Seznam abstraktů 2023: POSTEROVÁ SEKCE B

The work is based on the bachelor thesis which dealt with the preparation of photocatalytic, hydrophilic and antibacterial Ag/TiO2-based layers prepared by sol-gel method. The layers were immobilized by dip-coating method on glass substrates. The motivation for this work was to create self-cleaning glass surfaces which have an application potential in the construction industry, as glass is widely used on buildings. Constantly settling dirt, traffic exhaust fumes and other pollutants, as well as growing bacteria, algae, fungi and moss degrade buildings, so the use of self-cleaning surfaces is a promising way of prevention against these negative influences. A total of 5 different sol-gel synthesis processes for TiO2 and 3 different Ag doping methods were tested. Titanium tetraisopropoxide or titanium tetrabutoxide was used as TiO2 precursor, silver nitrate was used as Ag precursor. Ethanol or isopropyl alcohol served as solvents. Nitric or acetic acid served as both hydrolysis catalysts and stabilizers of the prepared sol. The sol-gel synthesis and Ag doping methods used were compared with each other in terms of the stability of the sol, appearance and transparency of the prepared layers. The effect of conditions such as the rate of slide removal from the sol, relative humidity and dry air supply during dip-coating on the homogeneity and activity of the layers was investigated. The effect of calcination temperature and Ag doping on the crystal structure of TiO2 layers was investigated by Raman spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activity of prepared layers was determined by dye degradation. Antibacterial activity was tested via decreasement of CFU/ml of bacteria E. coli.

Photocatalysis, the direct conversion of solar energy into molecular fuels, has centered on enhancing the fundamental properties of photocatalysts. Strategies include engineering heterojunctions, introducing lattice defects into wide bandgap materials like TiO2, and selecting semiconductors with favorable band positions relative to redox potentials. Inorganic nanocrystals with specific shapes and facets have also shown promise for efficient charge carrier separation. Most studies have concentrated on the products of the reductive cycle, particularly hydrogen, while overlooking the analysis of oxidation products. However, in the context of alcohol photoreforming using biomass substrates, understanding the oxidation pathway and reactivity becomes crucial. This oversight is significant because it can enhance hydrogen evolution and lead to value-added product synthesis. In this study, we introduce an innovative approach involving anisotropic defective brookite TiO2 nanocrystals. Subjected to high-temperature reduction treatment, these nanocrystals reveal precise defect sites with substrate-specific photo-reactivity, favoring methanol oxidation over other alcohols. The investigation reveals a close relationship between the rates of photocatalytic alcohol oxidation and simultaneous hydrogen evolution. Optimizing methanol oxidation significantly enhances hydrogen production. Despite introducing defects and structural changes that boost visible light absorption, the selective affinity of reduced brookite for methanol oxidation emerges as the primary driver behind higher hydrogen evolution yields. In-depth characterizations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations unveil that substrate-specific activity is governed by catalytic sites, including sub-surface oxygen vacancies within a locally strained lattice environment. These sites generate shallow hole traps crucial for initiating methanol photo-oxidation. These findings hold significant promise for sustainable energy and chemical synthesis, advancing our understanding of photocatalytic mechanisms and offering new avenues for a cleaner, more efficient future.

Graphitic carbon nitride is one of the most studied photocatalysts for environmental applications as well as for the production of hydrogen. Its band gap at 2.7 eV means that the photocatalytic activity of this material can be activated with the light of wavelength 460 nm and lower. Thermal polycondensation of suitable precursors, for example melamine, is a widely adopted method of bulk g-C3N4 synthesis. As prepared bulk g-C3N4 suffers from low photodegradation activity, mainly associated with low specific surface area and high rate of electron-hole recombination. G-C3N4, similarly to graphite, has a layered structure and to increase the specific surface area, the thermal, chemical, and mechanical exfoliation methods of its layers is adopted. In this work, the effect of holding time at 525 °C during g-C3N4 exfoliation on its photodegradation activity against rhodamine B under irradiation with light of wavelength 420 nm is reported. The effect of holding time on the specific surface area, the structure of the resulted products, the band gap energies, and particle size was also studied.
This work was supported by project “MATUR” (CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004631). The authors also thank VSB - Technical University of Ostrava (project No. SP2023/34) for the financial support.

Influence of reaction conditions on properties of nano-ZnS/kaolinite composite was investigated. Two methods were used for nano-ZnS/kaolinite composite synthesis: conventional hydrothermal and microwave-assisted hydrothermal method with reaction times 90, 150, 210 min and 10, 20, 30 min, respectively. Micrometric kaolinite particles served as a carrier of the nano-ZnS synthesized from ZnCl2 and Na2S precursors. The mass ratio of the precursors and kaolinite was 1:1 for all samples. Three nZn:nS molar ratios (1:1; 1.5:1; 2:1) were prepared for all reaction times. The XRPD and FTIR results indicate that all eighteen samples contain cubic ZnS phase (i.e. sphalerite). SEM analysis confirmed not only that the ZnS is nanostructured, but also good coverage of kaolinite with the ZnS. Photocatalytic activity (PA) was determined on Acid orange 7 under UV radiation (λ = 365 nm). Although both methods are suitable for preparation of photocatalytic nano-ZnS (similar PA results were obtained), the microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis has a great potential mainly thanks to reducing reaction time compared to the conventional hydrothermal synthesis. Nano-ZnS/kaolinite composite is promising for outdoor applications, e.g. as an active substance in self-cleaning paints or for protection of cultural monuments and statues. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: This research was supported by the Science and Research Support Program in the Moravian-Silesian Region 2020 (RRC/02/2020) and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic within the SGS projects at VSB-TUO (SP2022/31, SP2023/034).

