The list of national projects SAS
Institute of Geotechnics SAS
Alternative methods of biocompatibility assessment of porous materials developed for the bone tissue regeneration
Alternatívne metódy hodnotenia biokompatibility pórovitých materiálov vyvíjaných pre regeneráciu kostného tkaniva
| Duration: |
1.7.2024 - 30.6.2028 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Baláž Matej DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The presented project solves the issue of in vitro testing of an innovative porous materials and their subsequent in
vivo biocompatibility testing without or with seeded cells in relation to bone tissue regeneration. The scientific level
of the project is increased by so far little-studied connection between the material seeded with endothelial cells and
previously formed capillaries with the surrounding vessels of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the bird
embryo. The project intensively uses available alternative in vitro and in vivo models with respect to the
preservation of the 3Rs principles, thereby following the current trend in the field of science and research. Thanks
to this trend, it will significantly contribute to reducing the number of experimental animals in the biocompatibility
evaluation process. At the same time, the project supports a multidisciplinary approach, as it links in vitro and in
vivo monitoring of the biocompatibility of prepared materials and biomaterial engineering, which will enable a better
assessment of the use of biomaterials in medical applications. An important point of the project is the effort to
create a vascularized and therefore viable bone tissue construct important not only for the field of implantology but
also for the creation of tissue models for developmental, physiological, pathological -physiological and other
biomedical studies. The creation of a vascularized tissue substitute, including a complex of porous material with
cells and connecting the capillary bed of the construct to the vascular system of the recipient would significantly push the boundaries of tissue engineering in a positive direction. The project should therefore provide relevant
answers to questions regarding the ability of biomaterials to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels or
whether the newly created construct with cells is suitable for the formation of a bone tissue model in vitro or ex ovo. |
Purification of mining and industrial waters using functionalized adsorbents and catalysts based on oxides
Čistenie banských a priemyselných vôd pomocou funkcionalizovaných adsorbentov a katalyzátorov na báze oxidov
| Duration: |
1.1.2024 - 31.12.2027 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Melnyk Inna PhD. |
| Annotation: | Water purification is an essential area of research in the 21st century, in line with the principles of the 2030
Agenda for sustainable development. This project aims to contribute to these efforts by developing progressive
nanomaterials based on Si, Fe, and Zn oxides for removing organic pollutants from water. To achieve this, raw
minerals such as kaolinite, talc, and pyrophyllite, which are widely available in the SR, will be used as sources of
SiO2. In addition, the research will focus on synthesizing functional magnetic adsorbents and catalysts based on
Fe oxides and photocatalysts based on ZnO. By modifying these materials with various functional groups and
metal ions, their surface properties can be improved, and their selectivity can be enhanced to effectively adsorb
organic pollutants. These materials will be applied to eliminate and decompose various organic pollutants,
including polyaromatic hydrocarbons and halides from mine waters, azo dyes from the textile industry, drug
residues from wastewater. |
Assessment of anthropogenic load of selected areas of eastern Slovakia using cold-blooded animals and their endo helminths
Hodnotenie miery antropogénnej záťaže vybraných oblastí východného Slovenska s využitím studenokrvných živočíchov a ich endohelmintov
Characteristics of suspended and dust particles of atmospheric deposition in relation to their origin, sources and the contamination of selected components of the environment.
Charakteristika suspendovaných a prachových častíc atmosférickej depozície vo vzťahu k ich pôvodu, zdrojom a kontaminácii vybraných zložiek životného prostredia.
