Projects

National

MULCOMAT – Multifunkčné kompozitné materiály pre cielenú detekciu, adsorpciu a dekontamináciu nebezpečných organických molekúl
Multifunctional composite materials for detection, adsorption and decontamination of hazardous organic molecules
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.
Duration: 1.7.2024 – 30.6.2028
Pokročilé materiály na báze anorganických vrstevnatých štruktúr študované modelovým a experimentálnym prístupom
Advanced materials based on the inorganic layered structures studied by model and experimental approaches
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.
Duration: 1.1.2023 – 31.12.2026
Photomat – Fotofunkčné hybridné materiály organických luminofórov a nanočastíc vrstevnatých silikátov
Photofunctional hybrid materials of organic luminophores and nanoparticles of layered silicates
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.
Duration: 1.7.2023 – 30.6.2026
BENTONITE – GAP – Bentonit: strategická surovina Slovenska – inovatívne hodnotenie zdrojov a ich kvality pre jej efektívne využívanie
Bentonite: Slovak strategic raw material – Innovative assessment of bentonite quality and origin for its efficient use
Program: SRDA
Project leader: RNDr. Madejová Jana, DrSc.
Annotation: Bentonite is an important industrial raw material. Due to the high amount of clay minerals from the smectite group, bentonite has unique properties, e.g. high swelling capacity, plasticity, high specific surface area, cation exchange capacity and low hydraulic conductivity. Due to these properties bentonites have broad range of possible applications. Consequently, worldwide bentonite production is constantly increasing. Slovak republic (SR) is one of the world\’s leading bentonite producers and bentonites belong to the strategic raw materials in SR. In the last 10-15 years, several new bentonite deposits have been opened in SR, most of which have never been studied in detail.Which is one of the causes that the potential of Slovak bentonites is not fully utilized. One of the objectives of the project is therefore the comprehensive characterization of bentonites from new deposits. The mineral and chemical composition of bentonites, their physico-chemical, mechanical, and rheological properties will be determined. The obtained results will help to better understand the geology and genesis of bentonite deposits which may lead to thediscovery of other economic accumulations of bentonites. The main contribution of the project lies in the rational, economical, and efficient use of domestic raw materials which will lead to the long-term sustainability of bentonite exploitation in SR. The way in which the proposed changes will be implemented is highly innovative. The main application outputs of the project such as: passports for the optimal utilization of different qualitative types of bentonites, including economic analysis, 3D model of bentonite quality and geological model of selected bentonite deposit, will contribute to achieve this ambitious goal. The multidisciplinary team of experts on domestic and worldbentonites in cooperation with major bentonite producer in SR, REGOS, s.r.o. is guarantee of successful solution ofthe proposed project.
Duration: 1.1.2021 – 30.6.2025