The population growth and rapid industrialisation over the last few decades increased water resources contamination by organic pollutants and heavy metals. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a promising conjugated polymer semiconductor, is widely used as photocatalyst for pollutant degradation. However, the bulk g-C3N4 has structural defects and small specific surface area that both decrease its overall photocatalytic activity.
In this work, we used ultrasound, milling and thermal treatment to exfoliate the bulk g-C3N4 to enhance its photocatalytic efficiency. We characterised the optical and structural properties of the prepared powder samples by scanning electron microscopy, a specific surface analyser and UV-vis spectrometer. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared bulk and exfoliated forms was indicated by rhodamine B degradation in a batch reactor under visible light. The bulk form of g-C3N4 and the g-C3N4 exfoliated in ultrasound had similar properties. Particles prepared by milling had higher specific surface area and showed better photocatalytic activity than the bulk. The thermal exfoliation performed the best, as the time needed for complete degradation of rhodamine B was reduced from several hours to a few minutes. Although thermal exfoliation leads to the best photocatalytic activity, there is a high material loss during the preparation compared to other two methods.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) find application in various areas depending on their properties, shape and size distribution, which are mainly influenced by the preparation conditions. Moreover, due to the trend in recent years, toxic reducing and stabilizing agents are being abandoned during the synthesis of AuNPs, and alternative substances for one-pot green synthesis are being sought. Examples of such substances are polysaccharides, which are non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable. In addition, they have the advantage that they can serve as reducing and stabilizing agents simultaneously during the reaction. Nevertheless, polysaccharides are structurally highly diverse compounds with a wide range of molecular weights and often non-stoichiometric composition. By selective oxidation of polysaccharides, these problems can be at least partially eliminated, and we can control the molecular weight, degree of oxidation and overall resulting properties of polysaccharides. Therefore, our work focused on preparing gold nanoparticles using the dialdehyde polysaccharides, specifically dialdehyde dextran (DADXA), dialdehyde hyaluronan (DAH), dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) and dialdehyde alginate (DAAL). Firstly, the synthesis parameters of the AuNPs prepared with DAC were optimized. Other AuNPs from DAH, DADXA and DAAL were prepared based on these results. The nanoparticles were characterized, and tests of their catalytic efficiency were carried out on the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol. According to the preliminary study, all samples were found to be suitable catalysts for this reaction, with the best results obtained for DADXA, with initial TOF over 37.6 min-1 and k = 0.53 min-1.

This study addresses the need for non-noble metal-based hydrogenation catalysts as alternatives to their costly noble metal counterparts. We present an environment-friendly method for synthesizing nitrogen-doped carbon-supported Co3O4 nanoparticles (Co3O4/PNC) using pine needle biomass as a precursor by impregnation and subsequent pyrolysis under a nitrogen atmosphere at 500 °C. The resulting Co3O4/PNC-nanocatalyst exhibits remarkable catalytic capabilities, efficiently transforming a diverse range of substituted phenols and functional organic compounds, including N- and O-heteroarenes, into their hydrogenated products in excellent yields (over 55 examples). Furthermore, this catalyst has displayed the synthesis of seven critical drug intermediates, essential for large-scale pharmaceutical ingredient production, with particular significance in the synthesis of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, a vital component in praziquantel production. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and adsorption analyses, provide insight into the catalyst's physicochemical properties. Notably, the Co3O4/PNC nanocatalyst demonstrates stability and recyclability over four catalytic cycles without compromising activity or selectivity. The study is enriched by density functional theory calculations, shedding light on the underlying reaction mechanisms. In summary, this work offers a promising, sustainable, and cost-effective solution to the challenging quest for non-noble metal-based hydrogenation catalysts, opening avenues for greener and more accessible chemical transformations in both academia and industry. REFERENCES: [1] K. Natte et al. ACS Catal. 2023, 13, 9724-9744.; [2] K. Natte et al. ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2020, 8, 15740-15754. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: ''This article has been produced with the financial support of the European Union under the REFRESH - Research Excellence For REgion Sustainability and High-tech Industries project number CZ.10.03.01/00/22_003/0000048 via the Operational Programme Just Transition.'' K.N. acknowledges DST-SERB, New Delhi (SRG/2019/002004), India for financial support.

The wide range of applications of AuNPs is related to their different shapes and sizes, which are dependent on the synthesis process and reaction parameters. Therefore, a novel and highly efficient approach to anchor AuNPs to a chitosan substrate by covalent bonding using dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) is presented here. Affinity anchoring of AuDAC to chitosan nanofibers is mediated by a Schiff base reaction with subsequent reductive amination. This process significantly improves particle binding compared to conventional methods such as simple dip coating. In our work, we initially tested the preparation of a composite material based on mixing the AuDAC solution with a chitosan solution. However, this process was inefficient as the morphology of the resulting material was not homogeneous, i.e., irregular chitosan micro-nanofibers were sparsely decorated with AuDAC. Therefore, another approach was utilized based on the affinity anchoring of pre-made AuDAC nanoparticles to electrospun chitosan nanofibers. This method showed high binding efficiency and very dense decoration of nanofibers with AuDAC. Subsequently, the ability of the composite material to catalytically reduce 4-nitrophenol (4NP) to 4-aminophenol (4AP) was demonstrated. The effectiveness of binding AuNPs to nanofibers was also compared to nanoparticles synthesized using another type of polysaccharide, specifically hyaluronic acid dialdehyde (DAH).

Pt/Y-carbon catalysts can be prepared with a very wide range of metal loadings up to at least 25 wt.% with very good dispersion of the metal particles comparable to the loading for materials with 3 wt.% Pt. Due to the 3D-organised open porous structure that allows access to the active centres, the TOFPt values are identical even for very large Pt loadings. The catalytic activity of Pt/Y-carbon is thus directly proportional to the Pt loading, and the high concentration of active Pt sites results in extraordinarily high activities in the hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexane. The Pt nanoparticles supported on zeolite-templated carbon (ZTC) are an example of a new class of ZTC metal-supported catalysts providing a very large concentration of metal sites on a readily accessible 3D-organized porous support. [1]. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: This work was supported by the Czech Science Foundation under Project No. 21-07753S. The authors acknowledge the assistance provided by the Research Infrastructure NanoEnviCz (Projects No. LM2023066, EF18_046/0015586, LM2018124), supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic and The European Union - European Structural and Investments Funds in the frame of Operational Programme Research Development and Education.
REFERENCE: [1] S. F. Rastegar, R. Pilar, J. Moravkova, G. Sadovska, V. Parvulescu, J. Pastvova, J. Plsek, D. Kaucky, N. Kostkova and P. Sazama, Catalysis Science & Technology, 2023. Accepted, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CY00617D.