| Duration: |
1.1.2023 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Hančuľák Jozef PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on the dust particles study in the atmosphere, that pose serious health and environmental
risks. Sampling of suspended (PM) and dust particles of atmospheric deposition as well as soil samples will be
carried out in urban and suburban environments with a specific metallurgical industry in the Košice area. The aim
of the project is to obtain deficient knowledge of the origin of suspended and particulate matter in relation to
anthropogenic and natural sources of their emissions and their impact and interactions with the soil in the
monitored area and resulting from it risks based on specific particle characteristics (heavy metal content,
chemical and phase compositions, large distribution, shape characteristics) and soil samples. |
Identification and quantification of key parameters of core drilling of rocks by new diagnostic methods
Identifikácia a kvantifikácia kľúčových parametrov jadrového vŕtania hornín novými diagnostickými metódami
| Duration: |
1.7.2024 - 30.6.2028 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Ivaničová Lucia PhD. |
| Annotation: | Core drilling of rocks is an energy-intensive operation widely used in exploratory drilling. During drilling, a drill bit wear occurs, a complex phenomenon dependent on a number of factors: the shape, material and condition of the drill bit, drilled rock properties and the regime parameters of the drilling process. Investigating the process of core rock drilling opens perspectives for the use of innovative or rarely used approaches of identification of the key parameters of the process; such as measuring and evaluation of the accompanying vibro-acoustic signal, and assessment of rock debris as a drill product. In project implementation, an extensive experimental research of small-diameter core drilling will be performed using an experimental laboratory drilling rig with the surface-set and impregnated diamond core drill bits, and carbide core bits. Drilling of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks is planned in order to cover a wide range or rock properties. Concrete will be used as well as an man-made material simulating the rock. As it is not possible to assess the interaction between the drill bit and the rock directly during drilling (including bit wear), indirect methods will be used to assess the process, such as innovative methods of advanced vibration diagnostics, image recognition methods for identifying the character of drill debris, drill core and drill bit wear. The identification and quantification of the key parameters of core drilling with new diagnostic methods creates a prerequisite for a proper characterization of the drilling process, which, together with the definition of rock drillability, will enable its reliable and optimal control in terms of performance and energy consumption, which can significantly reduce the economic costs during exploratory drilling, mineral exploitation and in the underground construction. |
Possibilities of wastes valorisation from mining and processing of ore raw materials
Možnosti zhodnotenia odpadov z ťažby a úpravy rudných surovín
| Duration: |
1.1.2023 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Luptáková Alena PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project idea is in accordance with the Environmental Policy Strategy of the Slovak Republic until 2030. The basis of the project are research of combinations of physical, chemical and biological methods for recovery of waste from mining and processing of ore raw materials from selected environmental loads containing sulphide minerals in Slovakia. The expected benefits of the project are the information completion as well as the achieving of original knowledge in the areas of the acquire of base and critical metals/metalloids, treatment mine waters, leaching of mine and mineral processing wastes dumping, the use of residual mineral fractions for the preparation of building materials and environmental protection. |
Unlocking the Innovative Potential of Silica/Pectin Composites as Environmentally Friendly Adsorbents for Water Treatment
Odomykanie inovačného potenciálu kompozitov oxidu kremičitého a pektínu ako ekologicky šetrných adsorbentov pre úpravu vody
| Duration: |
1.10.2024 - 31.8.2026 |
| Program: |
|
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Kyshkarova Viktoriia PhD. |
| Annotation: | The primary objective of this project is to develop silica/pectin composites assorbents. Our approach stands out in recycling waste materials to obtain thenecessary components for the desired composite: silica derived from minerals andpectin sourced from agricultural by-products. This approach ensures bothenvironmental sustainability and the renewability of the manufacturing process.Pectin was chosen as a crucial component due to its abundance and the presenceof numerous carboxyl groups. These groups exhibit the ability to form complexeswith metal ions, thereby enhancing the overall sorption capacity. The utilization ofpectin as an adsorbent offers environmental benefits owing to its natural origin andbiodegradability. To further improve its adsorption properties, techniques such aschemical modification, cross-linking, and blending with other materials, specifically silica in our case, can be employed. These modifications enhance the adsorptioncapacity, selectivity, and stability of pectin for specific applications. The main focus of this project will be on the removal of heavy metals from water. |
Advanced method of preparation of selected metal chalcogenides by high-energy milling as potential materials for energy conversion.
Pokročilý spôsob prípravy vybraných chalkogenidov kovov vysoko-energetickým mletím ako potenciálnych materiálov pre konverziu energie.
| Duration: |
1.1.2023 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Achimovičová Marcela PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project will focus on an advantageous synthesis of transition metal chalcogenides, selenides, and selenospinels by high-energy milling and the characterization of their physico-chemical properties. In planetary ball mills, the synthesis of binary and ternary selenides, synthetic analogues of minerals naumannite (Ag2Se), berzelianite (Cu2-xSe), and selenospinels of the Me3Se4 type, where Me=Fe,Ni,Co, and CuCr2Se4 will take place, or combined mechano/thermal approach will be used, resp. The milling technique will also be used to prepare doped selenides with elemental Ag (Cu2-xAgxSe; x=0.1-2) and Zn, Mn, I...(Cu1-xTxCr2Se4-xIx; x=0.1-1) in order to improve their thermoelectric efficiency. The kinetics of syntheses, phase composition, and morphology of undoped and doped chalcogenides will be monitored. Furthermore, the powder densification conditions will be determined, the thermoelectrical, optical, and magnetic properties will be measured. The properties of synthetic analogues will be compared with minerals. |
Instantaneous preparation of nickel sulfides as electrocatalysts in water splitting
Príprava sulfidov niklu ako elektrokatalyzátorov pri štiepení vody
Rock drilling process using the vibration signal
Proces rozpojovania hornín s využitím vibračného signálu
| Duration: |
1.1.2023 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Bali Hudáková Mária PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on differentiation of various areas of rock drilling in laboratory conditions using the
experimental core-drilling rig simulating the real drilling conditions. Investigation of differentiation of such areas
using the vibration signal along with determination of energy consumption shall contribute to quantification and
qualitative assessment of efficient volume disintegration directly in the in-situ real conditions. Numerical and
analytical methods, image processing of drilled cores and actual condition of drill bit, and observation of
distribution and shape of drilled rock debris will all be used for analysis and interpretation of acquired data.
