'''~+ ADVANCED MATERIALS - K9 +~'''
 * Research on ceramics, thin films, and nanoparticles
 * Synthesis of materials using the solid-state reaction, pulsed laser deposition, and hydrothermal synthesis
 * Study of reaction mechanisms and related technologies
 * Determination of materials crystal structure, chemical composition, and microstructure
 * Engineering of materials for applications in electronics, energy conversion and conservation, and medicine
 * Functional properties measurements <<BR>>

[[http://www-k9.ijs.si/|Departmental web pages]] <<BR>> <<BR>>

'''Head of Department'''<<BR>>
Assoc. Prof. Matjaž Spreitzer, Ph. D., matjaz.spreitzer@ijs.si <<BR>>
Telephone: +386 1 477 37 05 <<BR>> <<BR>>

'''Department Project Office'''<<BR>>
Vesna Butinar, B. Sc., vesna.butinar@ijs.si <<BR>>
Telephone: +386 1 477 34 81 <<BR>> <<BR>>

At the Advanced Materials Department, we aim to develop beyond state-of-the-art functional materials by precise control of their synthesis at the atomic and microstructural levels. Material synthesis represents the central research activity and has a key role in the preparation process of ceramics, thin films, and nanoparticles with desired chemical composition, crystal structure, and microstructure. Such ability of control, which is grounded on an understanding of the reaction mechanisms, process parameters, and the related technology, enables us to engineer materials' intrinsic properties and their extrinsic contributions. Furthermore, by advanced structuring of materials at the atomic and microstructural level we overcome well-established concepts of materials synthesis and achieve new and/or considerably improved functional characteristics. Based on the requested dimensionality materials are synthesized using the solid-state reaction, as well as other contemporary liquid- and vapor-based synthesis methods, like hydrothermal synthesis and pulsed laser deposition technique. Advanced analytical methods, including state-of-the-art electron microscopy, high-resolution X-ray diffraction, and various spectroscopic techniques are used ex situ, in situ, in operando, and in vacuo to follow the course of reactions, crystallization dynamics, stage of structuring, as well as to gain an insight into materials` specific functional response. The as-described methodology represents a new and complex milestone in the field of materials science and has an essential role in the development of future human- and environmental-friendly products and nanotechnologies. <<BR>><<BR>> As-developed understanding of synthesis procedures is applied to develop materials with new and beyond state-of-the-art functional characteristics for applications in electronics, energy conversion and conservation, and medicine, with a focus on the following interdisciplinary research topics:
 * functionalization of silicon with oxide materials,
 * engineered thin films for piezoelectric applications and energy storage,
 * nanoparticles and thin films for photoelectrochemical water splitting,
 * advanced thermal-insulation and construction materials, 
 * novel antimicrobial nanomaterials,
 * biocompatible piezoelectric layers for tissue regeneration.