News
2025
01/12/2025
Prof. Protima Rauwel has been interviewed by Nanomaterials editors to introduce the research focus and the key findings of the award-winning paper “Revealing the Dependency of Dye Adsorption and Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles on Their Morphology and Defect States” published in Nanomaterials MDPI! Congratulations to Protima and all authors for this recognized research work.
31/10/2025
Congratulations to our collaborator Arsalan Akhtar who published a paper on the study of the role of defects on the properties of nanocomposites made from HfO2 nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes with our research team and through the NFFA-Europe framework (http://nffa.eu). The manuscript is published in Computational Materials Science:
“Interfacial electronic structure in hybrid HfO2 nanostructures“
29/09/2025
To start the new academic year, we successfully performed engine test at EAVA with our most recent nano-additives. The tests were succesfull showing better combustion with nanoadditives and reaching 42000 rpm! We have had a great day!
26/09/2025
Our PhD student, Patricio Paredes defended successfully his theses entitled ” Tailoring Cu-based nanostructures for sunlight-assisted photocatalysis applications“. The research work related to water sanitation was performed in the frame of the PRG2115 project.
24-25/09/2025
During Teadlaste öö (scientist’s night), we presented nanotechnology and nanomaterials to public. We explained how nanomaterials and nanocomposites can extract heavy metal from water and soil for remediation, and how basic products like plants, oil waste, agriculture waste can be used to produce nanomaterials that can then be used in practical application to solve environmental problems. The attendees participated to practical workshops and Kahoot! tests finalized the experience.
05/09/2025
Dr. Priyanka Panchal gave an oral presentation “Plant Mediated Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Sustainable Approach and Future Applications” at the 9th Annual Nanotechnology Conference – NANOMAT2025 in Zagreband the presented results have raised the interest of the scientifics in the field.
04/09/2025
Prof. Erwan Rauwel gave an invited oral presentation “Assessing Cobalt Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications and Water Remediation” at the 9th Annual Nanotechnology Conference – NANOMAT2025 in Zagreb. The presented results have raised the interest of the scientifics in the field.
04/09/2025
Dr. Glemarie Hermosa gave an oral presentation “Green Synthesis of Zinc Tetrahydroxide bis Nitrate Nanoadditives for Jet Fuel and Effect on NOx Production” at the 9th Annual Nanotechnology Conference – NANOMAT2025 in Zagreb. The presented results have raised the interest of the scientifics in the field.
03/09/2025
Prof. Protima Rauwel gave an invited oral presentation “Fuel Nano additives Produced from Food Waste to Reduce Aviation Gas Turbine Carbon Footprint and Make Sustainable Aviation Fuel Suitable for air freight” at the 9th Annual Nanotechnology Conference – NANOMAT2025 in Zagreb. The presented results have raised the interest of the scientifics in the field.
20/08/2025
Prof. Protima Rauwel gave an invited oral presentation “Fuel Nanoadditives Produced from Food Waste to Reduce Aviation Gas Turbine Carbon Footprint and Make Sustainable Aviation Fuel Suitable for air freight” at the 33rd International Materials Research Congress 2025. The results presented have aroused the interest of the scientifics who attended the conference.
20/08/2025
Prof. Erwan Rauwel gave an invited oral presentation “Heavy Metal Ions Extraction from Water and Wastewater Using Sand Nanocomposite to Promote Circular Economy” at the 33rd International Materials Research Congress 2025. The results presented have aroused the interest of the scientifics who attended the conference.
15/07/2025
Our manuscript “Revealing the Dependency of Dye Adsorption and Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles on Their Morphology and Defect States” published in Nanomaterials MDPI has been awarded Best Paper 2023! Congratulations to all authors for this recognized research work. [LinkedIn]
17/11/2024
Dr. Laura Coconubo started a new position as Postdoctoral researcher in our research team. She will work in the frame of the PRG2115 team grant to work on the heavy metal ions extraction from polluted water and develop a filter prototype that can be used to clean well water. Welcome in the team Laura!
01/06/2025
Prof. Protima Rauwel published a popular science article in Tehnikamaailm on Sustainable aviation: “Sustainable aviation – are we up to the challenge? / Kestlik lennundus – kas tuleme väljakutsega toime?”, the article is in Estonian, but easy to translate. It give an overview of the problematic related to the carbonfoot pring of air freight and what are the present challenges to face with which possible solution. Enjoy the reading!
