. %) of sintering additives (oxides of rare-earth elements), with high thermal conductivity. The research will be focus on study of the effect of a-SiC and ß-SiC phase content on thermal conductivity of silicon carbide without sintering additives and the second research direction will be focus on study of the effect of amount and type of additives (oxides of rare-earth elements) on the thermal conductivity of SiC composites. In order to achieve project objectives, research focused on preparation of dense silicon carbide or SiC composite at relatively low sintering temperature (up to 2000°C) will be necessary. This process comprises study of SiC powders or SiC composite powders modification by freeze granulator, thermal annealing of granulated powders and followed by granules sintering with field assisted sintering technology (FAST). |
Monitoring the influence of dopands on new-generation bioglasses with use in the preparation of glass-ceramics with suitable biomedical properties.
Monitorovanie vplyvu dopandov na biosklá novej generácie s využitím pri príprave bioskla s vhodnými biomedicínskymi vlastnosťami
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
doc. Ing. Chromčíková Mária PhD. |
| Annotation: | The aim of this project is the study and optimization of the preparation of glass ceramics from Bioskla 45S5
doped with elements such as Ga, Zn, Sr. The preparation of glass ceramics from bioglass has been intensively
used in recent years as one of the most modern methods of improving the mechanical properties of this material
while preserving its beneficial biomedical properties. Understanding the process of crystal formation in bioglass is
still a topical issue in order to quantify the kinetics of crystal growth in relation to the macroscopically observed
transformation of the amorphous phase into the crystalline phase. The conditions of the kinetics of doped
bioglasses of the new generation have not yet been fully described. The goal of the presented project is a
comprehensive study of the kinetics of crystal growth, the crystallization process, but also the processes related
to the processes of structural relaxation and viscous flow for the purpose of preparing glass ceramics based on
doped bioglasses. |
Multifunctional composite materials for detection, adsorption and decontamination of hazardous organic molecules
Multifunkčné kompozitné materiály pre cielenú detekciu, adsorpciu a dekontamináciu nebezpečných organických molekúl
| Duration: |
1.7.2024 - 30.6.2028 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Jankovič Ľuboš PhD. |
| Annotation: | The proposed project is focused on the development of new generation of organo-modified clay minerals using poly(2-alkenyl-2-oxazolines) as representatives of non-ionic, but still highly polar polymers. We expect that organo-modification of montmorillonites using this type of polymers will lead to organoclay materials with more efficient intercalation and thus, with higher adsorption efficiency toward various hazardous organic molecules. The presence of poly(2-alkenyl-2-oxazolines) and poly(2-alkenyl-2-oxazines) in the gallery of clay minerals will ensure catalytic decomposition of hazardous organic molecules. In our case, we use for the evaluation of adsorption and hydrolytic decomposition organophosphate as organic compounds widely used as pesticides and they habe been already used as chemical warfare agents. The combination of improved adsorption and accelerated hydrolytic decomposition of studied organophosphates represents the main innovative aspect of the project and pave an avenue to montmorillonite-based nanoreactors for dephosphorylation reactions of neurotoxic organophosphate agents. Here, we present metal-free catalytic systems that are potentially usable for human and environmental protection. Moreover, poly(2-alkenyl-2-oxazolines) and poly(2-alkenyl-2-oxazines) represent new groups of polymers with reactive pendant 2-oxazoline and 2-oxazine groups, respectively, capable to provide post-polymerization reactions with carboxylic groups. In our case, 2-oxazoline groups will be used for the structural stabilization during melt mixing with carboxylic units containing polymer matrices. |
Novel Yb-modified HfB2-based ceramics with improved performance in extreme environments
Nové Yb-modifikované keramické materiály na báze HfB2 so zlepšenou odolnosťou v extrémnych prostrediach
| Duration: |
1.1.2026 - 31.12.2029 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
