Institute For Solid State Physics Research Articles

Joint Research with High Pressure Laboratory at the Institute for Solid State Physics, University of Tokyo

Joint Research with High Pressure Laboratory at the Institute for Solid State Physics, University of Tokyo

Understanding the Interplay between Temperature, State of Health, Rate of Ageing, and Overvoltage in Li-Ion Battery Cells

Li-ion batteries are currently the most popular battery technology. However, their service life remains limited and is typically in a range of 2-10 years of active use. The ageing is influenced by the materials used, temperature, charge/discharge rate and architecture of the battery cells. The governing ageing mechanisms are generally related to material stability, with the formation of solid-electrode interphase (SEI), decomposition of active materials or electrolyte and loss of contact being the main contributors. Externally, this can be observed as loss of capacity, increase in internal resistance (overvoltage or polarization) and heating of the cell while in use.In this work, we demonstrate how Arrhenius plots are a valuable tool to understand the rate of battery cell ageing over its operational temperature range [1,2]. The V-shaped Arrhenius plots correspond to two ageing mechanisms, lithium plating and growth of SEI, with the intersection (crossover) denoting the optimum temperature for the highest service life. The crossover temperature shifts towards higher values with increasing C-rate and anode thickness and depends on the state of health of the battery. The study shows that using Arrhenius-type dependences of the ageing rate can provide valuable insights for quality control and battery management systems, extending the service life of battery cells.Overvoltage of the battery cell typically grows as the battery cell ages. This increased internal resistance leads to a decrease in the battery's ability to deliver current, and thus reduces its power or what is in some cases called ‘rate capability’. We have studied this phenomenon for lab-assembled half-cells with LiFePO4 and NCM 811 cathode as well as for commercial cells, showing the overvoltage as a function of battery cell’s state of health, C-rate and temperature. While ultimately the overvoltage is undesirable, we show how it correlates with battery’s state of health and can be used as an effective predictor of the remaining service life of the battery cell from the operational data without performing a full charge and discharge measurement in a controlled environment. This reduces the failure risk and improves the safety and reliability of the battery. Acknowledgements Authors acknowledge Latvian Council of Science project “Cycle life prediction of lithium-ion battery electrodes and cells, utilizing current-voltage response measurements”, project No. LZP-2020/1-0425. Institute of Solid-State Physics, University of Latvia as the Centre of Excellence has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Framework Program H2020-WIDESPREAD-01-2016-2017-TeamingPhase2 under grant agreement No. 739508, project CAMART2. References Bozorgchenani, M., Kucinskis, G., Wohlfahrt-Mehrens, M. & Waldmann, T. Experimental Confirmation of C-Rate Dependent Minima Shifts in Arrhenius Plots of Li-Ion Battery Aging. J. Electrochem. Soc. 169, 030509 (2022).Kucinskis, G. et al. Arrhenius plots for Li-ion battery ageing as a function of temperature, C-rate, and ageing state – An experimental study. J. Power Sources 549, 232129 (2022).

From electrochromic phenomena to energy harvesting and storage—an overview of solid state ionics research at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia

From electrochromic phenomena to energy harvesting and storage—an overview of solid state ionics research at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia

Peer Review Statement

All papers published in this volume have been reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing Publishing.Type of peer review: Single AnonymousConference submission management system: MorressierNumber of submissions received: 34Number of submissions sent for review: 34Number of submissions accepted: 32Acceptance Rate (Submissions Accepted / Submissions Received × 100): 94Average number of reviews per paper: 1.2Total number of reviewers involved: 21Contact person for queries:Name: Hassan ChamatiEmail: chamati@issp.bas.bgAffiliation: G. Nadjakov Institute of Solid State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

Preface

The traditional biannual International School on Condensed Matter Physics was held in the Black Sea resort Saints Constantine and Helena for the 22nd time from August 29th – September 2nd, 2022. This year’s edition commemorated the 50th anniversary of G. Nadjakov Institute of Solid State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The main aim of the organizers was to keep the 42 years tradition alive and provide an attractive arena for renowned researchers and early stage scientists to discuss issues, challenges, and findings in broad interdisciplinary areas. The 2022 event was themed “State of the Art in Functional Materials & Technologies” indicating the need for continuous discussions on fundamental studies and technological applications of functional materials along with the traditionally covered topics, such as characterization of novel materials, materials processing, soft matter physics and applications.The School included two memorial, 21 invited and 12 oral lectures, as well as 59 posters that presented different studies in functional materials and technologies. We are indebted to our speakers and participants for their commitment and the thought-provoking contributions. Moreover, The Editors would like to thank all authors for their high-quality contributions and the members of the International Programme Committee for their strong commitment.The papers submitted for publication in the Proceedings of the School were refereed according to the high standards of the Journal of Physics: Conference Series. The Editors are very grateful to the Journal’s staff for the continuous fruitful collaboration and for providing the opportunity to publish scientific contributions to the 22nd International School on Condesed Matter Physics.Chamati, HGeorgiev, MVaronov, A

Improving the Electrochemical Properties of Cathode Materials for Sodium Ion Batteries

