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MPD physics performance studies in Bi+Bi collisions at √sNN = 9.2 GeV
No full textThe Multi-Purpose Detector (MPD) is one of the three experiments of the Nuclotron Ion Collider-fAcility (NICA) complex, which is currently under construction at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna. With collisions of heavy ions in the collider mode, the MPD will cover the energy range √sNN = 4 − 11 GeV to scan the high baryon-density region of the QCD phase diagram. With expected statistics of 50–100 million events collected during the first run, MPD will be able to study a number of observables, including measurements of light hadrons and (hyper)nuclei production, particle flow, correlations and fluctuations, have a first look at dielectron production, and modification of vector-meson properties in dense matter. In this paper, we present selected results of the physics feasibility studies for theMPD experiment in Bi+Bi collisions at √sNN = 9.2 GeV, the system considered as one of the first available at the NICA collider
Reflection-mode frequency modulated photoacoustics of thin Tungsten-based films by novel functional characterization experimental setup
No full textThis progress report presents the recordings of the frequency photoacoustic (PA) response on thin films of tungsten and tungsten oxide, without and with ternary tungsten compounds, by using a newly developed reflection-based experimental setup. These promising results imply the potential of the system for functional characterization of materials with application in biomedical contrast imaging and novel drug delivery techniques.ICCBIKG 2025 : 3rd International Conference on Chemo and Bioinformatics, September 25-26, 2025; Kragujevac, Serbia
Trends in radioactive waste management: challenges and perspectives
No full textPorast proizvodnje električne energije u nuklearnim elektranama, primene radioaktivnih materijala u industriji, medicini, naučnoistraživačkom radu, dovodi do povećanja količina radioaktivnog otpada, što dalje zahteva poboljšanje metoda njegovog upravljanja. Dosadašnja istraživanja bila su fokusirana na obradu i zbrinjavanje otpada, dok se savremeni pristupi sve više oslanjaju na kombinaciju tradicionalnih metoda sa naprednim tehnologijama koje omogućavaju smanjenje zapremine i efikasno uklanjanje radionuklida. U okviru ovog rada analizirani su aktuelni trendovi u upravljanju tokovima radioaktivnog otpada, pri čemu je poseban akcenat stavljen na integraciju digitalizacije i modelovanja u cilju optimizacije procesa. Razmatrane su i regionalne prakse, globalni tehnološki pravci i regulatorni okviri, uz kritički osvrt na mogućnosti primene principa cirkularne ekonomije u ovoj specifičnoj oblasti. Cilj rada je da doprinese razvoju sinergijskog pristupa koji kombinuje savremene digitalne alate sa postojećim metodama, uz njihovo osavremenjivanje, u cilju postizanja optimalnog upravljanja tokovima radioaktivnog otpada.The increase in electricity production from nuclear power plants and the use of radioactive materials in industry, medicine, and scientific research has led to a rise in the amount of radioactive waste, necessitating improvements in waste management methods. Previous research has primarily focused on waste treatment and disposal. In contrast, modern approaches increasingly rely on a combination of traditional methods and advanced technologies that enable volume reduction and efficient radionuclide removal. This paper analyzes current trends in radioactive waste stream management, with special emphasis on the integration of digitalization and modeling to optimize processes. Regional practices, global technological directions, and regulatory frameworks are also examined, accompanied by a critical overview of the potential application of circular economy principles in this specific field. This paper aims to contribute to the development of a synergistic approach that combines modern digital tools with existing methods, enhancing them to achieve optimal management of radioactive waste streams.LXIX конференција ЕТРАН : 9-12 Јун, Чачак, 2025
Hydrogen evolution reaction on low loading iridium/graphene catalysts: structure–activity relationship
No full textIridium (Ir) is a highly active and corrosion resistant catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic environments. However, its high cost and limited availability necessitate strategies that reduce Ir usage while maintaining or enhancing catalytic performance. This study explores the structure–activity relationship of Ir nanoparticles supported on graphene nanoplatelets (Ir/GNPs) to develop efficient, low Ir loading HER catalysts. Ir/GNP electrodes were fabricated by electrochemical deposition from aqueous Ir precursor solutions under optimized conditions, yielding highly dispersed nanoparticles with loadings as low as 1 At%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the Ir nanoparticles are uniformly distributed along the edges and defect sites of the GNP sheets, with sizes ranging from 20 to 30 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to probe the surface chemical state of Ir and its interaction with the graphene support. The XPS results indicated the presence of metallic Ir0 along with a small fraction