MSc. Ünsal Hakan PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project combines innovative processing and novel compositional design to address the critical demand for next-generation ceramic materials capable of withstanding harsh environments in aerospace and nuclear industry. It aims to develop advanced HfB2–based ultra-high temperature ceramics modified with Yb-based additives (Yb2O3 and Yb2Hf2O7) using novel reactive field-assisted sintering (FAST) technology. FAST allows rapid densification while preserving fine microstructures and facilitating phase interactions. The effect of varying additive content (5-15 wt.%) on densification behavior, phase evolution and oxidation/ablation performance will be systematically investigated. The materials will be systematically characterized and subjected to multi-cycle high-temperature ablation testing to simulate extreme harsh environment conditions. |
Advanced materials based on the inorganic layered structures studied by model and experimental approaches
Pokročilé materiály na báze anorganických vrstevnatých štruktúr študované modelovým a experimentálnym prístupom
| Duration: |
1.1.2023 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Scholtzová Eva CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project presents a combined theoretical and experimental research of selected pollutants adsorbed on the layered structures (LS) based on graphene (G), aluminosilicates (AS) and their modifications with improved physicochemical properties. Pollutants are extracted significantly, e.g., from contaminated waters, by adsorption on these LS. A comparative study on the adsorption effectivity of pollutants by layered structures of the G type (expensive materials) and clays (lower cost) is focused on understanding the interactions responsible for the forming and stability of these complexes. New knowledge about the way of pollutants immobilisation also contributes to the proposal of advanced hybrid materials combining properties of both types of LS applied in green technologies. The outputs from modelling will also interpret the results obtained experimentally to achieve a complex characterisation of the studied advanced materials based on the inorganic layered structures. |
Advancing in calculation and interpretation of magnetic resonance parameters at both non-relativistic and relativistic levels of theory
Pokrok vo výpočte a interpretácii parametrov magnetickej rezonancie na nerelativistickej ako aj relativistickej úrovni
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 1.1.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Komorovský Stanislav PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is devoted to the development and application of novel approaches for the analysis and interpretation of magnetic resonance parameters at both relativistic and non-relativistic levels. To tackle large systems at the relativistic level of theory we plan to implement a novel two-component relativistic approach. We will focus specifically on the chemical analysis of the magnetic resonance parameters, with a particular emphasis on understanding the mechanisms involved in transmitting electron spin-polarization. We also plan to extend a set of available theoretical tools for investigating solvent effects on NMR and EPR parameters. The newly developed approaches will be applied to chemical problems in collaboration with our foreign partners. |
SiOC-based anodes for the new generation sodium-ion batteries
Pórovité anódy na báze SiOC pre sodíkové batérie novej generácie
Cold sintering of glass
Studené spekanie skiel
| Duration: |
1.7.2024 - 30.6.2028 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Prnová Anna PhD. |
| Annotation: | Glass is routinely produced on an industrial scale by cooling a glass forming melt. This versatile and well-established method facilitates the production of a large variety of compositions and shapes. However, it has its limits in terms of the maximum cooling rate that can be achieved, preventing the production of compositions with high tendency to crystallization. Also, it cannot produce complex shapes, such as bioactive glass scaffolds or glass filters with hierarchical porosity, or multicomponent and multilayered parts. To prepare such parts, glass powders (frits) are processed by advanced shaping methods known from ceramic technology, such as additive manufacturing or tape casting. The green compacts are then consolidated by viscous flow sintering at temperatures exceeding the transition temperature (Tg) of the respective glass. However, viscous flow sintering often results in partial or complete crystallization of the glass, impairing its properties (e.g. bioactivity, mechanical properties). The proposed project is thus focused on developing and optimising cold sintering of selected types of glass. These include (i) aluminate glasses with a high tendency to crystallisation that cannot be prepared by conventional cooling of the melt, (ii) complex shapes (scaffolds) of bioactive glasses with hierarchical porosity prepared by additive manufacturing, (iii) complex shapes (glass filters for wastewater remediation) from hitherto unrecyclable borosilicate pharmaceutical glass and (iv) multilayered glass structures prepared by tape-casting with tailored gradient of refraction indices and thermal expansion. As the densification of glass via the cold sintering process is not fully understood, fundamental studies of densification mechanisms will be also carried out. The results obtained in the project are of great industrial and scientific interest, contributing to (i) development of a new industrially scalable process of production of glass parts. |
