Špela Slapničar

Mrs. Špela Slapničar


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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15 March 2023 in Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
Marjana SimoničMarjana Simonič
Marjana Simonič
ŠSŠpela Slapničar
Špela Slapničar
JTJanja Trček
Janja Trček
Bojana Bogovič MatijašićBojana Bogovič Matijašić
Bojana Bogovič Matijašić
PLPetra Mohar Lorbeg
Petra Mohar Lorbeg
ZPZdenka Peršin
Zdenka Peršin

16 July 2024 in Molecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ŠSŠpela Slapničar
Špela Slapničar
Gregor ŽerjavGregor Žerjav
Gregor Žerjav
JZJanez Zavašnik
Janez Zavašnik
MRMatevž Roškarič
Matevž Roškarič
Matjaž FinšgarMatjaž Finšgar
Matjaž Finšgar
Albin PintarAlbin Pintar
Albin Pintar
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.