Mechanical properties of drilled rock will be monitored as well, such as strength and abrasive properties. The
project shall result in specific information on interaction between rock and drill bit, while the drilled core, drill
debris, vibration signal and condition change of drill bit will all represent the new information carrier.
|
Secondary minerals from mine waters as a source of valuable pigments
Sekundárne minerály z banských vôd ako zdroj cenných pigmentov
| Duration: |
1.8.2024 - 31.7.2026 |
| Program: |
|
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Bártová Zuzana PhD. |
| Annotation: | Iron oxides have served as pigments for centuries. Both naturally occurring and artificially produced iron oxides find application in a wide array of uses, including paints, stains, plastics, and construction materials. The weathering process concentrates naturally formed oxides and hydrated oxides of iron (Fe), aluminum(Al), and manganese (Mn). These naturally derived pigments, in shades of red,yellow, and brown, are currently extracted on a limited scale and are considered to be non-renewable resources. In general, acquiring these pigments from natural sources contributes to environmental degradation. One of the most interesting sources of secondary minerals that naturally form in water rich in dissolved metals is acid mine drainage (AMD). It is a prominent topic in the context of historical mining residues and mining effluents, through which metals enter the environment,posing a risk. Obtaining these pigments from old mine drainage presents a challenge, the solution to which will bring about new technological approaches in metal bioprecipitation processes and raw material recovery. The resulting product will be a pigment obtained in an environmentally friendly manner with the lowest possible operating costs from this almost untapped natural resource. |
Processing of aluminosilicate minerals to create adsorbents with organofunctional groups for water purification from inorganic and organic pollutants
Spracovanie hlinitokremičitanových minerálov na vytvorenie adsorbentov s organofunkčnými skupinami pre čistenie vôd od anorganických a organických znečisťujúcich látok
Old mining works as a source of environmental burden on the environment
Staré banské diela ako zdroj environmentálneho zaťaženia prostredia
Synthesized minerals with the structure of complex oxides as components for devices for green energy production and storage
Syntetizované minerály na báze komplexných oxidov a testovanie ich využitia pre komponenty zariadení získavania a uskladnenia energie so zreteľom na udržateľnosť životného prostredia
| Duration: |
1.1.2023 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Fabián Martin PhD. |
| Annotation: | The issue of the development of sustainable energy sources is one of the most intensively researched scientific areas today. However, addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach. One of the possibilities is the synthesis and modification of new materials based on minerals with a structure of complex oxides. It is known that complex oxides have a wide range of applications as components for energy generating and storing equipment. Nevertheless, the influence of the modification of the composition, structure, variations in the size of the crystallographic grains and the contribution of the active surface on the functional properties of the studied materials still requires intensive research. Therefore, within the solution of the project, complex oxides of various structural and chemical compositions (especially with perovskite and spinel structure) will be synthesized and investigated utilizing milling of precursors and investigated by standard methods used for the characterization of minerals. |
Systems for Enhanced Industrial Water Purity through Adsorbents, Catalysts, and Sensors
Systémy na zvýšenie čistoty priemyselnej vody prostredníctvom adsorbentov, katalyzátorov a senzorov
| Duration: |
1.9.2024 - 31.8.2026 |
| Program: |
|
| Project leader: |
Melnyk Inna PhD. |
| Annotation: | Drinking water problems persistently present significant challenges on a global scale, profoundly impacting the health and well-being of millions of individuals. The contamination of water sources, resulting from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and inadequate sanitation practices, further jeopardizes the quality of drinking water. The UN's SDGs 6 and 14 specifically aim to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. In line with these objectives, the proposed project will address tasks aligned with these goals, specifically focusing on the creation of materials for water purification and the determination of pollutants in water through the development of sensors. The basis of these substances will be silica, which will be prepared from silica-containing minerals. To create adsorbents (for the removal of a large amount of organic and inorganic pollutants), various organic and complexing groups will be introduced into the surface layer, along with combinations of them. To create catalysts (for the degradation of small concentrations of organic pollutants), transition metals and rare-earth elements will be fixed on the surface of such carriers. The sensors will contain luminescence-sensitive organic groups within the matrix. Such a comprehensive approach will help solve many problems related to water purification |