Novel enhanced oxidation-resistant ultra-high temperature carbides
Ultra-vysokoteplotné karbidy so zvýšenou oxidačnou odolnosťou
| Duration: |
1.7.2023 - 30.6.2027 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Tatarko Peter PhD. |
| Annotation: | The improvement of oxidation resistance of ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) has critical importance in meeting the growing need for applications used at temperatures exceeding 2000 °C in oxidizing atmospheres such as hypersonic vehicles and spacecraft. Recently, with the aid of the exploration of multi-principal element ceramics, consisting of four or more different cations or anions stabilized by the configurational entropy, a vast new compositional space has opened up to develop novel UHTCs with enhanced oxidation resistance. However, to design such materials through the prediction of their complex oxidation processes, it is fundamental to establish a comprehensive understanding of the mono and binary transitional metal carbides that is targeted in the present project, something that is currently missing. Thus, the main aim of the project is to develop novel oxidation-resistant UHTCs through a systematic experimental based study in which the high-temperature properties (oxidation/ablation resistance, thermal shock resistance etc.) and mechanical behaviour of mono and binary refractory carbides will be studied. Different secondary phase materials with the incorporation of silicon will also be tested in the form of SiC and transitional metal silicides, which are known as protective glassy phase-forming compounds that can further improve the oxidation resistance of newly developed UHTCs. In addition to the understanding of the oxidation and mechanical behaviour of these ceramics and composites, the prediction of the models established will be validated by the synthesis of new oxidation-resistant 3-, 4- and 5-metal carbide systems that will be also tested experimentally. The accomplishment of the present project will generate fundamental knowledge that is needed for the design of novel more complex multi-principal element ceramics. Filling this lack of knowledge would be of great importance for whole materials science community. |
Layered silicates as a promising platform for the preparation of functional inorganic-organic composite materials
Vrstevnaté silikáty ako perspektívna platforma pre prípravu funkčných anorganicko-organických kompozitných materiálov
Development of silicon carbide for extreme application
Vývoj karbidu kremičitého pre extrémne aplikácie
| Duration: |
1.9.2025 - 31.8.2029 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Hanzel Ondrej PhD. |
| Annotation: | The proposed project is oriented towards development of fully dense silicon carbide ceramics without traditional oxide sintering additives or with addition of trace amount of metals (Al, Fe) at sintering temperature lower than temperature (T < 2100°C) required for preparation of solid-state sintered SiC. Project will be focused on comprehensive understanding of sintering mechanisms and study how modification of silicon carbide powders and/or addition of very small amount of metals (Al, Fe) can possibly influence and lower sintering temperature for preparation of fully dense silicon carbide. Due to the increasing interests and demands in energy applications, atmospheric re-entry vehicles, propulsion-system components, aerospace applications, parts of rocket engines, etc. is inevitable also characterize high-temperature properties (thermal conductivity, high-temperature strength, oxyacetylene torch resistance) of prepared silicon carbide ceramics. So, thermal conductivity up to 1500°C, high-temperature strength in temperature range 1500 - 2000°C and oxyacetylene torch resistance at temperature higher than 1700°C will be investigated and effect of powder modification, sintering parameters and microstructure on high-temperature properties will be studied and evaluated |
Development of advanced luminescent glass 3D structures by additive techniques
Vývoj pokročilých luminiscenčných sklenených 3D štruktúr pomocou aditívnej výroby
| Duration: |
1.1.2024 - 31.12.2027 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Michálková Monika PhD. |
| Annotation: | The main goal of the project is to develop a new generation of luminescent phosphor-in-glass (PiG)
optoelectronic materials with high efficiency, low-cost fabrication (3D printing), and tailored luminescence