The theme of this thesis is nano catalysis of organic reactions. Specifically, it is a study of preparation and characterization of copper-based nano particles supported on reduced graphene oxide for Chan-Lam cross coupling reaction. Different preparation methods were compared, including chemical, ultrasonic, or microwave-enhanced synthesis as well as observation of impact of various concentrations or chemical forms of the precursors, or of the reaction temperature. Catalytic part of this work, which is still in progress, is based on the study of catalytic activity of this material for Chan-Lam cross coupling reaction in various conditions and for various substrates.

Exploring the influence of size, shape, and surface state of nanocrystals (NCs) on catalytic activity has been a subject of significant interest due to the unique interactions between NCs and reactants. However, despite previous efforts, disentangling the intricate effects of energy gap changes and quantum confinement on photocatalytic performance remains challenging. In this study, we focused on halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) as an ideal model system, offering easily tunable photoelectric properties through crystal size and halide composition modifications. We synthesized a series of CsPbBrxCl3-x and CsPbBrxI3-x PNCs with an emission peak in the range of 470 - 515 nm. The synthesis involved a hot injection at various temperatures, followed by post-anion exchange treatment. To evaluate the photocatalytic properties of the series of PNCs, these PNCs were employed in [2+2] photo-cycloaddition reactions, which proceed via triplet-triplet energy transfer. The yields of resulting products were carefully measured. Our experimental findings elucidated the dominant role of quantum confinement in enhancing the photocatalytic properties of PNCs. Smaller PNCs exhibited higher photocatalytic activity attributed to their increased quantum confinement effects, leading to efficient charge carrier separation and reduced recombination losses. In contrast, a mere change in the energy gap displayed a relatively minor effect on the photocatalytic activity of the PNCs. These results provide valuable insights for the design of efficient photocatalytic systems.

This study investigates the development of cost-effective Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) utilizing ZnCo2O4 nanostructures synthesized via a hydrothermal method. While zinc nitrate and cobalt nitrate served as common precursor materials, the choice of the reactant was systematically varied to generate distinctive ZnCo2O4 nanostructures, such as nanoflowers, nanosheets, and nanocones. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to analyze the morphological characteristics, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) data provided insights into the crystalline properties of these nanostructures.
Thin films of ZnCo2O4 nanoflowers, nanosheets, and nanocones were deposited onto indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrates to obtain Pt-free counter electrodes for DSSCs. The influence of the nanostructure morphology on the photovoltaic properties of DSSC devices was rigorously examined. The obtained results shed light on the significant impact of nanostructure morphology on DSSC performance, offering valuable insights for the design of efficient, low-cost, and sustainable energy conversion technologies.

Recently investigations of colloidal quantum dots, constructed from chalcogenide materials became very attractive for researchers due to their applications in quantum dot solar cells. In this work the electron and heavy hole states in spherical and ellipsoidal CdSe/CdS colloidal core-shell quantum dot, which is wildly used in solar cells technologies, have been investigated theoretically in the frame of finite element method calculations. Usually CdSe/CdS core-shell quantum dots are type I heterostructures. We have determined the ranges of the sizes of the dot, for which type I - quasi type II transitions of the system can be observed, which means that the electron and the hole can be localizes in different parts of the considered core-shell structure. This effect can change the optical characteristics of the dot. Here we have considered also interband optical transitions between heavy hole ground state to various electron states. The dependencies of optical transition intensities on sizes of quantum dot have been obtained. The effect of external electric filed on electron and hole states and on transition intensities also have been investigated. We have demonstrated that for spherical quantum dots the interband transition energies are changing with the increase of electric field strength, but the intensity of transitions remains almost constant, which shows the stability of considered system from point of view of their usage in solar cell technologies. For the ellipsoidal dots we observed intensity changes in absorption spectrum during the increase of electric field.

The shift towards sustainable energy sources has generated a growing need for materials that can effectively produce and conserve alternative fuels. While platinum is known for its outstanding catalytic properties in hydrogen evolution, its scarcity presents a significant challenge. This study focuses on developing an electrode for the photoelectrochemical production of hydrogen, a potential future fuel source. In particular, we introduced a novel electrode preparation method that utilizes more abundant materials, including titanium (Ti), tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5), and gold (Au).
The proposed approach begins with titanium anodization to create a TiO2 nanotube array, followed by partial reduction to create a black titania structure, resulting in a high surface area with excellent light absorption. A nanostructured gold was deposited on the top of black titania and enhances light absorption, enabling the efficient use of hot electrons excited due to surface plasmon resonance. Simultaneously, controlled sulfurization of Ta2O5 yields TaS2 with a preferential structural modification (3R) which is later deposited on black titania/Au surface and enhances the catalytic activity of such samples. The synergistic combination of used materials, deliberate introduction of structural defects, and spatial compatibility leads to an electrode that surpasses platinum's overpotential for hydrogen evolution at high current densities. Moreover, under illumination, the prepared electrode outperforms platinum even at low current densities as low as -10 mA cm-2. This innovative approach holds promise for advancing sustainable hydrogen production and contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop alternative energy sources.

We have targeted in this study the contact deposition of copper on the silicon surface of a solar cell. The standard structure contains a 60 ohm- square emitter coated with a layer of silicon nitride SiNx on the front and Al BSF on the back. The SiNx is opened by a 532 nm laser patterning to allow the selective deposition of Ni/Cu on the emitter. Successive layers of nickel and copper are electrochemically deposited on a silicon emitter to obtain the front grid contact and finalize the solar cell structure. Previously, Ni and Cu are studied individually by varying the current density and the deposition time. The final structure obtained is a layer of 140 nm of Ni and more than 10 µm of copper. The quality of the contact strongly depends on the uniformity of the deposit. The thickness must be the same on each point of opened surface and the bus-bar that is 1.5mm wide has to be adequately fulfilled as the fingers that are narrower (less than 200µm). The adhesion is also an important parameter to make a good contact. If these conditions are completed the obtained contact resistance is around 1mΩ.cm². This condition implies a good seed layer of Ni, without oxidation. A heat treatment around 400°C during 5min in an inert atmosphere provides an accurate Ni seed layer. Otherwise the Cu top layer will comes off.
So the conditions of a good contact deposition are tightly related to the surface preparation, the good ablation of SiNx layer, the uniformity of Ni layer and also the heat treatment that is conducted under an inert atmosphere.