Scholarships for excellent researchers threatened by the military conflict in Ukraine
Štipendiá pre excelentných výskumníkov ohrozených vojnovým konfliktom na Ukrajine
Influence of microwave energy on intensification processing of ore and non-metallic mineral raw materials
Vplyv mikrovlnnej energie na intenzifikáciu procesov úpravy rudných a nerudných surovín
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Znamenáčková Ingrid PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is aimed at the ore processing and non-metallic mineral raw materials by application of microwave
radiation with the aim of disruption the internal structure and influence of physical and physico-chemical
properties. The application of microwave pre-treatment will enable the reduction of the costs of comminution
processes and the possibility of using less harmful extraction agents compared to classical methods of obtaining
metals from refractory ores. The combination of microwave roasting and the subsequent microwave-assisted
extraction of polymetallic ores accelerates individual treatment processes and improves the recovery of strategic
and noble metals, such as Cu, Sb, Pb, Zn, Fe, Au, Ag. Based on the knowledge of the dielectric properties of the
mineral component of the studied materials, attention will be focused on the rapid and selective heating of utility
components and the use of microwave energy susceptors with high absorption of radiation to accelerate of
heating treated materials. |
Research of remediation processes for decontamination of groundwaters and mine effluents followed by CRM recovery
Výskum sanačných procesov pre dekontamináciu podzemných a banských vôd so získavaním kritických surovín
| Duration: |
1.7.2024 - 30.6.2026 |
| Program: |
|
| Project leader: |
Ing. Václavíková Miroslava PhD. |
| Annotation: | Insufficient protection of waters and the immediate need for remediation of high-prioritized old environmental burden resulted in an idea to investigate the methods for efficient clean-up of contaminated waters by implementing novel approaches of combined physical, chemical and biological treatment processes. REMEDY aimsfor design and confirming the proof-of-concept of a sequential flow-through treatment chains for complex removal of persistent organic pollution from groundwaters, and for removal of heavy metals from mine effluents, the latter coupled with recovery of strategic metallic critical raw materials (mCRM) from such effluents, representing a potential secondary resource of CRM in line with the concepts of the circular economy. The proposed solution is innovative on a globalscale and the project methodology meets the ‘green technology’ concept by minimising the use of input chemicals, which is opposite to commonly applied wastewater treatment technologies. |
High-energy milling of calcite-based eggshell waste and selected plants for preparation of nanocrystalline minerals and environmental applications
Vysoko-energetické mletie vaječného odpadu na báze kalcitu a vybraných rastlín pre prípravu nanokryštalických minerálov a environmentálne aplikácie
| Duration: |
1.1.2022 - 31.12.2025 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Baláž Matej DrSc. |
| Annotation: | High-energy milling is a mineral processing technique initially developed for the treatment of raw materials during mining activities. In the proposed project, it will be used to treat calcite mineral present in the eggshell waste in order to improve its adsorption capability against selected heavy metal ions and dyes from both model solutions and real wastewaters from the mining regions. Additionally, bio-based calcite and the organic residue will be used as active reactants in the synthesis to yield nanocrystalline minerals (sulfides, oxides and their composites) and as a catalyst for the selected organic reactions. Both adsorption and nanomaterials synthesis will be also performed with selected common plants as natural raw materials. Eggshell and selected plants will be also applied as reducing agents to yield Ag and AgCl nanoparticles. The application of the obtained products in the fields of photocatalysis, thermoelectrics and in biomedicine will be tested in collaboration with foreign partners. |
Microwave Energy Utilization in the Removal of Toxic Pollutants from Model Solutions, Mine Drainage and Industrial Waste Decontamination.
