- We have developed methods for synthesis of homogeneous and heterostructure photoactive materials of various functionality: photocatalysts, for transforming solar energy into «solar fuel» (hydrogen, methanol), self-cleaning and bactericide coating, materials for optoelectronics and photonics.
- New reduced dimension materials have been created.
- Our researchers have determined mechanisms of impact of dopants on photocatalytic activity of materials and optimal concentration of dopants for maximal photoactivity.
- Metallo-organic framework structures showing upconversion have been created.
- We have detected the effect of change of hydrophilic state of surface of homogeneous and nanostructure nanocoatings after excitation in various spectral regions.
- The Z-scheme of photoexcitation has been implemented in heterostructure materials to convert solar energy.
- We have determined the effect of partial shift of oscillations of hydrate layer after photoexitation of adsorbent.
- Our laboratory has studied the mechanism of upconversion luminescence of various matrices. We have demonstrated possibility of controlled change of luminescence spectrums of upconversion.
- Our researchers have shown extension of spectral range of photoresponse of photoelectrochemical system by changing heterostructure with noble metal showing the effect of localized surface plasmon resonance.
- We have proposed new advanced perovskite-like structures for photonics elements, photovoltaics and optoelectronics as a result of our quantum chemical modeling.
- Our Laboratory has shown prospectivity of using exciton luminescence of perovskite materials in systems of photonic informatics by low temperature luminescence.
- We have determined mechanisms of photoprocesses in heterogeneous systems with participation of simple molecules, photostimulated defect formation and photo-burning of own defects in doped photoactive materials, transition of excitation in heterostructure materials including their spectral, thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics.
Implemented results of research:
- We have developed a technology to produce compound to form antibacterial coatings.
- Following the startup competition of the Saint Petersburg State University, in 2017 the «Function materials and coating SPbSU» Center has been created to implement and commercialize functional (bactericide) coatings.
Education and career development:
- We conduct annual international schools «Photoactive nanocomposite materials» that are attended by postgraduate and undergraduate students as well as by young scientists from Russia, EU countries and Japan. Lectures are delivered by leading world class scientists in solar energy transformation.
- 16 professionals from other organizations have completed internships at the Laboratory.
- 5 candidate dissertations, 12 masters dissertations and 8 bachelors dissertations have been defended.
- 4 education courses have been developed and introduced to the St. Petersburg State University's curriculum: «Photoactive nanocomposite materials» (2015) for masters, «Photophysics of molecules in condensed systems» (2016) for masters, «Molecular processes on surfaces of solid bodies» (2016) for masters, «Photoactive nanocomposite materials. Additional chapters» (2016) for postgraduates.
Organizational and structural changes:
We are planning to launch a research and technology center is planned 2019 – 2023. The format of the center will be determined later according for future research needs.
Other results:
With support from the Saint Petersburg State University and the Russian Foundation for Basic Research we have organized and conducted international conferences:
- 5th International Conference «Semiconductor Photochemistry», SP5), Saint Petersburg (Russia), 27—31 July 2015.
- 21st International Conference for Photochemical Solar Energy Conversion and Storage, IPS-21), Saint Petersburg (Russia), 25—29 July 2016.
Collaborations:
- R&D Center TFTE (Russia): scientific events, agreement to conduct research to create tandem solar cell
- Saint Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies – ITMO (Russia): research of perovskite materials for nanophotonics systems and optoelectronics
- Toin University Yokohama (Japan): research within the Russia-Japan grant from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, joint publications
- University of Pavia (Italy): joint research and publications
- Leibnitz University Hannover (Germany): creation and research of photoactive materials, conducting annual schools, student exchange, and joint publications
- California Institute of Technology (USA): scientific events, student exchange, developing a joint masters program
- Queens University Belfast (UK), Pohang University of Technologies (South Korea): preparing for student exchanges, developing a joint masters program, joint events and research