29/05/2025
Dr. Priyanka Panchal published her second paper in the frame of her Mobilitas+ grant project as PI. She reviewed the possibility to combine green synthesized nanoparticles with Graphic Carbon Nitride to obtain a synergistic effect and the review highlights the need of Machine Learning process in the field of plant-based synthesis approach. Congratulations! You can find the manuscript here: « A Review on Biomedical Applications of Plant Extract-Mediated Metallic Ag, Au, and ZnO Nanoparticles and Future Prospects for Their Combination with Graphitic Carbon Nitride »
23/04/2025
Congratulations to Dr. Priyanka Panchal who received the Best Oral presentation award (3rd place) during Shodh Prayas 2025 in Jaipur, an initiative aimed at bringing together researchers from postgraduate to PhD levels, along with faculty members, on a common platform.
31/03/2025
Congratulations to Dr. Priyanka Panchal who published her first paper in the frame of her Mobilitas+ grant project as PI. She reports on a new green synthesis to produce graphitic carbon nitride using plant parts for water purification. Here is the manuscript published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research:
30/01/2025
Today, we successfully tested the gas turbine for the combustion tests. The gas turbine is equipped with different sensors to control the combustion and turbine functionning. All parameters are monitored on live. Thanks to Neethu, Shafiqu and Madis for their excellent work. Most of the reseach team was there for the first test and you can watch the video of the first test HERE! Congratulations to all the team!
2024
17/12/2024
Patrico Paredes who is PhD student just published his third paper on the study of the photocatalytic degradation of dyes using copper-based nanoparticles. He compared the utilization of free-standing nanoparticles and a films of nanoparticles asnchored on a glass substrate that make easier their reclamation after use in Environmental Science and Pollution Research (Springer). Congratulations Patricio!
01/11/2024
Dr. Glemarie Hermosa started a new position as Postdoctoral researcher in our research team. She will work in the frame of the PRG2115 team grant on the heavy metal ions extraction from polluted soil and water, and Tem-TA144 project. Welcome in the team Glemarie!
01/10/2024
Dr. Emmanuel Umejuru started a new position as Postdoctoral researcher in our research team. He will work in the frame of the PRG2115 team grant on the haeavy metal ions extraction from polluted water. Welcome in the team Emmanuel!
19/09/2024
Our research team attended the E-MRS conference 2024 in Warsaw. It was a good opportunity for the PhD students and the postdoc to present their research outcomes. A total of 6 contributions have been presented there (2 oral presentations and 4 poster presentations). It was a nice experience and stay for Priyanka, Sadaf, Keshav, Patrico and Reynald.
26/08/2024
Congratulations to our PhD student Keshav Nagpal who successfully defended his PhD thesis on ZnO nanostructures applied to photodiode at EMÜ, in Tartu, Estonia. He enjoyed the fruitful discussion with his two opponents Prof. Ola Nilsen and Prof. Bertrand Vilquin. We thank them for the very constructive questions and discussion.
Polymer encapsulation of zinc oxide nanostructures for photodiode for LED applications
Congratulation Keshav!
07/06/2024
Keshav Nagpal who is PhD student and will soon defend his thesis, just published his fifth research paper on the study of hybrid UV photodiodes based on ZnO nanorod hierarchical structure in Applied Physics Letters Materials (AIP). Congratulations Keshav!
“Fabrication and evaluation of figures of merit of ZnO polymer-based hybrid UV photodiodes“
24/05/2024
Our PhD students received the award of the best presentation during the Ph.D. students’ Days of the Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection of “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad. Congratulations Patricio (1st place) and Reynald (2nd place)!
21/05/2024
We recently published a manuscript that describe a new methodology to assess the antimicrobial properties of metallic nanoparticles, in International Journal of Molecular Science (MDPI).
20/04/2024
Our team presented our research project and activities at Maamess! We discussed with the public and explain the problem of water contamination and how the technology we are working on can offer a solution. We had very interesting discussions, and we could feel a real need for an affordable technology that can enable the safe use of well water for every purposes.
16/04/2024
This is big news for the whole team! Our Thematic research and development programs from Estonian Ministry of Research (TEM-TA144) got funded! The Estonian Ministry of Research and Education and Sihtasutus Eesti Teadusagentuur (ETAg) will support our research activities related to Development of nano-additives to optimize jet fuel combustion and reduce carbon footprint.