Využitie mikrovlnnej energie pri odstraňovaní nebezpečných polutantov z modelových roztokov, banských vôd a pri dekontaminácii priemyselných odpadov
| Duration: |
1.1.2023 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Zubrik Anton PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on the preparation of advanced carbon adsorbents from local precursors (e.g. Slovak lignite, waste biomass). Microwave heating will be applied in the pyrolytic synthesis of the adsorbents, their surface activation, and modification, as well as in the regeneration process. The modification will be realized by incorporating magnetic nanoparticles (Fe (0), Fe-oxides) into carbon structures. It allows the separation of the solid adsorbent from the cleaned water by magnetic filtration. In addition to the static adsorption experiments, the dynamic mode will be applied during the adsorption studies to eliminate selected toxic metals/metalloids and organic pollutants. Desorption and regeneration of adsorbents as well as microwave degradation of organic pollutants will also be examined. The main goal is to prepare the advanced material with excellent surface properties applicable in the environmental technologies e.g. for remediation of mine drainage and industrial wastes. |
Development and design of sustainable composite materials for hybrid energy storage system based on Li-ion and redox-flow batteries
Vývoj a dizajn udržateľných kompozitných materiálov pre hybridný systém skladovania energie založený na Li-ion a redox-prietokových batériách
| Duration: |
1.4.2025 - 31.7.2027 |
| Program: |
|
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Fabián Martin PhD. |
| Annotation: | Decarbonizing transport and industry is essential to achieving the EU’s climate neutrality target by 2050. Advanced battery technologies play a key role in this process, and they must be reliable, safe, sustainable, and based on ethically sourced materials. Lithium-ion batteries dominate the market due to their high energy density, but their further development requires innovations in electrode materials, electrolytes, and cell design. For stationary grid-scale energy storage, redox flow batteries are promising, as they enable long-term and flexible energy storage. However, the European market still suffers from high battery costs and the prevalence of single-purpose systems unable to provide complex grid services. The SUNFLOWER consortium is therefore developing new sustainable composite materials and a hybrid energy storage system that combines the advantages of Li-ion and redox flow batteries. The goal is to enhance the safety, efficiency, and economic value of battery solutions and to support their use in both mobile and stationary applications. The project also emphasizes education in the field of energy storage, which is crucial for the ongoing industrial transformation. |
Development of novel oxides with spinel structure for alternative energy storage systems
Vývoj nových oxidov so spinelovou štruktúrou pre alternatívne systémy skladovania energie
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
Other projects |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Porodko Olena PhD. |
| Annotation: | The current project is focused on high-capacity anode materials for LIBs. In this context, complex oxides with a spinel structure represent a suitable alternative as anode materials for LIBs. The main focus will be placed on the design and study of novel materials for LIBs.Based on previous results, great attention will be paid to change (i.e. replace /decrease) of the critical transition metals (e.g. Co and Ni). The main goal is to develop suitable anode materials for LIBs. |
Valorization of hazardous waste containing zinc from the galvanizing process
Zhodnotenie nebezpečného odpadu s obsahom zinku z procesu galvanizácie
Antimony recovery by bioleaching of tetrahedrite as a primary source of CRM
Získavanie antimónu biolúhovaním tetraedritu ako primárneho zdroja kritických surovín
| Duration: |
1.8.2024 - 31.7.2026 |
| Program: |
|
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Hagarová Lenka PhD. |
| Annotation: | According to the Critical Raw Materials List (2023), the European Union's (EU)reliance on antimony has reached 100%. Moreover, antimony is seen as a metal supporting the transition to a green economy. However, some countries have antimony resources, such as Slovakia, which has more than 3 Mt of antimony available. This project deals with recovering critical raw materials (CRMs) with a primary focus on antimony from primary resource by advanced biotechnological methods considering the environmental aspect. The process is based on the tetrahedrite concentrate bioleaching optimization by acidophilic iron-oxidizing bacteria at ambient temperature, which represents environmentally less demanding yet energy-efficient ways of extracting metals compared to conventional mineral separation and chemical processing routes. |
Gold recovery from White Hill (Detva) concentrate using algae and mechanical activation
Získavanie zlata z koncentrátu Biely vrch (Detva) s využitím rias a mechanickej aktivácie
| Duration: |
1.1.2023 - 31.12.2025 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Ficeriová Jana PhD. |
| Annotation: | Complicated technological treatment of gold-containing concentrates and non-ecological methods of their processing have initiated the use of a non-traditional environmental method of this precious metal recovery. For these reasons, the scientific project is focused on gold obtained from concentrate White Hill (Detva) by using algae and mechanical activation. Mechanical activation of the concentrate and silica shells of freshwater algae causes changes in the physico-chemical properties of gold carriers as well as mineral components of algae. These structural changes have a decisive influence on the precipitation of nano-size gold into solutions of environmentally friendly reagents, from which the gold is subsequently fixed in the cell matrix on mechanically activated silica algae shells. The gold nanoparticles obtained in this way can have a very important benefit in practice for the disposal of hazardous substances in the environment. |
The total number of projects: 25
