Jakov Babić

Mr. Jakov Babić


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

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

Representative Publications

View All Publications
9 February 2026 in Molecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Dalibor TatarDalibor Tatar
Dalibor Tatar
JBJakov Babić
Jakov Babić
SŠStjepan Šarić
Stjepan Šarić
JKJelena Kojčinović
Jelena Kojčinović
PŠPETRA ŠUŠAK
PETRA ŠUŠAK
Igor DjerdjIgor Djerdj
Igor Djerdj
High-entropy fluorite oxides offer exceptional tunability of structure and functionality through controlled multi-cation substitution. In this work, Ce-Zr-Pr-Sm-Eu-based high-entropy oxides, with systematically varied Pr content, were synthesized using a modified sol–gel citrate method to investigate the influence of Pr incorporation on lattice structure, defect formation, and photocatalytic performance. All compositions crystallized in a single-phase cubic fluorite structure, where increasing Pr concentration induced gradual lattice expansion and microstrain due to the substitution of larger Pr3+ ions. Morphological and surface analyses revealed porous nanostructures at moderate Pr levels, while excessive Pr promoted densification and reduced surface accessibility. Spectroscopic studies confirmed the coexistence of Pr3+/Pr4+ and Ce3+/Ce4+ redox couples, strong 4f–2p orbital hybridization, and enhanced defect-related electronic states that narrowed the optical bandgap. The optimized Pr-doped composition exhibited almost 100% degradation of methylene blue under UV light over 30 min, untypical for semiconductors with a narrower bandgap, and is enabled by efficient charge separation and redox cycling between Ce and Pr centers.