15/04/2024
Reynald Ponte who is PhD student just published his first research paper on the synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles in Journal of Material Science (Springer). Congratulations Reynald!
08/01/2024
This is great news for the whole team! Our Team Grant research funding application PRG2115 got funded! Sihtasutus Eesti Teadusagentuur(ETAg) will support our research activities related to water remediation (extraction of heavy metal ions, dye removal and removing bacteria).
ARCHIVES
2023
01/12/2023
Dr. Priyanka Panchal received a Mobilitas+ Postdoctoral grant to join our team and work in the frame of the carbon-based nanomaterials applied to water cleaning and hydrogen production under the supervision of Prof. Erwan Rauwel and Protima Rauwel. Congratulations and welcome Priyanka!
24/11/2023
We are happy to announce that our Special Issue in MDPI Nanomaterials has been converted into a book “Functional Nanomaterials for Optoelectronics and Photocatalysis”. We thank all the authors who have contributed to its success.
01/11/2023
Dr. Sadaf Alibhai Jethva received a Mobilitas+ Postdoctoral grant to join our team and work in the frame of the nanomaterials-based applied to dye degradation and green electricity production in aqueous media under the supervision of Prof. Protima Rauwel. Congratulations and welcome Sadaf!
25/09/2023
Congratulations to our 3 PhD students Keshav Nagpal, Patricio Paredes and Reynald Ponté who attended the E-MRS Warsaw and had very interesting and fruitful discussions with other attendees. They presented their research outcomes through 3 poster presentations.
01/09/2023
Congratulations to Prof. Protima Rauwel for her IAAM Scientist Medal in recognition for her contribution to “Nanomaterials & Nanotechnology” at the 55th Assembly of Advanced Materials Congress in August 2023, Sweden.
31/08/2023
Keshav Nagpal who is PhD student just published his fourth research paper on the synthesis of ZnO nanorod hierarchical structure in Nanotechnology (IOP). Congratulations Keshav!
03/07/2023
Our former postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Yuri Hendrix published the results of his research activities in our group Nanomaterials MDPI Open Access journal. Congratulations Yuri!
12/06/2023
We are glad to inform that our PhD student Mr. Reynald Ponte just published his first review paper in the field of SnO2 nanomaterials applied to Energy Storage in Materials MDPI Open Access journal. Congratulations Reynald!
10/04/2023
We are glad to inform that our PhD student Mr. Patrico Paredes just published his first research paper in the field of nanomaterials applied to photocatalysis in Nanomaterials MDPI Open Access journal. Congratulations Patricio!
28/03/2023
The first manuscript reporting the extraction of heavy metal ions from water using cobalt-based nanocomposite is now available in Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. The study is the first of its kind and other results will follow. ” Nanocobalt based (Co@Co(OH)2) sand nanocomposite applied to manganese extraction from contaminated water“
2022
01/11/2022
Dr. Yuri Hendrix started a new position as . Congratulations on this new opportunity Yuri! We wish you all the success.
11/10/2022
We are happy to inform that our PhD student Keshav Nagpal just published his second research paper in Nanomaterials MDPI Open Access journal. Congratulations Keshav!
04/10/2022
Our book chapter entitled “Antimicrobial nanoparticles: Synthesis, mechanism of actions” is now published in “Antimicrobial Activity of Nanoparticles, Applications in Wound Healing and Infection Treatment” Edited by Dr. Grégory Guisbiers, Elsevier
01/09/2022
Mr. Reynald Ponte joined our research team as PhD student. He will work in the field Tin-based nanomaterials as electrode materials for lithium ion batteries. Welcome Reynald!
Dr. Siim Küünal who is Lecturer at the Estonian University of Life Science just joined our research team as researcher. Welcome back Siim!
19/08/2022
We developed a new method to measure Arsenic content in water using portable Lovibond photometer.
“A colorimetric method of As3+ ion detection and quantification using hand-held Lovibond photometer“
29/06/2022
We are happy to inform that our PhD student Mr. Patrico Paredes published is first paper on:
“Surveying the Synthesis, Optical Properties and Photocatalytic Activity of Cu3N Nanomaterials“
We wish you a pleasant and informative reading, and we hope that this OPEN ACCESS review will serve as a valuable support for researchers and PhD students in the field of copper nitride nanomaterials.
