As part of the Excellence in Science 2024 Awards, two achievements by our researchers that make a significant contribution to scientific progress and technological development were recognised. This prestigious award, granted by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS), aims to highlight the most significant research achievements in the Slovenian scientific field. The ARIS event at which the awards were presented took place on 18 November 2024 at the National Gallery in Ljubljana.
Source: ARIS
Progress in energy storage materials
In an interdisciplinary study published in the prestigious scientific journal Advanced Materials, Prof. Dr. Tomaž Katrašnik, together with his colleagues, Assist. Prof. Dr. Klemen Zelič and Igor Mele, and researchers from the National Institute of Chemistry, has revealed the key properties of phase separation materials that influence their electrochemical behaviour. The research, entitled “Entering voltage hysteresis in phase-separated materials: revealing the electrochemical response of the intraparticle phase-separated state“, provides new tools for optimising advanced battery systems. These are essential for the development of sustainable energy solutions that support the global green transition.
Source: ARIS
Cold plasma for liquid disinfection
The second award-winning achievement is the result of a collaboration between Prof. Dr. Matevž Dular and Assist. Prof. Dr. Martin Petkovšek, together with other experts from the Institute “Jožef Stefan” and the National Institute of Biology. They have developed an innovative method and device for the disinfection of liquids using cold plasma in a stable supercavitation bubble, which has also been validated by a US patent (US Patent 11,807,555 B2). The research, published in the Environment International journal, represents a breakthrough technology for the efficient and environmentally friendly inactivation of viruses in water, with great potential for industrial and public health applications.
Prof. Katrašnik’s research, entitled “Entry into voltage hysteresis in phase-separated materials: revealing the electrochemical response of the intraparticle phase-separated state“, focuses on key challenges in the development of materials for advanced battery systems. Working with national and international experts, he has analysed in detail the processes that affect the performance and durability of electrochemical devices. The results of the research, published in the prestigious journal Advanced Materials, not only deepen the understanding of phase transitions in materials, but also open up new avenues for improving energy storage technologies.
Both achievements were presented at the ARIS 2024 Science and Engineering Round Table, which highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation for the future.
We congratulate them all on this outstanding recognition and wish them every success in their future work!