High voltage (HV) insulators play a crucial role in power transmission, microelectronic components, transformer systems, and other energy applications. However, they often face challenges related to the surface accumulation of moisture and solid contaminants, which can lead to thermal runaways and flashovers. Such problems ultimately reduce the insulator’s durability and overall efficiency. To address these concerns and minimize maintenance costs, polymeric composite-based coatings have become a popular solution.
This study focuses on the fabrication of room temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber (RTV SiR) based nanocomposites as external coatings for HV insulators. The primary objective is to enhance the thermomechanical and degradation-resistant properties of RTV SiR using hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and nanosilica reinforced hybrid filler. Using perflouro-octyl-triethoxysilane (FTS) functionalized h-BN (hBNNS), improved filler dispersion is achieved within the SiR matrix, which offers increased mechanical strength and hydrophobicity. Different loadings of h-BNNS, h-BNNS-SiO2, and SiO­2 are prepared using a facile synthesis method and dispersed homogeneously into the RTV SiR matrix. The resulting nanocomposite is spray-coated onto ceramic tiles to evaluate the impact of filler type and loading amount on thermomechanical stability, surface wettability, and resistance to surface tracking.
Through characterization, h-BN/nanosilica-reinforced RTV SiR nanocomposites exhibited a manifold increase in electrical breakdown strength in the Inclined Plane Test (IPT) in comparison to pristine RTV SiR, while also showing uniform filler dispersion using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It also outperformed pristine RTV SiR in Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Water Contact Angle (WCA), and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), indicating the nanocomposite’s superior thermal stability, dielectric properties, interfacial interactions, and minimal agglomeration, rendering it ideal for energy applications in harsh environments.

In this work, we report poly(N-acryloylglycinamide-co-vinyltriazole) p(NAGA-co-VTZ) supramolecular polymer hydrogel as a high-strength self-healable material for supercapacitors. Carbonized and activated polypyrrole nanotubes were incorporated into the hydrogel structure and used as electrode materials. The hydrogels demonstrated self-healing ability through hydrogen bonding, excellent mechanical properties - tensile strength 1.2 MPa and large 1300 % stretchability. Mechanical tests showed tensile strength and stretchability depend on initial monomer concentration. The morphology of the prepared hydrogels, analysed by scanning electron microscopy, showed a porous structure in the range of 5-20 µm, depending on monomer concentration. Initial monomer concentration strongly affected both hydrogel microstructure and mechanical properties that were revealed by scanning electron microscopy and tensile test experiments, respectively. The self-healing of the material was performed at 70 °C. The assembled symmetrical supercapacitor was analysed by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements and impedance spectroscopy. The supercapacitor provides a high areal capacitance of 316.86 mF cm-2 at a scan rate of 10 mV s-1. The supercapacitor operates over a wide voltage window and provides excellent cyclic performance with capacitance retention of 95.17 % after 10 000 cycles. Overall, the prepared materials have a considerable potential for self-healable energy storage applications.

Active silica optical fibers represent the key components of advanced optical devices including high-power fiber lasers and fiber sensors. However, the range of materials used is severely limited due to the lack of chemical sources compatible with the industrial-modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) process. Implementation of the nanocrystals from the colloidal solutions represents a promising alternative to conventional MCVD process allowing to extend the range of dopants and tailor the optical properties. Rare-earth doped yttrium-aluminum garnets (YAGs) are promising candidates for implementation due to their excellent luminescence properties, which have been exploited for the construction of solid-state lasers and X-ray imaging devices.
In this paper, we demonstrate the implementation of Ho-doped YAG into silica optical fiber technology. Nanocrystalline Ho: YAG powder with tailored structural properties was prepared by the sol-gel method followed by heat treatment and mechanical milling. The nanocrystals were embedded in a silica frit prepared by MCVD and processed into a preform that was drawn into an optical fiber. We varied the processing parameters, including nanocrystal size, frit porosity, drawing speed, and temperature, to evaluate the stability of Ho: YAG nanocrystals during the process. The fibers’ properties were compared with fibers doped with Al2O3 nanoparticles, which are widely used as dopants in fiber optic technology. The presented method allows to improve the efficiency of fiber lasers, to design new sensors of distributed high-energy radiation, and can be simply extended to other ceramic materials. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: This research was financially supported by the Czech Science Foundation number 23-05507S.

In the following work, we investigated the influence of plasma modification on the preparation and properties of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solution in dimethylformamide (DMF). PAN/DMF solutions are used for electrospinning providing the mat with a desirable structure suitable for subsequent carbonization or functionalization with photocatalytic materials producing the base for the energy harvesting systems.
Two plasma modification devices were used. Diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge (DCSBD) was used for powder conditioning and radiofrequency atmospheric pressure plasma jet was used for modification of powders and solutions. The main goal was to change the conductivity of the PAN/DMF solution. The immersion conductivity measurement was carried for 4 h after the preparation, followed by measurement after 24h and 48h. To observe the change of the powders after the modification, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used. To discover the effect of possible chemical changes on the powder surface, contact angle measurement for DMF and surface free energy values were calculated. Furthermore, characterization of prepared solutions was based on viscosity, zeta-potential and grain size distribution measurement. Finally, the chosen solutions were tested for the electrospinning process.
Plasma modification causes the formation of powder aggregates, increase of DMF contact angles and surface free energy. However, immediately after the RF jet modification using argon/nitrogen mixture with 150 W, the solution conductivity increased by 10% followed by slight increase in time. When modifying with DCSBD for 50 s applying 325W, initial conductivity was 59% higher than for reference sample, offering a prospective way for PAN treatment.

