One of commonly used analytical technique for direct elemental analysis of solid samples is Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Although widely used for the analysis of various samples, obtaining accurate quantitative results remains a major challenge as matrix-matched standards are required. The aim of this thesis was …
Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is a versatile analytical method widely used in the field of surface science and thin films. Although it gives elemental, molecular, and isotopic information, it has a very low detection limit and high lateral resolution, is fast and works with all the vacuum-compatible samples, …
The sputtering yield, the spatial distribution of the sputtered atoms, the energy distribution and the average energy of the sputtered atoms are important for numerous deposition techniques, as they determine the microstructure and the physical properties of the thin films. Using SRIM (Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter) simulations, …
We are witnessing major shifts in ecosystems due to intense anthropogenic pressures on the environment in recent decades, including rapid climate change, which is one of the strongest drivers of a global biological response. Raptors, which are at the top of the trophic web, are important indicators of ecosystem health. …
In this dissertation, we studied heterogeneous surface recombination of neutral oxygen atoms. We described plasma as a reliable source of neutral oxygen atoms and the behavior of neutral atoms in low-pressure plasma sustained by high-frequency discharges. Neutral atom density in the flowing afterglow and the recombination coefficient on several surfaces …
In the view of designing new nanostructured materials and tailoring their functional properties, understanding the nucleation and crystal growth mechanisms is becoming increasingly important. Nowadays, one of the most addressed scientific and social problems are those facing energy shortage and global warming. People started to realize the value and importance …
Plastic pollution is a global issue, yet our understanding of its impact on organisms and ecosystems remains limited. My PhD thesis explores the presence of microplastics (MP) in river ecosystems, their interaction with freshwater hyporheic biofilms and specifically, the response of hyporheic biofilms to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pollution in the …
In this doctoral thesis influence of different temperatures (5 °C - 60 °C) on the hydration of belite-ye’elimite-ferrite cement was studied. Fluctuations in temperature can cause changes in the phase assemblage, kinetics of hydration and mechanical properties. Besides temperature, other factors such as the cement clinker phase composition, calcium sulfate …
Rising demands for food, instigated by population growth and urbanization, are calling for advanced agricultural approaches to increase crop yields. However, the expansion of food production should not come with an unmanageable environmental cost. Plant science is therefore challenged to provide sustainable innovations for combating the detrimental effects of unfavourable …
The subject of the doctoral dissertation is the development of coatings with improved protection of metals against corrosion and antifouling protection on structural steel S355 and aluminum alloy AA7075. S355 is a widely used metal in the construction, while AA7075 is mostly used in the transportation industry. Although they exhibit …