Chemistry for Sustainable Development

This program investigates materials and processes for sustainable applications, drawing on the combined expertise of inorganic and organic chemists. In the new funding period, we will direct our research on the following ten topics. - Photocatalysis for environmental protection Photocatalysts and photocatalytic reactors for water and air purification will be developed, with emphasis on practical applications. Among pollutants, the focus will be on those that are difficult to remove by conventional methods (endocrine disruptors, pharmaceuticals, per- and polyfluorinated substances...). - Conversion of CO2 Various routes for the conversion of CO2 into valuable chemicals will be investigated. For this purpose, catalysts based on CeO2 and ZrO2 will be prepared. We will do kinetic studies, which have been neglected in previous research. - Green oxidative methods for selective conversion of organic molecules We will develop methods for the selective conversion of organic molecules using green oxidants and evaluate their environmental potential. The use of alternative solvents and solid supports will be studied. We will synthesize new cyclic peroxides and evaluate their biological activity (antimalarials, antiTBC, antiviral...). - Biomass valorization We will study the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into useful chemicals and materials. Lignin will be converted into arenes with green oxidants, cellulose conversion (hydrogels...) will be studied, and emodin will be modified to improve its biological and photochemical activity. - Computational modelling of catalysts We will develop computational software and machine learning models (in collaboration with other groups) that will accelerate the discovery of new catalysts and design rules. - Corrosion protection systems The goal of the proposed program is to develop environmentally friendly, ""smart"" corrosion protection systems for metals and their alloys in various corrosion media. - Multifunctional coatings We will develop further multifunctional materials (self-cleaning and anti-icing coatings). Another research focus is the development of antibacterial and antiviral coatings. - New generations of solar cells The focus will be on the development of innovative perovskite solar cells, which represent a new area of research in low-carbon technology. - Immobilization of potentially toxic elements We will investigate PTE bioaccessibility in various environmental dusts (house dust, road dust) and PSE adsorption directly onto biochar. Although biochar receives much attention, its actual role in stabilizing PTE is still rather unclear. - Coordination chemistry in sustainable development The coordination chemistry of Mo in higher oxidation states, Cu(II) and Zn(II) will be explored to identify and optimize the reaction conditions when the organic substrate undergoes chemical transformation. In case of the new curcumin complexes, we will focus on their synthesis, characterization and antiviral property.

Work packages of the programme follow the priorities, that are defined in Horizon Europe 2021-2027 strategy, the current framework programme of European community. Sustainable development is still an integral objective of the vision of the new EU programme on investing in research and innovation. Excellent science and innovation are key factors that help Europe to move towards smart, sustainable, inclusive growth, and along the way to tackle its pressing societal challenges. Following priorities of the European Commission, our programme is focused on secure, clean and efficient energy, green chemistry and technology, and sustainable approach to management of the environment. Part of our research will be included also in the "fit for the digital age" priority. We will continue to follow the excellence in research with a strong tendency toward innovation and industrial co-operation. It is the way we jointly create European science excellence and contribute to industrial innovation of our regional economy.

The proposed programme is an important contribution to sustainable development of Slovenia. The importance of the programme for Slovenia´s socio-economic and cultural development is reflected in: - a new knowledge and education of top inorganic and organic chemists - contribution to benign chemistry processes, which are friendly to the environment - implementation of sustainable environmental technologies and new products of chemical syntheses - development of technologies for renewable energy exploitation