National Institute of Chemistry
National Institute of Chemistry (NIC) is a leading Slovenian public research institution in the field of chemistry and related disciplines. The two main fields of research are materials and life sciences. Research work is carried out in 10 departments and two infrastructure centres. NIC has approximately 300 employees, 140 of these have doctorates of science degrees. Currently, 75 PhD students are being trained at NIC. NIC’s employees publish more than 250 scientific papers yearly. Research at NIC is oriented towards the development of new technologies and products, which are in accordance to Slovenian Smart Specialization Strategy and Research and Innovation Strategy of Slovenia. Having a well-established support system for EU and other international project, NIC has been participating in numerous EU founded projects through various program schemas (FP4-FP7, H2020, ERA-Net, Life, NATO, Interreg and other international Programme schemes) as coordinator or partner, currently coordinating one H2020 and participating in other seventeen H2020 projects. NIC offers high-level research equipment, allowing researchers to engage in research challenges at the world level. Some acquisitions are: Karl Zeiss Supra 35 VP Electronic Microscope with EDX analysis, a high-resolution powder x-ray diffractometer, and an 800 MHz NMR spectrometer. Research in Department of Materials Chemistry focuses on synthesis, characterization and development of advanced materials for sustainable, low carbon energy solutions. The main research areas comprise (i) advanced battery materials, (ii) coating development and (iii) synthesis and characterization of electrocatalysts. In order to better understand the properties and functioning of these materials, the department’s team is developing its own spectroscopic, microscopic and electrochemical methods. Laboratory is fully equipped for such measurements. Laboratory for coating development – Laboratory is oriented to progress in the field of components used for systems based on renewable energy sources. The main identification field is the development of coloured coatings for low-temperature solar absorbers, as well the development of coatings for concentrated solar power plants. Beside mentioned photothermic application, we are active on research in the field of components for Perovskite solar cells, photoelectrochemical cells and electrochromic smart windows, accordingly electrodes thin films and electrolytes. Good results are achieved in the field of synthesis of new compounds: POSS molecules, 2D materials i.e. graphene, carbon nitride and MXene and research of electrolytes made on the basis of organic-inorganic hybrids and ionic liquids with suitable electric conductivity, stability and rheological properties. We possess the knowledge of the different inorganic oxide particles as well as modification of different binders. The aim is to synthesizing new molecules to prevent corrosion, decrease surface free energy increase the roughness, prevent combustion of polymeric materials or sensing of different ions or molecules.
Targeted industries
Renewable energy, Construction, Water treatments
Key interests
Nano-formulated paints application, Functional films (packaging and electronics), Nano-enabled flexible glass, plastic and metal (including flexible electronics, Photovoltaics, heat exchangers and electrochromic envelopes)