01/05/2022
We are happy to announce that our Special Issue in MDPI Materials has been converted into a book “Metal Oxide Thin Films: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications”. We thank all the authors who have contributed to its success.
15/03/2022
Dr. Yuri Hendrix just joined our research team as postdoctoral researcher. He will work in the frame of the nanomaterials-based photocatalytic textile dye degradation. Welcome Yuri!
18/02/2022
Our PhD student Keshav Nagpal just published his first research paper in OpenAccess journal SAGE. It is an important step for a Phd student, congratulations Keshav!
“The role of CNT in surface defect passivation and UV emission intensification of ZnO nanoparticles“
28/01/2022
Congratulations to Dr. Siim Küünal who successully defended his thesis entitled, “Plant Mediated Synthesis of Silver-Based Nanoparticles and Their Use as Antimicrobial Agent in Environmentally-Friendly Applications”
Supervisor: Prof. Erwan Rauwel, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology, Chair of Biosystems Engineering, Estonia
Co-supervisors:
- Prof. Protima Rauwel, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology, Head of Chair of Energy Application Engineering, Estonia
- Prof. Irina Hussainova, Tallinn University of Technology, School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Estonia
Opponents:
- Dr. Gregory Guisbiers, Asisstant Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, USA
- Dr. Nemeshwaree Behary, Associate Professor, ENSAIT, France
01/01/2022
All the team wis you a Happy New Year 2022.
We are glad to inform that Mr. Siim Küünal will defend his PhD on 28th January.
2021
01/10/2021
Mr. Patricio Paredes joined our research team as PhD student. He will work in the frame of the development of new nanomaterials for optoelectronic and energy applications. Welcome Patricio!
05/11/2021
Our research group received the Best cooperation award 2021 at EMÜ. This cooperation between the Institute of Technology and the Veterinary Institute is in the frame of the “Antimicrobial coating development” project. Thank you to all the team members from both Institute for their hard work.
Best cooperation award 2021
28/09/2021
We are glad to inform that 2 review papers have been published on:
We wish you a pleasant and informative reading, and we hope that these OPEN ACCESS reviews will serve as a valuable support for researchers and PhD students in the field.
07/04/2021
We are glad to inform that our Special Issue “Metal Oxide Thin Films: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications” published in Materials is now closed. The last two decades have witnessed the development of new technologies for thin-film deposition and coating. This issue compiles works on vapor-phase deposition processes including ALD and mist-chemical-vapor deposition to the stabilization of metastable phases and the effect of growth conditions. It also includes liquid-phase coatings like sol-gel, solution immersion, micro-arc oxidation, Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Processing and single pulse anodization. The last paper reports on a new metal oxide thin film characterization method that can extract the majority charge carriers’ type, their concentration, and mobility and is extendable to the study of other wide-bandgap semiconductors. We hope that this special issue will serve as a valuable support for researchers in the field of metal oxide thin-film deposition and characterization and we wish you a pleasant read.
10/02/2021
Our recent investigations on ZnO–CNT Hybrid Nanostructures combined with silver nanoparticles (3 nm) have been published in Nanomaterials. We highlighted an enhanced UV Emission through the Surface Plasmon Resonance of Ag Nanoparticles. We wish you a pleasant reading. “Enhancing the UV emission in ZnO-CNT hybrid nanostructures via the surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles“
2020
28/09/2020
Our application (COVSG-9) to develop new nanocomposites to prevent and limit both rapid contamination of Covid-19 is funded by the Estonian Research Council (ETAg) . This research project will be done at Eesti Maaülikool at the Institute of Technology and the Veterinary Institute and in collaboration with the LBN (Montpellier, France).
“The COVID-19 outbreak requires urgent effective antiviral treatment as well as mitigation of its proliferation. Since 2004, nanomaterials have been investigated towards the development of the so-called ‘nano-antimicrobials,’. Now with COVID-19 pandemic, nanoantivirals have been the focus of investigations. Nanomaterials in antiviral applications and nanotechnology can offer a great support in the design of contamination-safe equipment through metal-loaded nanocomposites. Polymer nanocomposites combining cobalt, copper and silver in polymer matrix will be studied to develop antiviral additives for plastic items production and coatings to protect surfaces (door handles, protective visors, panels…). The technological transfer for industrial production will be done with Estonian Companies. The well-known antiviral properties of various formulations and nanostructures will be studied and exploited to fight COVID-19 and prevent and limit both rapid contamination leading to contagion.”