The paper focuses on a technical application of polymeric nanofiber materials. It introduces the usage of linear nanofiber structures, e.g. nanoyarns, for production of filter candles with the capacity of water or air filtration. The research is focused on production of composite nanofibrous yarn containing micro-fibre core covered with nanofiber sheath prepared by the highly effective technology: electrospinning in alternating electric field (AC electrospinning). The core of the composite yarn is used to provide the sufficient mechanical strength, while the nanofibrous sheath provides the additional function, e.g. for advanced filtering capacity. The filter cartridges are made using a unique winding device, enabling the production of filters of various sizes as well as with different winding parameters. At the same time, the production line is designed to eliminate any mechanical or chemical irregularities to the nanofiber sheath.
The work describes the technology of production of core nanoyarn with polyester core fibres and poly-vinyl-butyral nanofibrous cover wound on filter cartridges. The filter cartridges were measured on a custom-made laboratory setup. Experimental tests of filtration of microplastic with various sizes confirmed the filter efficiency for this application. Based on measurement results, filter cartridges with different structural as well as material composition are discussed and suggested. Filters based on natural and biodegradable materials as the next step in the research of usage of sustainable nanotechnologies is also discussed in the paper.

Organic hollow fiber (HF) membranes applied in wastewater treatment are surrounded by microorganisms (MO), proteins, and humic acids within the bioreactor system. The interfacial attraction between these foulants and the surface of membranes contributes to pore blockage due to the attachment and growth of the extracellular polymeric (ECP) matrix during their biological activity. The surface functionalization of organic hollow fiber membranes is essential for their performance improvement in wastewater treatment applications. Non-toxicity, easy synthesis ability, versatility, reasonable price, and antimicrobial capability enable zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) to be widely utilized in surface treatment. Moreover, biocompatibility, durable attachment to organic surfaces, and hydrophilic properties make polydopamine (PDA) play a crucial role as a surface modifier. Accordingly, the aim of this investigation is to facial characterization of the in situ synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and co-immobilized by biomimetic-based polydopamine coatings on the surface of polyether sulfone (PES) hollow fiber (HF) membranes in the aerated bioreactor. The surface morphology and elemental analysis of the ZnO@PDA surface functionalized PES HF membranes were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). FT-IR spectrophotometry was employed to evaluate the surface growth of PDA coating on the membrane surface. Antimicrobial property of the surface-modified PES HF membranes was quantitatively tested under dynamic contact condition based on the ASTM E2149 after inoculation with Staphylococcus spp. strain CCM 2446 and Escherichia coli strain CCM 7395 (Masaryk University in Brno). Finally, the permeability and flux of the membranes beneath tap water and activated sludge were evaluated as complementary analyses to the facial characterization of the surface-modified PES HF membranes. The results of this study can aid in the development of PES HF membrane performance for wastewater treatment applications.

The main aim of the study is to investigate the performance of ultra-thin polymer composite nanofiber-embedded membranes for efficient CO2 separation. To fabricate these membranes, a combination of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and a specially selected modifier that supports CO2 transport was used in addition to polyamide 6 nanofiber layer. PVA has excellent film-forming properties, mechanical strength, and low toxicity, making it an ideal choice for sustainable applications. Two membranes with special modifiers were prepared. The material properties of the solution-cast membranes are discussed and compared. Surface morphology characterization was accomplished through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses.
Experimental tests were performed to evaluate the CO2 permeability of these new membranes. The data obtained from these tests provide evidence of the successful transport of CO2 through the polymer membrane system. The CO2 permeability was evaluated using special equipment designed specifically for these experiments.
In addition, these ultra-thin membranes were characterized as robust, compact, and homogeneous. The development of these advanced vapor permeable non-porous systems with improved properties opens the way to interesting applications in gas separation and CO2 capture processes. These advances are vital in reducing emissions and negative environmental impacts.

The catalytic enhancement of high-energy density intermediates has demonstrated great promise as a viable pathway for generating intermediates used in the production of diesel and jet fuels. This study involves the use of in-situ generated Pd nanoparticles over a Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) catalyst for the tandem conversion of bioderived furfural to a jet-fuel intermediate via condensation-hydrogenation in a single pot. Initial parametric variations suggest that the LDH with Mg:Al ratio 3 gave the best activity (>98% FFA conversion and >99% cross-aldol C11 adduct selectivity) towards the cross-condensation of furfural with 4-methyl-2-pentanone (MP). For the tandem condensation-hydrogenation in a single pot, a Pd@MgAl(3) catalyst was utilized. The LDH facilitated the condensation between the furfural and MP to selectively produce cross-aldol C11 adduct which was then hydrogenated by the in-situ formed Pd nanoparticles supported on MgAl(3) LDH. The catalyst was highly active in the complete hydrogenation of the unsaturated bonds present in the adduct, selectively yielding a saturated C11 jet fuel intermediate under milder reaction conditions. This work holds significant promise in advancing the sustainable production of high-energy-density intermediates crucial for both diesel and jet fuel manufacturing, showcasing the potential for efficient and eco-friendly aviation fuel production.

Boron-doped diamond layers play a pivotal role in the development of power electronic devices with substantial carrier concentrations. Nevertheless, a significant challenge arises when these devices require a wider range of boron concentrations for various applications. To address this challenge, co-doping strategies have been employed to finely control the boron doping ratio in the layers. Among various dopants, oxygen has been regarded as a promising precursor for controlling boron incorporation by interacting with boron radicals in the plasma. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the chemical interactions between precursors and plasma radicals becomes essential to optimize growth conditions and effectively manage boron incorporation in the layer.
In this presentation, we systematically explore TMB/CH4/H2/O2 microwave plasmas based on optical emission spectroscopy. Since BH radicals serve as the primary source of boron in the plasma, we utilized optical emission spectroscopy to collect the intensities of these species for various combinations of TMB, CH4, and O2 gas flows. The intensity ratio of BH to CH is investigated to determine the optimal gas flows for controlling boron incorporations in the layer. Due to the strong correlation between CH4, O2 and BH radicals, optimal boron incorporation can be achieved by controlling the ratio of CH4 and O2 gas flows. These results will provide guidance for understanding the chemical reactions in the plasma and the correlation between the plasma properties and boron incorporation in the layer. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: This work was financially supported by the Czech Science Foundation (Project No. GACR 21-03538S) and the Operational Program Research, Development, and Education financed by European Structural and Investment Funds and the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (Project No. SOLID21 - CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_019/ 0000760)