of Ir3+/Ir4+, suggesting partial surface oxidation and possible electronic interactions with the GNP substrate, which may contribute to enhanced catalytic behavior. Electrochemical measurements were performed in 0.5 M H2SO4 using linear sweep voltammetry. The Ir/GNP catalysts demonstrated excellent HER performance, with low overpotentials and favorable Tafel slopes, outperforming commercial Pt/C catalysts under identical conditions at similar mass loadings of noble metals. This superior activity is attributed to the synergistic effects between Ir nanoparticles and the graphene support, which provides high conductivity, abundant active sites at sheet edges, and strong metal–support interactions that optimize electron transfer and catalytic turnover. These results highlight the critical role of nanoscale morphology and surface chemistry in governing HER activity and demonstrate the potential of Ir/GNP composites as cost-effective alternatives to commercial Pt-based catalysts for hydrogen production in acidic media.5th International Meeting on Materials Science for Energy Related Applications, September 25-26, 2025, Belgrade
Characterization and photocatalytic performance of down-conversion Eu3+ doped MgGd₂Zr₂O₈ nanoparticles
No full textIn this work, we investigated the structural, morphological, optical, and photocatalytic performance of the newly synthesized down-conversion material – magnesium, gadolinium, and zirconium mixed oxide (MgGd₂Zr₂O₈) doped with 5 at% Eu³⁺ ions. The sample was successfully prepared via the sol-gel synthesis, using citric acid as a chelating agent. The resulting gel was first subjected to combustion in a furnace at 450 °C for 1.5 hours, followed by calcination at 850 °C for 4 hours. The X-ray Powder Diffraction pattern proved that the sample crystallizes as a pure cubic phase of MgGd₂Zr₂O₈ with space group Fd-3m (227). Particle morphology characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed agglomerated nanoparticles with an average size of ~5 nm, while energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed a uniform elemental distribution of all constituting elements. Optical properties were examined using UV/VIS reflectance spectroscopy, showing characteristic f–f transitions of Eu³⁺ ions. The energy band gap value (3.6 eV) was estimated using the Kubelka–Munk function. The photocatalytic activity was determined by degrading the organic dye, methylene blue (MB), in aqueous solution under a solar light simulator. The dye concentration was monitored by extracting aliquots at defined time intervals using UV-VIS Absorption Spectroscopy. The obtained results demonstrate a significant degradation rate after 4 hours of exposure.5th International Meeting on Materials Science for Energy Related Applications, September 25-26, 2025, Belgrade
Synthesizing Cost-effective, Dual-function Catalysts from Recycled CPUs and Lemon Peel for Water Splitting
No full textThe pressing need for sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions drives the exploration of innovative materials for clean energy technologies. This study introduces a novel approach to synthesizing electrocatalysts from waste materials, specifically recycled central processing units (CPUs) and carbonized lemon peel. By repurposing these abundant waste sources, we developed a dual-function catalyst that facilitates both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water splitting. Our catalyst showcases promising electrochemical properties, including low overpotential and decent catalytic activity, particularly for HER. Additionally, the synthesized material exhibits potential for use in supercapacitors, demonstrating significant charge storage capabilities. This research not only presents a viable strategy for reducing reliance on rare and expensive metals but also contributes to waste reduction and resource recovery Keywords: e-waste, activated carbon, electrocatalyst, HER, alkaline electrolysis.9th International Hydrogen Technologies Congress, 25-28 May 2025
Public opinion and security challenges of nuclear energy: the impact of awareness, risk perception, and policies on acceptance in Serbia
No full textPublic opinion significantly shapes the development and acceptance of nuclear energy, particularly in countries like Serbia, where this technology is being reintroduced after a decades-long moratorium. This paper explores the interplay between public awareness, risk perception, and national policies in shaping the societal acceptance of nuclear energy. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from sociology, security studies, and communication science, the study investigates the factors influencing public attitudes and identifies key challenges to integrating nuclear energy into Serbia's energy strategy. The research highlights the role of security concerns, including nuclear safety, nuclear security, and potential misuse of nuclear materials, as central to public perception. Furthermore, the level of public awareness about the benefits of nuclear energy—such as its potential to ensure energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support sustainable development—is examined in relation to prevailing fears and misconceptions. The analysis reveals that low levels of trust in institutional frameworks, coupled with a lack of transparent communication, exacerbate public skepticism. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive national policies that balance security measures with public engagement and highlight the need for collaborative efforts between government, academia, and industry. By addressing public concerns and enhancing awareness, Serbia can build a more informed and supportive environment for the adoption of nuclear energy.International Conference “Annual conference on Challenges of Contemporary Higher Education” : February 2nd-7th, 2025, Kopaonik
