1. Insights into surface microstructural engineering of Inconel 625 for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction performanceLuka Suhadolnik, Črtomir Donik, Blaž Tomc, Mejrema Nuhanović, Martin Šala, Marjan Bele, Matjaž Finšgar, Andraž Mavrič, Iztok Arčon, Matjaž Godec, Nejc Hodnik, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: electrocatalysis, compositionally complex materials, commercial nickel alloys, oxygen evolution reaction, scanning electron microscopy, IL-SEM Objavljeno v DiRROS: 29.10.2025; Ogledov: 496; Prenosov: 278
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2. 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, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: 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. Ključne besede: medium entropy alloy, surface modification, electrocatalysis, oxygen evolution reaction, glycerol oxidation Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.04.2025; Ogledov: 866; Prenosov: 432
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3. Protein stacking on the APTES-functionalized pyrochlore ▫$Bi_2Ru_2O_7$▫ clusters for ultrasensitive and selective immunosensingNikola Tasić, Nika Vranešič, Dino Metarapi, Kristina Mervič, Milan Žunić, Aleksandra Dapčević, Matjaž Finšgar, Samo B. Hočevar, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: With their unique physicochemical properties, such as metallic-like conductivity, favorable (electro)catalytic properties, electrochemical stability, and ease of functionalization, pyrochlores have found applications in various fields such as solid oxide fuel cells, batteries, thick film resistors, and temperature sensors; however, there are no reports on their application in electrochemical immunosensing. In this study, we exploited the (electro)catalytic nature and stability of the pyrochlore Bi2Ru2O7 clusters silanized with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) to demonstrate their potential for the effective stacking of functional proteins. Characterization of the clusters by XPS disclosed a dual environment of Bi, also indicating the presence of Bi2O3 alongside APTES-Bi2Ru2O7 clusters and, importantly, the predominant involvement of pyrochlore moieties in subsequent protein stacking. After stacking protein A and antibodies, the immunosensor revealed a nearly interference-free operation, high sensitivity, a detection limit of 118 fM SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and operation in a wide examined concentration range of 10−5−10−1 μg mL−1 with an r2 of 0.98. In combination with a short incubation time of 30 min, the pyrochlore-based immunosensor provides a solid platform for future point-of-need applications. Ključne besede: Bi2Ru2O7 pyrochlore, APTES, SARS-CoV-2, spike protein, immunosensors, electrochemical Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 881; Prenosov: 528
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4. Effect of ▫$TiO_2$▫ morphology on the properties and photocatalytic activity of ▫$g-C_3N_4/TiO_2$▫ nanocomposites under visible-light illuminationMatevž Roškarič, Gregor Žerjav, Janez Zavašnik, Matjaž Finšgar, Albin Pintar, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: visible-light photocatalysis, photocatalytic degradation, morphology, bisphenol A Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.02.2025; Ogledov: 1273; Prenosov: 499
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5. Deactivation of copper electrocatalysts during ▫$CO_2$▫ reduction occurs via dissolution and selective redeposition mechanismBlaž Tomc, Marjan Bele, Mohammed Azeezulla Nazrulla, Primož Šket, Matjaž Finšgar, Angelja Kjara Surca, Ana Rebeka Kamšek, Martin Šala, Jan Šiler Hudoklin, Matej Huš, Blaž Likozar, Nejc Hodnik, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: electrochemistry, catalysts, copper, hydrogen production Objavljeno v DiRROS: 07.02.2025; Ogledov: 1081; Prenosov: 477
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6. Novel ▫$TiO_2$▫-supported gold nanoflowers for efficient photocatalytic ▫$NO_x$▫ abatementŠpela Slapničar, Gregor Žerjav, Janez Zavašnik, Matevž Roškarič, Matjaž Finšgar, Albin Pintar, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: t: In this study, we pioneered the synthesis of nanoflower-shaped TiO2 -supported Au photocatalysts and investigated their properties. Au nanoflowers (Au NFs) were prepared by a Na-citrate and hydroquinone-based preparation method, followed by wet impregnation of the derived Au NFs on the surface of TiO2 nanorods (TNR). A uniform and homogeneous distribution of Au NFs was observed in the TNR + NF(0.7) sample (lower Na-citrate concentration), while their distribution was heterogeneous in the TNR + NF(1.4) sample (higher Na-citrate concentration). The UV-Vis DR spectra revealed the size- and shape-dependent optical properties of the Au NFs, with the LSPR effect observed in the visible region. The solid-state EPR spectra showed the presence of Ti3+, oxygen vacancies and electron interactions with organic compounds on the catalyst surface. In the case of the TNR + NF(0.7) sample, high photocatalytic activity was observed in the H2 -assisted reduction of NO2 to N2 at room temperature under visible-light illumination. In contrast, the TNR + NF(1.4) catalyst as well as the heat-treated samples showed no ability to reduce NO2 under visible light, indicating the presence of deformed Au NFs limiting the LSPR effect. These results emphasized the importance of the choice of synthesis method, as this could strongly influence the photocatalytic activity of the Au NFs Objavljeno v DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Ogledov: 1203; Prenosov: 827