The food packaging industry strives to im-prove its packaging to achieve the highest durability and strength for the shelf life of the product. In view of environmental concerns, efforts are being made to reduce packaging waste, with increased use of biodegradable polymers and networks. These organic packaging materials must maintain their mechanical and barrier properties during storage and function properly before disposal. The barrier properties of organic packaging materials are not yet as effective as those of existing packaging materials. The addition of silica to biodegradable polymers makes the packaging materials more water resistant, improves their mechanical and thermal properties, and also increases their shelf life. Silica-based materials are highly versatile and flexible and can be designed to meet specific applications. An organic-inorganic hybrid gel was developed as a packaging material using natural polymers such as amino acids proline, glutamic acid and monosaccharides. The organic compounds were crosslinked with nanometer aggregates of tetraorthosilicate, which was hydrolyzed and condensed in the organic compound solution. Polymeric nanocomposites on a polymerized matrix were prepared by this in situ synthesis of inorganic particles. The silica particle form aggregates which act as network crosslinkers and improve the strength and stability of this polymer nanocomposite hydrogel. Rheological analysis of the material showed that the gel point of the material depends on the amount of silica in the organic matter, which makes the material highly adaptable for specific packaging purposes. The material was char-acterized and the barrier functions were in-vestigated with regard to food requirements. Since the intended application is food packaging, biocompatibility was evaluated using selected biotests for cytotoxicity and allergenic potential to ensure consumer safety in case of skin contact. This material is an approach how packaging materials based on natural polymers could be developed and demonstrates their difficulties and research challenges and consumer safety testing.

Colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) find application in various fields, including material science, engineering, and chemistry. However, understanding their eventual reactivity at room temperature remains an ongoing challenge. So far, only room temperature reactive interaction between LAL-induced TiO and SiO resulting in the formation of the TiSi2 phase has been reported by our recent study. This study aims to explore the key factors influencing the room temperature reactivity of colloidal inorganic NPs. In this research, NPs of two metal monoxides (MnO and SiO) were prepared via laser ablation in liquids (water and ethanol). Subsequently, the properties of the obtained colloids were examined, including particle size, zeta potential, phase and chemical composition, and photocatalytic properties. Additionally, individually prepared colloids were simply mixed, and their behaviour was examined to investigate their room temperature reactivity. The measured zeta potentials indicate that the prepared SiO and MnO colloids are unstable, suggesting high reactivity. This hypothesis was confirmed through Raman spectroscopy, which revealed the formation of manganese silicate in case of ablation in water and manganese silicate and manganese silicides (MnSi and Mn5Si3) for ablation in ethanol. All colloids absorb solar light and act as photocatalysts for methylene blue degradation. This newly observed phenomenon of reactive interaction of two different colloids allows the low-temperature preparation of difficult-to-achieve phases (e.g. silicides). Furthermore, it contributes to our comprehension of nanoparticle behaviour at room temperature and expands their potential applications across various disciplines.

Cation active chitosan was studied as the active substance incorporated into an inert hydrogel to affect its transport and barrier properties. The inert hydrogel was based on thermo-reversible agarose which can be prepared in defined shape and size required for the mathematical description of studied transport. Acidal Black 10B was chosen as a model anionic dye able to interact with chitosan. Agarose hydrogels with the contents of chitosan equal to 2, 5, and 10 µγ per gram of hydrogel were prepared. Diffusion experiments were realized at three different temperatures (30, 40, and 50 °C).
Transport experiments in hydrogels provided the values of effective diffusion coefficients involving the effect of interactions between chitosan and dye under given conditions. The incorporation of chitosan into inert hydrogel resulted in the decrease in the dye diffusivity. An apparent equilibrium constant as the ratio between immobilized and free movable dye particles was determined on the basis of the comparison of dye diffusivities in hydrogels enriched by chitosan with values obtained for pure agarose hydrogel. The increase in temperature enhanced diffusion rate as expected. The increase in diffusion coefficients with increasing temperature showed on the predominant influence of higher mobility in comparison with temperature dependence of reaction rate.

The ceramic composite filament for 3D printing of high-strength ceramics by the FFF/FDM method was prepared in an extruder from feedstock in the form of granules containing micro- and nanoparticles of zirconium oxide and with a low content of plasticizer. An optical and thermal analysis of the filaments and the comparison with commercially produced filament for 3D printing of ceramics were performed. Our goal was to create a filament with the lowest possible binder content and maximize the density of the ceramic mass so that after debinding and sintering the printed products achieve mechanical properties comparable to technical ceramics produced by classical methods such as powder pressing or injection molding.

Boron-doped diamonds (BDD) have garnered considerable interest in a range of electrochemical uses because of their remarkable characteristics. These include an extensive potential range, excellent chemical durability, minimal inherent currents, and limited capacitance. These attributes render BDD electrodes highly suitable for a variety of purposes, including electrochemical sensing, water treatment, electroanalytical chemistry, and electrocatalysis.
In this study, we present a diamond patterning method using nanostructured silicon (Si) surfaces with varying band periods. The periodic boron/nitrogen-doped diamond electrodes (PBNDD) were grown on nanodiamond-seeded substrates with square-shaped bands etched in Si wafers. The band period ranged from 0.5 to 3 micrometers. The PBNDD electrodes were fabricated using microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MWPECVD) with diborane and nitrogen as the doping precursor. The diamond layer growth process was optimized to achieve separated highly-boron-doped diamond paths while ensuring high electrochemical performance. PBNDD samples were synthesized at different [B]/[C] ratios of 5000ppm, 10000ppm, and 20000ppm in the gas phase. Electrochemical behavior was analyzed using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a three-electrode cell setup, employing aqueous electrolytes.
The presented diamond patterning method using nanostructured Si surfaces enables the fabrication of periodically patterned boron/nitrogen-doped diamond electrodes with tailored electrochemical properties. The variation in electrochemical behavior observed for electrodes with different gaps between bands emphasizes the significance of geometry in electrochemical kinetics. These findings highlight the potential of PBDD electrodes for applications such as electrochemical sensing.

