1. Functionalization of FeCoNiCu medium entropy alloy via nitridation and anodic oxidation for enhanced oxygen evolution and glycerol oxidationLuka Suhadolnik, Milutin Smiljanić, Marjan Bele, Mejrema Nuhanović, Matjaž Finšgar, Nik Maselj, Daniela Neumüller, Lidija D. Rafailović, Nejc Hodnik, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Medium entropy alloys (MEAs) have emerged as a promising class of materials for electro-catalysis due to their tunableproperties and exceptional catalytic performance. This study successfully functionalized a bulk FeCoNiCu alloy using a combined anodic oxidation (AO) and nitridation (NT) approach to produce a highly porous, thin-film catalyst. The hierarchical structure formed during the surface treatments enhances the material's specific surface area and alters the oxidation states of the constituent metals, creating abundant active sites. The electrocatalytic performance of themodified bulk FeCoNiCu electrode was evalu-ated for both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) in an alkaline electrolyte. Remarkably, the AO-NT-treated catalyst exhibited superior activity for OER, surpassing commercial IrOx benchmarks with lower overpotential requirements. For GOR, the FeCoNiCu electrode demonstrated excellent performance by significantly reducing energy input compared to OER, highlighting its potential as a dual-purpose catalyst for alkaline water splitting. Post-reaction product analysis via NMR confirmed the formation of value-added chemicals, with formic acid identified as the main product. These results underline the feasibility of surface-modified MEAs for sustainable energy and chemical production applications, offering a cost-effective alternative to noble metal-based catalysts. Keywords: elektrokataliza, reakcija sproščanja kisika, oksidacija glicerola, entropijske zlitine, medium entropy alloy, surface modification, electrocatalysis, oxygen evolution reaction, glycerol oxidation Published in DKUM: 09.01.2026; Views: 0; Downloads: 0
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2. Enhancing the selective conversion of alcohols to aldehydes using oxygen over heterogeneous photocatalysts — critical factors with emphasis on benzyl alcoholNosaibeh Nosrati-Ghods, Lidija Čuček, Eric van Steen, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Heterogeneous photocatalysis is an advanced oxidation technique widely explored for the selective conversion of benzyl alcohol (C₇H₈O) into benzaldehyde, an important intermediate in organic synthesis. This review critically examines the influence of key operational and morphological factors—including solvent choice, temperature, and light intensity—on photocatalytic performance. The synthesis method notably affects catalyst activity, with solvothermal preparation of TiO₂ significantly enhancing the reaction rate constant. Photo-deposition emerges as an effective alternative when both catalyst and support materials are available. Among various TiO₂ nanostructures (nanowires, nanotubes, nanofibers, nanosheets, and hollow nanospheres), hollow nanospheres exhibit superior photocatalytic activity due to improved light absorption and charge separation. Elevated light intensity and temperature further accelerate the reaction rate, resulting in higher rate constants. A range of catalysts—including C-ZnInS₄, ZnInS₄, Pt-TiO₂, RuO₂/TiO₂ nanobelts, 0.95Ru/3DOM BiVO₄-Ar-300, Pt/Bi₂MoO₆-glycerol, Ni-OTiO₂, W₁₀O₃₂⁴⁻, WO₃(7.6)/TiO₂, TiO₁.₉₆₆N₀.₀₃₄, and Bi₂WO₆—demonstrate promising rate constants of 75.0, 53.75, 57, 46.0, 38.0, 34.0, 33.25, 29.6, 28.0, 27.0 and 22.25 gcat−1 h−1 for alcohol oxidation. Notably, TiO₁.₉₆₆N₀.₀₃₄ and ZnIn₂S₄ achieve 100% conversion with>99% selectivity within 4 and 2 h, respectively, underscoring their excellent photocatalytic potential. Keywords: alcohol, aldehyde, oxidation, photo-oxidation, semiconductor, TiO2 Published in DKUM: 19.12.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 0
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3. The effects of ozone sterilization on the chemical and mechanical properties of 3D-printed biocompatible PMMAIvan Morosavljević, Dražan Kozak, Tihomir Kosor, Janko Morosavljević, Luka Ferlič, Nenad Gubeljak, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Since ozone is highly corrosive, it can substantially affect the mechanical and chemical properties of the materials; consequently, it could affect the applicability of those materials in medical applications. The effect of ozone sterilization on the chemical and mechanical properties of additively manufactured specimens of biocompatible poly(methyl-methacrylate) was observed. FDM 3D-printed specimens of biocompatible PMMA in groups of five were exposed to high concentrations of ozone generated by corona discharge for different durations and at different ozone concentrations inside an enclosed chamber with embedded and calibrated ozone, temperature, and humidity sensors. A novel approach using laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and spark-discharge optical emission spectrometry (SD-OES) was used to determine an eventual change in the chemical composition of specimens. Mechanical properties were determined by testing the tensile strength and Young’s modulus. A calibrated digital microscope was used to observe the eventual degradation of material on the surface of the specimens. SD-OES and LIF analysis results do not show any detectable sterilizationcaused chemical degradation, and no substantial difference in mechanical properties was detected. There was no detectable surface degradation observed under the digital microscope. The results obtained suggest that ozone sterilization appears to be a suitable technique for sterilizing PMMA medical devices. Keywords: ozone sterilization, poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA), polymer oxidation, personalized medical device, environmentally friendly, fused deposition modeling (FDM) Published in DKUM: 30.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 1