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7. The impact of urban rain on the changes of bare and artificially patinated bronze during 9-year exposureTadeja Kosec, Mirjam Bajt Leban, Polonca Ropret, Matjaž Finšgar, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Atmospheric pollutants in the air form acid rain which interacts with bronze surfaces exposed in urban outdoor environment. In this study, different types of patinas on bronze were investigated during and after 9 years of exposure to urban environment in moderately polluted continental city. Natural bronze patina and artificial brown sulphide, green chloride, and green–blue nitrate patinas were investigated. Visual assessment was carried out at defined periods. After 9 years of exposure, an electrochemical study was performed to investigate the electrochemical activity of the patinas in artificial urban rain. Additionally, the patinas were characterised using a variety of techniques, including metallographic examination, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray-photoelectron spectroscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry to analyse the surface morphology, chemical composition, and stratigraphic features of the patinas. Evolution of the patinas was shown to be a result of both, the composition of the acid rain and the hydrophobicity of the patinated surfaces. Ključne besede: bronze, bronze, corrosion, patina characterization Objavljeno v DiRROS: 29.04.2024; Ogledov: 1305; Prenosov: 2186
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8. The corrosion resistance of dental Ti6Al4V with differing microstructures in oral environmentsMirjam Bajt Leban, Tadeja Kosec, Matjaž Finšgar, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The impact of the microstructural properties of a Ti6Al4V alloy on its electrochemical properties, as well as the effect of the α- and β-phases present within it, is still unclear. With the introduction of new, emerging technologies, such as selective laser melting and post heat treatments, the effect of the microstructure on an alloy's corrosion properties has become increasingly interesting from a scientific perspective. When these alloys are produced through different methods, despite an identical chemical composition they have diverse microstructures, and consequently display varying resistance to corrosion. In the present research study, Ti–6Al–4V alloy specimens produced by three different processes, leading to the formation of three different microstructures were investigated: heat treated specimen fabricated by selective laser melting, wrought and cast specimens. The impact of the microstructure of these alloys when immersed in artificial saliva was studied through the use of various electrochemical techniques, by microscopical examinations, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. Corrosion properties were investigated by the measurement of open circuit potential, linear polarization, and potentiodynamic curve measurements followed by microscopical examinations, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry examination was conducted to reveal spatial distribution of alloying species on oxide film. It was found that the difference between specimens containing an α+β microstructure was small and not dependent on the aspect ratio of the β-phase, alloy grain size, and vanadium partitioning coefficient, but rather on the size, shape, and content of this phase. Ključne besede: Ti6Al4V, dental alloy, microstructure, corrosion resistance, heat treatment, ToF-SIMS Objavljeno v DiRROS: 26.10.2023; Ogledov: 2195; Prenosov: 1275
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9. Study of chitosan-stabilized ▫$Ti_3C_2T_x$▫ MXene for ultrasensitive and interference-free detection of gaseous ▫$H_2O_2$▫Jelena Isailović, Ana Oberlintner, Uroš Novak, Matjaž Finšgar, Filipa M. Oliveira, Jan Paštika, Zdeněk Sofer, Nikola Tasić, Rui Gusmão, Samo B. Hočevar, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Objavljeno v DiRROS: 04.08.2023; Ogledov: 1805; Prenosov: 1013
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10. Photo, thermal and photothermal activity of ▫$TiO_2$▫ supported Pt catalysts for plasmon-driven environmental applicationsGregor Žerjav, Zafer Say, Janez Zavašnik, Matjaž Finšgar, Christoph Langhammer, Albin Pintar, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: TiO2+Pt plasmonic solids with 1 wt% Pt and different TiO2 supports (anatase nanoparticles (TNP), polycrystalline nanorods (a-TNR) and single-crystal anatase nanorods (TNR)) were synthesized using the wet impregnation technique and tested as photo, thermal and photothermal catalysts in gas-solid and gas-liquid-solid reactions. Due to the different charges of the TiO2 support surfaces, Pt particles with different sizes, crystallinities and degrees of interaction with the TiO2 supports were formed during the synthesis. The heights of the Schottky barrier (SBH) were 0.38 eV for the a-TNR+Pt, 0.41 eV for the TNP+Pt, and 0.50 eV for the TNR+Pt samples, respectively. The low visible-light-triggered photocatalytic activity of the TNR+Pt catalyst toward the oxidation of water-dissolved bisphenol A (BPA) is attributed to its high SBH and active site deactivation due to the adsorption of BPA and/or BPA oxidation products. The highest photothermal catalytic H2-assisted NO2 reduction rate was expressed by the TNR+Pt catalyst. This can be ascribed to the presence of a narrow particle size distribution of small Pt particles, the absence of the Pt catalysed reduction of the TNR support at higher temperatures, and the lower rate of re-injection of “hot electrons” from the TNR support to the Pt particles. Ključne besede: heterogeneous photocatalysis, titanium dioxide, plasmonic noble metal, platinum particles, visible light illumination, Schottky barrier height, bisphenol A, wastewater treatment, NOx abatement, air cleaning, microreactor, thermal catalysis, photothermal catalysis Objavljeno v DiRROS: 23.06.2023; Ogledov: 2051; Prenosov: 992
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