The efficiency of white organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) mechanism and multiple functional components is currently limited due to their complicated design and fabrication process. To overcome this problem, a post-functionalization strategy was used to develop devices derived from the emitter 4'-(4-(7,10-diphenylfluoranthen-8-yl)phenyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine with using the mechanism of assistant doping. Taking into account the density functional theory (DFT), the extracted highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) values agreed well with the experimental values. The obtained value for the crystallite size of the powder was calculated to be 100.08 nm. Moreover, the ionization potential (IP) of the spin-coated emitter on the fluorine-tin oxide (FTO) showed the HOMO level at -5.75 eV. The phenomenon of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) was discussed in detail considering the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, in the fabrication of OLEDs, the assistant dopant and the host were considered as a common triplet harvester. In the fabrication of white OLEDs via solution process, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) played a good role as a hole injection layer (HIL), and the maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) was achieved as 11.13%.

Expanded graphite is produced on commercial scale using various intercalating agents and physical expansion conditions. Little is known about the different effects these processing conditions may have on the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties when used in composites since these may cause the materials to behave differently. The difference in physical processing conditions is known to cause a change in the degree of exfoliation of expanded graphite as this can be easily characterised; however, little is currently known of the effects which the various available intercalants have on the elemental composition as well potential residues in the final particles. The most common intercalants used are sulfuric- and nitric acid. Expanded graphite can be used to obtain graphene sheets by further exfoliation of the particles to enhance the conductive properties of the filler material. Expanded graphite is much cheaper than graphene and should exhibit greater conductive properties than graphite with increased or equal contribution to mechanical properties. It is the focus of this work to determine the effectiveness of expanded graphite as a better alternative to using graphite to enhance the conductive and mechanical properties of select composite materials and to characterise the differences attributed by two commercial expanded graphite filler particles.

Bambus[6]urils (BUs) are a group of macrocyclic compounds consisting of six glycoluril repeated units connected together by methylene bridges in an alternating manner. They can act as anion receptors. Their anion binding site is usually located inside their electropositive cavity. Thus, BUs form complexes with various inorganic and organic anions, which can occur not only in organic solvents, but also in water. BUs have been already employed for different purposes, including anion transmembrane transporters, ion-selective membrane carriers, or the construction of mechanically interlocked molecules. However, bambusuril potential relying on the modification of solid material surfaces has not received much attention until to date. Herein, we have decided to exploit BUs for the modification of solid substrates. The ability of these systems to extract anions from water has been investigated for their potential for water remediation. Primarily, we have been focused on uptake of toxic inorganic UV active anions. Their photochemical properties allowed us to examine the complexation between BU and anion using simple and inexpensive UV-Vis spectroscopy instead of other costly techniques. Environmental burden of harmful anions leads nowadays to the development of systems able to detect and remove these anions from water. This work presents the way how the environmental issues connected with toxic anions could be tackled by supramolecular chemistry approaches.

The research explores the effectiveness of utilizing functionalized carbon spheres as adsorbents for boron removal from waters such as seawater or wastewater. The spheres underwent comprehensive characterization involving Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for functional group analysis, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for particle size and morphology assessment, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for determination of elemental composition. Boron elimination from water was determined using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. The results underline the potential of functionalized carbon spheres for efficient boron removal from aqueous solutions and their application in water treatment.

Recycled silicon dioxide-based waste particles are commonly proposed as a filler in cement-based composites to reduce environmental burden. For particles, due to the high surface to volume ratio, the surface properties modification defines the particles’ properties in general which is crucial for their use. From this point of view, plasma processing or high temperature annealing can be considered as the universal techniques for efficient modification of materials in the form of powder. In this study we report on the modification by plasma or temperature treatment the silicon dioxide microparticles from different sources. Treated SiO2-based powders finally were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning Kelvin probe, etc.

In recent years, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have been used more often in separation processes due to their excellent properties. These membranes combine the advantages of two main components: the polymer continuous phase and the nanoparticle dispersion phase. Block copolymers such as poly(ether-block-amide, PEBA) seem to be excellent materials for membrane synthesis. This work aims to provide an overview of membranes made of PEBA doped with two different amino compounds of various concentrations and their effects on CO2 sorption and separation. Most samples indicated an improvement in CO2 sorption compared to the pristine PEBA. It strongly depends on concentration. The most significant changes were observed in MMM doped with 2.5% TEPA or 1% HDA. Samples were tested for the separation of binary CO2/CH4 mixtures, and that proved the effect on separation efficiency. The basic characterization of the membrane samples was performed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and VegaTC software, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and surface area and pore volume measurements. The samples were also tested for carbon dioxide capture and gas separation. Obtained results clearly showed the successful modification of PEBA2533 with selected amino-compounds, such as TEPA or HDA. Filling PEBA with these compounds affects surface structure, morphology, and surface area.

In the wake of mounting concerns over escalating atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and their profound global consequences, innovative strategies for effective CO2 capture are imperative. This study explores the integration of amino- functional groups into zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) to enhance CO2 capture efficiency. ZIF-8's porous structure, characterized by metal ions coordinated with organic imidazolate linkers, presents a promising platform.
Specifically, the incorporation of amino- compounds like tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), hexadecylamine (HDA), ethanolamine (ELA) and cyclopropylamine (CPA) was investigated for its impact on CO2 capture performance. The diverse nature of these compounds offers unique opportunities for tailoring material properties. By carefully adjusting the concentrations of the compounds, their structural influence and subsequent CO2 capture efficiency were studied.
Various characterization techniques including FTIR, XPS, DLS, zeta potential measurements, SEM, and BET/DFT surface area analysis were employed to clarify structural modifications and performance enhancements. Results demonstrated that TEPA and HDA modifications led to significant CO2 capture efficiency improvements, attributed to enhanced surface charge and altered morphology. These findings emphasize the intricate relationship between material structure, surface properties and CO2 adsorption performance.
In conclusion, this research contributes valuable insights into the potential of amino- compound modified ZIF-8 materials for efficient CO2 capture. The study highlights the significance of surface charge and morphology in driving successful CO2 adsorption processes. The ability to fine-tune materials for optimal performance underscores their role in addressing global climate challenges and advancing sustainable energy solutions. Further exploration in this field holds promise for refining CO2 capture technologies.