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4. Oxidation behaviour of microstructurally highly metastable Ag-La alloyAndraž Jug, Mihael Brunčko, Rebeka Rudolf, Ivan Anžel, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: A new silver-based alloy with 2 wt.% of lanthanum (La) was studied as a potential candidate
for electric contact material. The alloy was prepared by rapid solidification, performed by the melt
spinning technique. Microstructural examination of the rapidly solidified ribbons revealed very fine
grains of αAg and intermetallic Ag5La particles, which appear in the volume of the grains, as well as
on the grain boundaries. Rapid solidification enabled high microstructural refinement and provided
a suitable starting microstructure for the subsequent internal oxidation, resulting in fine submicronsized La2O3 oxide nanoparticle formation throughout the volume of the silver matrix (αAg). The
resulting nanostructured Ag-La2O3 microstructure was characterised by high-resolution FESEM
and STEM, both equipped with EDX. High-temperature internal oxidation of the rapidly solidified
ribbons essentially changed the microstructure. Mostly homogeneously dispersed nano-sized La2O3
were formed within the grains, as well as on the grain boundaries. Three mechanisms of internal
oxidation were identified: (i) the oxidation of La from the solid solution; (ii) partial dissolution of
finer Ag5La particles before the internal oxidation front and oxidation of La from the solid solution;
and (iii) direct oxidation of coarser Ag5La intermetallic particles. Keywords: Ag-La alloy, rapid solidification, metastable microstructure, internal oxidation, characterisation, formation mechanism Published in DKUM: 20.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 6
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5. The effect of supplementing pig diet with chestnut wood extract or hops on fresh meat and dry-cured productsUrška Tomažin, Martin Škrlep, Maja Prevolnik Povše, Nina Batorek Lukač, Danijel Karolyi, Matjaž Červek, Marjeta Čandek-Potokar, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Oxidation is one of the major reasons for impaired quality of meat and meat products but can be prevented by the addition of antioxidants. In the present study, the effect of dietary sweet chestnut wood extract and hop cones on the quality and oxidative stability of meat and dry-cured products was investigated. Control pigs (N = 11) were fed a commercial diet (13.1 MJ metabolizable energy, 15.5% crude protein), while the other two experimental groups were supplemented with 3% of sweet chestnut wood extract (Tannin; N = 12) or 0.4% of hop cones (Hops; N = 11). The quality of meat and dry-cured products was evaluated by means of chemical composition, water holding capacity, objective color, and lipid and protein oxidation. No major effects of sweet chestnut wood extract or of hops supplementation were observed, nevertheless, some indications of improved water holding capacity could be attributed to antioxidants supplementation. The color evolution of dry-cured bellies from Tannin and Hops groups of pigs during refrigerated storage was also indicative of an improved oxidative stability. Keywords: pig meat, meat quality, pig diet, tannin extract, hops, dry-cured products, oxidation, pigs Published in DKUM: 23.12.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 9
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6. Chemical binding of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles onto oxidized celluloseOlivera Šauperl, Mirjana Kostić, Jovana Milanovic, Lidija Fras Zemljič, 2015, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze binding of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles onto cellulose via oxidized cellulose.
The ability of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles to be adsorbed onto surfaces was determined by the use of the XPS spectroscopy which provided information about chemical composition of the fiber surface. On the other hand, the gravimetric method was also used by which the amount of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles bounded onto surface was calculated based on the difference in masses before and after functionalization. The most important was to study the influence of aldehyde groups on the stability of chitosan binding onto cellulose. Thus, desorption of chitosan/chitosan nanoparticles
from the fiber surfaces was evaluated by the presence of total nitrogen (TN) in desorption bath as well as by polyelectrolyte titrations. Together with these two methods, desorption was evaluated
also by gravimetric method, where the extent of desorption was evaluated on the basis of the differences in the masses of fibers before and after desorption.