properties. Additive manufacturing will enable the combination of mutually supporting phosphors in different
layers within a single glass matrix, thus improving the optical properties of the final material. In addition, the
phosphors used for additive manufacturing will be prepared in spherical shapes - microspheres that can be solid
or hollow - to further enhance the efficiency of the phosphor. |
Development of advanced methods for accurate prediction and analysis of X-ray spectra of open-shell species
Vývoj pokročilých metód určených na presnú predpoveď a analýzu röntgenových spektier molekúl s otvorenou obálkou
| Duration: |
1.7.2023 - 30.6.2027 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Komorovský Stanislav PhD. |
| Annotation: | The main objective is to develop, implement, and apply new methods for accurate prediction and interpretation of electron absorption spectra and non-linear optical processes. The project focuses on open-shell systems that contain elements across the periodic table and on the X-ray spectral region. To this end, an accurate description of relativistic effects is mandatory. The newly developed approaches will be implemented into our in-house program ReSpect, based on the density functional theory, and applied to interesting chemical problems with the help of our broad network of international collaborators. For a successful application of our methods, it is crucial also to implement new innovative tools for interpretation, visualization, and analysis of the calculated results. |
Towards Eco-sustainable Sodium-ion batteries for a LOW-cost technology
Základ k ekologicky udržateľným sodíkovo-iónovým batériám pre nízko nákladovú technológiu
Green Energy Innovation: Entropy-Engineered Perovskite Oxides for Thermoelectric Applications
Zelená energetická inovácia: Entropicky inžinierované perovskitové oxidy pre termoelektrické aplikácie
| Duration: |
1.9.2025 - 30.8.2029 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
MSc. Ünsal Hakan PhD. |
| Annotation: | Addressing the global energy and climate crises requires advanced materials capable of meeting the urgent need for green energy solutions. Thermoelectric materials, which convert waste heat into electrical energy, are pivotal for improving energy efficiency without producing greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving the European Union's net-zero emissions goal by 2050 highlights the importance of these technologies. However, current thermoelectric materials face challenges, including high costs, toxicity, and instability at elevated temperatures. Oxide thermoelectric materials such as SrTiO3 offer advantages like cost-effectiveness and thermal stability but suffer from low efficiency. This project aims to pioneer entropy-engineered SrTiO3-based high-entropy perovskite oxides (HEPOs) to develop thermoelectric materials that are non-toxic, thermally stable, and cost-efficient, with significantly enhanced properties. HEPOs, which incorporate multiple cations, represent a breakthrough in materials design by improving thermoelectric performance through enhanced electrical conductivity and reduced thermal conductivity. A novel aspect of this research is the investigation of Al- and Nb-doping at the B-site of the perovskite ABO3 structure to create a synergistic effect, introducing additional charge carriers and reducing activation energy barriers for conduction. This entropy-engineered approach is expected to further improve electrical conductivity while minimizing thermal conductivity, leading to superior thermoelectric efficiency. By advancing the field of high-entropy engineering for green energy technologies, this project will contribute to the development of next-generation thermoelectric materials, addressing critical energy demands and supporting global sustainability efforts. |
Desirable and undesirable interactions between molten fluorides and materials of critical elements
Žiadúce a nežiadúce interakcie roztavených fluoridov s materiálmi na báze kritických prvkov
| Duration: |
1.1.2024 - 31.12.2027 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Kubíková Blanka PhD. |
| Annotation: | The submitted project is focused on the study of desirable and undesirable interactions of molten fluoride systems
with materials based on the selected critical elements, the recycling rate of which is minimal in the EU. In this
case, controlled physico-chemical processes are considered desirable interactions, in contrast to undesirable
interactions, primarily in connection with the corrosion of construction materials. The research will be focused on
the physicochemical and thermochemical analysis of molten fluorides, the study of solubility/corrosion resistance
of materials in molten salts, the synthesis of new substances, and spectral and diffraction analysis of pure
substances, molten mixtures, and solidified mixtures after experiments.
|
The total number of projects: 19
