In the scientific journal Account of Chemical Research with impact factor IF=24.348, we published – in collaboration with L. Zoppi and K.K. Baldridge from the Zürich University – a research article titled “Structure−Property Relationships of Curved Aromatic Materials from First Principles”. The article describes the progress of the modeling of electronic structures for reading the structural, electronic, and transmitting qualities of materials. The possibility of the new approach was shown via a series of theoretical tests that include curved aromatic materials.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3581691
In the journal Advanced Energy Materials with impact factor IF= 14.385 we reported results that represent the first direct ECE study of strongly anisotropic non-perovskite materials. We have shown that both the absolute values of ECE and the width of the temperature range over which they are observed strongly depend on the direction of applied electric field. These results were confirmed both by direct experimental measurements on single crystals cut in different directions, and theoretical predictions based on statistical mechanics.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3501563
BiFeNbO pyrochlore nanoparticles were synthesized by a facile coprecipitation reaction. We have demonstrated that visible light can generate a significant amount of excitons in BiFeNbO, the excitons can dissociate and diffuse to the surface where they can perform a chemical reaction. The nanoparticles exhibit intensive visiblelight absorption due to a narrow band gap and high visible light photocatalytic activity for degradation of methyl orange
COBISS.SI-ID: 3046395
Research on photocatalytic materials has been a field in continuous expansion in the recent decades, as it is evidenced by the large number of articles published every year. So far, more than 190 different semiconductors have been assayed as suitable photocatalysts. To this figure, it is necessary to add the combinations with other functional materials or between different semiconductors, as well as their morphological modifications. Summing up the outcome of these different preparation strategies eventually leads to the enormous number of photocatalytic systems that have been reported in the scientific literature. Dealing with such an amount of information requires updated and educated guidance to select the most significant realizations, and it also calls for critical assessments on how the expectations are being fulfilled. This perspective article intends to assess the state of the art of photocatalysis with regard to materials and systems, considering the well-established results, but also the emerging aspects, and the envisaged new directions of this technology in the near future. In the first part, the most relevant achievements in this area, some of them already in the market while others still in development, will be reviewed according to the current understanding. The second part of the article is devoted to the most innovative and promising photocatalysts and related systems described in the open literature.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3279867
Photocatalytic coatings are considered sustainable materials as they only need sunlight for their activation and regeneration. Some photocatalytic disinfecting coatings are already commercialized, but many more are still in the developmental stage. Efficient and reliable analytical methodologies for testing the antimicrobial effects of photocatalytic coatings. should therefore be used and further developed (1) to avoid inactive or unstable final products, (2) to allow fast, reproducible, and inexpensive antimicrobial activity measurements, and (3) to reflect real environmental conditions and challenges for these materials. Aiming to improve the existing methodologies of antimicrobial testing, this mini review summarizes and discusses the testing parameters and procedures in this expanding research field, including research on antimicrobial activity of photocatalytic coatings for different applications, i.e., self-cleaning/disinfecting coatings (films) and photocatalytic coatings for water and air treatment/ disinfection.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3079675