It is concluded that the chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles are more efficiently bounded onto
oxidized cellulose in comparison with the non-oxidized (reference) ones. Despite the binding of the positively-charged amino groups with the negative groups of cellulose and consequently smaller amount of available/residual protonated amino groups that are responsible for bioactivity, such functionalized fibers are still specifically antimicrobial. Keywords: cellulose, oxidized cellulose, oxidation, chitosan, chitosan nanoparticles, FTIR, XPS, antimicrobial functionalization Published in DKUM: 02.08.2017; Views: 1416; Downloads: 513
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7. Microstructure analysis of internally oxidized Cu-C compositeRebeka Rudolf, Ladislav Kosec, Alojz Križman, Ivan Anžel, 2006, original scientific article Abstract: On the basis of experimentally obtained data, it was established that submicron-size bubbles are formed by the internal oxidation of Cu-C composite with fine dispersed graphite particles. They are homogeneously distributed in the Cu-matrix. This process starts with the dissolution of oxygen into the metal at the free surfaces, and continues with the diffusion of oxygen atoms into the volume of copper crystal lattice where they react with the graphite particles. The reactions of dissolved oxygen with carbon yield the gas products (CO2, CO), which cannot be dissolved in the crystal lattice of the matrix. The gas molecules, which are enclosed in the space previously occupied by the graphite, have a greater specific volume than the solid graphite. Consequently, compressive stresses arise in the copper matrix around the bubbles. The interaction of these stress fields with gliding dislocations during loading could improve the mechanical properties of the copper. The internal oxidation kinetic in Cu-C composite depends on the diffusion of oxygen in the copper matrix, and the penetration depth of the internal oxidation front indicates the parabolic nature of the process. Keywords: metallurgy, Cu-C composites, internal oxidation, bubbles Published in DKUM: 03.07.2017; Views: 1180; Downloads: 99
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8. Internal oxidation of silver alloys with tellurium, selenium and sulphurGorazd Kosec, Ladislav Kosec, Ivan Anžel, Vasilij Gontarev, Borut Kosec, Milan Bizjak, 2005, original scientific article Abstract: Silver alloys with tellurium, selenium and sulphur fulfil the conditions for the internal oxidation. Microstructure of these alloys consists of matrix (dilute solid solution) and particles of intermetallic compounds. Internal oxidation of ternary alloys is very similar to that of the binary alloys, but there are also distinctions in thermodynamics properties of alloying elements.
At the direct oxidation of the particles of the intermetallic compound the phenomena of the selective oxidation was observed. Concentration of more reactive elements is increasing in the oxidized part of the particles of the intermetallic compound (Te in AgTeSe alloys). Therefore the precipitated oxides formed with diffusional internal oxidation are richer with less reactive alloying element (Se in AgTeSe alloy). In the precipitated oxide particles the concentration of selenium is more than twice higher than of tellurium. Keywords: internal oxidation, silver, alloys, compound, particle Published in DKUM: 03.07.2017; Views: 1135; Downloads: 119
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9. Pressing of partially oxide-dispersion-strengthened Copper using the ECAP processMatija Kos, Janko Ferčec, Mihael Brunčko, Rebeka Rudolf, Ivan Anžel, 2014, original scientific article Abstract: A combination of internal oxidation (IO) and equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) was used to explore the possibility of uniting the mechanisms of dispersion and deformation strengthening to improve the properties of a Cu-Al alloy with 0.4 % Al. The IO of Cu-Al billets served in the first step of the experiment as a means for dispersion, strengthening the mantle of the billets with a fine dispersion of nanosized oxide particles. The experimental procedure continued with deformation strengthening performed by ECAP, which allowed an intense plastic strain through simple shear. Material flow in a partly internally oxidized Cu-0.4 % Al billet and in a homogenous reference sample made of modelling mass was also studied to analyse, on the macroscale, the influence of the internal oxidation zone (IOZ) on the material flow behaviour during the ECAP process. The analysis was performed with the aim of revealing the uniformity of the strain distribution and to obtain information about the deformation strengthening across the volume of the billet. We found that the oxide particles have a minor influence on the material flow on the macroscopic scale during the ECAP process. However, the degree of deformation strengthening in the IOZ was much lower than in the unoxidized core region. The combination of IO and ECAP allows us to produce a Cu composite composed of a hardened oxidized mantle region with good electrical and thermal conductivity and a high- hardened core region. This combination represents a new technological route for the production of high-hardness Cu composites, which could also be used at higher temperatures. Keywords: ECAP, Cu-Al alloys, strengthening mechanisms, internal oxidation Published in DKUM: 17.03.2017; Views: 1469; Downloads: 108
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10. The applicability of an advanced oxidation process for textile finishing wastestreams & fate of persistent organic pollutantsJulija Volmajer Valh, Alenka Majcen Le Marechal, Boštjan Križanec, Simona Vajnhandl, 2012, original scientific article Abstract: The trend of sustainable use of available water resources encourages textile finishing enterprises to implement efficient wastewater treatment technologies that enable water recycling, and not just itćs discharging into the local wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). This paper presents the results obtained from the H2O2/UV treatment of wastewater from Slovene textile finishing company. Laboratory scale decolouration experiments were performed on the most representative wastewater samples, collected in three months period. In general 80 % decolouration and 86 % total organic carbon (TOC) reduction was achieved. On the other hand, the use of ultraviolet (UV) radiation to degrade and destroy organic pollutants in textile wastewater could lead to the formation of toxic dioxins and dioxin-like compounds, groups of persistent organic pollutants, especially due to the presence of halogenated compounds in textile finishing processes. For these reasons, textile wastewater samples were analysed for any content of dioxins before and after the treatment with H2O2/UV. Keywords: tekstilne odpadne vode, napredni oksidacijski procesi, H2O2/UV, dioksini, textile wastewater, advanced oxidation processes, H2O2/UV, ecological parameters, dioxins Published in DKUM: 10.07.2015; Views: 2086; Downloads: 55
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