Eco-Friendly Synthesis and Paper Immobilization of AgNPs for Portable Colorimetric Detection of Hg2+ in Water
No full textMercury’s severe toxicity and persistence demand fast, low-cost, and sustainable detection. In this work, a Juglans regia ethanolic extract is introduced as an efficient biogenic reducing and stabilizing agent for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This plant-mediated route enables environmentally friendly nanoparticle formation with suitable optical properties for sensing applications. To overcome the poor visual selectivity observed in the colloidal AgNPs suspension, the nanoparticles were immobilized onto filter paper to produce a solid-phase colorimetric sensor. The paper-based platform exhibited a highly selective response toward Hg2+, showing complete suppression of the yellow coloration exclusively in the presence of Hg2+, even when challenged with a 200-fold excess of potentially interfering ions. Quantitative colorimetric analysis revealed a broad linear detection range from 1 × 10−8 to 1 × 10−3 mol dm−3 and an excellent limit of detection of 1.065 × 10−8 mol dm−3, with visible color changes consistent with the calculated values. The sensor’s performance was further validated using real tap water samples, with recovery values ranging from 96% to 102%, confirming minimal matrix interference and reliable quantification. Altogether, this study demonstrates that Juglans regia-mediated AgNPs, integrated into a simple paper-based format, provide a fully green, low-cost, and portable platform for sensitive and selective on-site detection of Hg2+ in environmental waters
Swift heavy ion irradiated thin films of bismuth vanadate for oxygen evolution reaction: Impact of defect engineering and opening of ion tracks
No full textSwift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation using 150 MeV Xe ions (fluence: 5 × 109 –5 × 1011 ions cm-2) was employed for defect engineering in hydrothermally synthesized BiVO4 (BVO) thin films in order to investigate their impact on photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). SHI treatment induces residual stress and amorphization, along with the formation of bismuth-rich hillocks above oxygen-deficient ion tracks. At high fluence (5×1011 ions cm-2), excessive defect accumulation and ion track overlap result in irreversible degradation of PEC activity. In contrast, lower fluences (5 × 109 and 1 × 1010 ions cm-2) generate a moderate defect density that initially traps charge carriers but show photocurrent density improvements of 58.6% and 25.2% with time, respectively. Post-PEC analysis reveals that latent ion tracks are transformed into nanoscale holes up to 30 nm in diameter and 200 nm in depth. The sample irradiated at 1 × 1010 ions cm⁻² exhibits particularly well-defined holes, indicating an optimal balance between defect formation and mechanical stress. A comprehensive set of structural, electronic, and morphological analyses was employed to correlate defect evolution with PEC behaviour. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of SHI irradiation as a precise tool for nanoscale morpho-structural engineering. The controlled formation of nanoscale holes enables the integration of cocatalysts or plasmonic structures, offering a promising route to enhance PEC efficiency and broaden the material’s applicability in energy-related technologies.15th European Conference on Accelerators in Applied Research and Technology (ECAART 15); September 8-12, 2025; Zurich, Switzerland
Calcined mullite powder produced from waste clay-diatomite
No full textMullite powders have been fabricated using diatomite powder as Si and Al-nitrate as Al precursors, without using any additives. Samples were calcined at three temperatures (1300, 1400 and 1500 ºC) for a period of 1, 2 and 4 h. The obtained powders were analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRPD) PSA (Particle Size Analysis), FESEM (Field emission scanning electron microscopy) and EDXS (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy). Content of the crystalline phases with calcination temperature and dwell time was computed by X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRPD), using POWDER CELL software. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images confirmed that the rod shape morphology of mullite particles, with the diameters around 500 nm, and lengths, 5 μm embedded in an amorphous matrix. XRPD of the sintered samples at 1300 ºC showed formation of thermally stabile phases (mullite, cristobalite and corundum) that makes the analyzed diatomaceous earth suitable for production of various types of construction and thermal insulating ceramic materials