Currently, great emphasis is placed on air quality and the presence of pollutants, whether on toxic substances (NH3 or CO), substances that reduce the quality of life (CO2) or chemical vapors from industries (acetone or ethanol). Attention is therefore focused on new gas-sensing materials enabling detection even at low (up to room) temperatures with sufficient response and short reaction time.
Here, we investigate the suitability of hydrogen-terminated nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films and their heterostructures (NCD/MoS2, NCD/GO and NCD/Au) for gas sensing applications. Electrical properties (i.e., gas responses) are measured for oxidizing gas NO2, reducing gas NH3, and chemical vapor of ethanol (C2H6O) at temperatures varied from room temperature to 125 °C. All tested gases were used with a concentration of up to 100 ppm. Synthetic air is used as the flushing gas. The measured parameters of the tested sensors are compared, both with each other and with commercial sensors, and subsequently evaluated.
In contrast to the individual forms of employed materials with limited response to the exposed gases, the NCD heterostructures revealed better sensing properties. In particular, the NCD/Au heterostructures revealed higher response at 125°C in contrast to NCD, NCD/MoS2 had good response even at room temperature, and NCD/GO revealed high sensitivity to chemical vapor, which further improved for the NCD/GO-SH.

As air pollution is becoming a severe problem, especially in developing countries, it is necessary to seek protection. It is well known that fine particle matter is the cause of some respiratory diseases, but recently, it has been found that they can also absorb aerosols with viruses and facilitate their easier spreading, thanks to their big area volume ratio. This leads to the development of antimicrobial and antiviral materials, which is the topic of this study. This contribution presents prepared nanofibers sprayed by electrospraying in an electrostatic field with chitosan, functioning as an antimicrobial agent. Chitosan is a natural, biodegradable polymer with low solubility in water. Because of this reason, was used diluted acetic acid. Polyethylene oxide was added to the solution to ensure electrospraying. Two types of polyurethane and polylactide acid were used as nanofibrous mats for spraying. These coated nanofibrous membranes were tested for their air filtration properties, such as filtration efficiency and pressure drop, porosity, antimicrobial activity and morphological structure. The filtration efficiency remained similar to pure polymer nanofiber membranes. However, the pressure drop has increased in most cases significantly. It has been achieved antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This nanofibers are prepared for utilization in filtration systems. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports of the Czech Republic (grant no. RP/CPS/2022/002), the Internal Grant Agency of TBU in Zlin (grant no. IGA/CPS/2023/002).

The world's energy resources are mostly reliant on fossil fuels, which have long been utilized for power generation, transportation, and industrial operations. As a result, the average concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere rises, posing a number of environmental and climate problems. The discovery of materials capable of absorbing CO2 could give a solution to these environmental issues. The goal of our research was to improve the sorption capabilities of certain polymer membranes by integrating polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles into their structure. Dynamic light scattering was used to analyze PANI nanoparticles, as well as particle size and electrokinetic potential. Electrokinetic analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine changes in surface properties in the modified SIS and SBS membranes. Nitrogen adsorption and desorption isotherms were utilized to calculate the specific surface area and pore volume, as well as the volume of carbon dioxide trapped. The findings validated the successful modification of the polymer membrane with PANI nanoparticles, which altered the surface chemistry, polarity, and morphology of the membrane surface.

In this study, we present a single-step microwave assisted pyrolysis approach for the environmentally friendly synthesis of water-soluble quantum dots (CQDs) from glucose as a carbon precursor. Using AFM, XPS, FTIR, UV and PL, structural and morphological characterization of N doped CQDs was performed. The presence of hydroxyl and carboxyl functional moieties on the surface of the CQDs was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. These functional moieties are essential for surface passivation, which results in more stable nanoparticle dispersions. Using the DPPH assay, the antioxidant activity of CQDs was calculated, and the EC50 value was discovered to be 177.82 μg/ml. The photoactivity of N-CQD was examined in terms of organic dyes (Rose Bengal-RB and Methylene Blue-MB) removal ability in water media, with more than 80% efficiency. The chemosensitivity of HeLa, A375, PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells was time (24 and 48h) and dose (25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 μM) dependent. These N-CQDs' excellent optical, anti-oxidant, and non-cytotoxic characteristics are excellent candidates for water remediation, bioimaging, and selective drug delivery applications.

Functionalization of materials is a very common procedure because it allows materials to acquire new properties. The inspiration for developing a coating based on catechol comes from a protein derived from mussels that remain on rocks under conditions of constant exposure to water. This leads to the conclusion that catechol-based coatings are characterized by high adhesion and stability [1]. By adding suitable agents to the coatings, it is possible to control the properties of the surfaces by giving them new properties. For example, the addition of silver nanoparticles can provide antibacterial properties to the coating [2]. The developed coatings could find applications in textiles, biomedical applications or water filtration [3]. The coating of catechol with Tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TAEA) for various textiles was performed. Various combinations of catechol with different chemical substrates was carried out and optimization of catechol - cysteamine coating was performed.
The developed CAT-TRIS coating covered tested materials. The surface of melamine formaldehyde foam, polyamide, cotton and polyester were covered completely. REFERENCES: [1] Q. Lyu, N. Hsueh, and C. L. L. Chai, “The Chemistry of Bioinspired Catechol(amine)-Based Coatings,” ACS Biomater. Sci. Eng., vol. 5, no. 6, pp. 2708-2724, Jun. 2019, doi: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00281.; [2] T. Naseem and T. Durrani, “The role of some important metal oxide nanoparticles for wastewater and antibacterial applications: A review,” Environ. Chem. Ecotoxicol., vol. 3, pp. 59-75, Jan. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.enceco.2020.12.001.; [3] W. Zhang et al., “Catechol-functionalized hydrogels: biomimetic design, adhesion mechanism, and biomedical applications,” Chem. Soc. Rev., vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 433-464, 2020, doi: 10.1039/C9CS00285E.