Energy storage systems made from abundant materials are essential for the transition to a more sustainable economy. Although today lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the most popular battery technology, the growing demand and low availability of lithium, as well as the use of cobalt and other rare metals raise questions about the sustainability and long-term viability of LIB as the only energy storage solution. The high abundance of sodium content and relative similarity to LIBs, allows the sodium ion batteries (SIBs) to be considered as alternative for stationary energy storage [1]. However, the widespread adoption of SIB technology is hampered by many challenges, including the relatively low energy density compared to LIB. Lower energy density electrodes, such as Na2FeP2O7, are generally stable during cycling [2], while many higher energy density electrodes, such as NaxMnO2, have had a shorter cycle life [3]. In this work we show several possible solutions how to improve the electrochemical properties of the SIBs made of these cathode materials.The promising cathode material Na2FeP2O7 was studied to improve its electrical conductivity, which is often low in the case of sodium pyrophosphates. Solution synthesis was used to prepare pristine Na2FeP2O7 and Na2FeP2O7/C composite cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries, using glucose as a carbon source. While the pristine Na2FeP2O7 displays capacity of only 45 mAh/g due to the relatively large grain size, the addition of carbon increases the capacity to up to 92 mAh/g (95% of the theoretical 97 mAh/g capacity) with excellent rate capability, as 44 mAh/g capacity is still retained even at 20 C (1.94 A/g) current. The optimal content of carbon was found to be 4.8%. The initial capacity of 81 mAh/g is fully retained after 500 cycles at 1 C, indicating excellent cycle life of Na2FeP2O7/C. Electrochemical measurements were carried out in 1 M NaClO4 salt in propylene carbonate as electrolyte and show that the addition of 5 wt.% fluoroethylene carbonate solid electrolyte interphase stabilizing additive greatly benefits the rate and cycling performance of Na2FeP2O7/C as measured in half-cells [4].Na0,67MnO2 is another compound that is widely studied as cathode materials in sodium ion batteries. Currently polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is the most popular binder choice. In our study, a novel tetrabutylammonium (TBA) alginate binder is used to prepare a Na0,67MnO2 electrode for sodium-ion batteries with improved electrochemical performance. The ageing of the electrodes has been characterized. TBA alginate-based electrodes are compared to PVDF and Na alginate-based electrodes and show favorable electrochemical performance, with gravimetric capacity values of up to 164 mAh/g, which is 6% higher than measured for the electrode prepared with PVDF binder. TBA alginate-based Na0,67MnO2 electrodes also display good rate capability and improved cyclability and their solid–electrolyte interface is similar to that of PVDF-based electrodes. As the only salt of alginic acid soluble in non-aqueous solvents, TBA alginate emerges as a good alternative to PVDF binder in battery applications where the water-based processing of electrode slurries is not feasible, such as the demonstrated case with Na0,67MnO2 [5].Overall, we have shown that binder and electrolyte selection can significantly improve the electrochemical properties of electrode materials for SIBs.The financial support of projects No. 1.1.1.2/VIAA/1/16/166 “Advanced materials for sodium Ion batteries” and No. lzp-2020/1-0391 “Advanced polymer – ionic liquid composites for sodium-ion polymer batteries” is greatly acknowledged. Institute of Solid-State Physics, University of Latvia as the Center of Excellence has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Framework Program H2020-WIDESPREAD-01–2016-2017-Teaming Phase 2 under grant agreement No. 739508, project CAMART2. Vaalma, C.; Buchholz, D.; Weil, M.; Passerini, S. A cost and resource analysis of sodium-ion batteries. Nat. Rev. Mater. 2018, 3, 18013.Jin, T.; Li, H.; Zhu, K.; Wang, P.-F.; Liu, P.; Jiao, L. Polyanion-type cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2020, 49, 2342.Lyu, Y.; Liu, Y.; Yu, Z.-E.; Su, N.; Liu, Y.; Li, W.; Li, Q.; Guo, B.; Liu, B. Recent advances in high energy-density cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries. Sustain. Mater. Technol. 2019, 21, e00098.Kucinskis, G.; Nesterova, I.; Sarakovskis, A.; Bikse, L.; Hodakovska, J.; Bajars, G. Electrochemical performance of Na2FeP2O7/C cathode for sodium-ion batteries in electrolyte with fluoroethylene carbonate additive. J. Alloys Compd. 2022, 895, 162656.Kucinskis, G.; Kruze, B.; Korde, P.; Sarakovskis, A.; Viksna, A.; Hodakovska, J.; Bajars, G. Enhanced Electrochemical Properties of Na67MnO2 Cathode for Na-Ion Batteries Prepared with Novel Tetrabutylammonium Alginate Binder. Batteries 2022, 8, 6. Figure 1

Theoretical Study of the Mechanism of Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation on the COVID-19 Virus (SARS-CoV-2)

Yulian I Fedchenko Author Affiliations Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, BAS Georgi Nadjakov Institute of Solid State Physics (ISSP) Magister, Bulgaria Received: February 18, 2021 | Published: March 08, 2021 Corresponding author: Yulian I Fedchenko, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, BAS Georgi Nadjakov Institute of Solid State Physics (ISSP) Magister, Bulgaria DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2021.34.005533

Preface

We are pleased to introduce the Proceedings of the 21st International School on Condensed Matter Physics “Progress and Perspectives in Functional Materials” (21st ISCMP). This traditional bi-annual School organized by the Institute of Solid State Physics of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (ISSP-BAS) took place from August 31st - September 4th, 2020 at one of the finest resorts on the Bulgarian Black Sea “Saints Constantine and Helena”.The aim of the School is to bring together outstanding researchers (experimentalists as well as theoreticians) with the younger generation of scientists in order to discuss current research topics and to exchange new forefront ideas in broad interdisciplinary areas. This year special focus was driven towards discussions on fundamental studies and application of functional materials in addition to traditionally covered areas, such as characterization of nanostructured materials, soft matter physics, graphene-based materials and applications. Participants from 13 countries presented 21 invited lectures, 13 short oral talks and 63 posters. Due to the worldwide pandemic situation during 2020, this year the school (21st ISCMP) offered opportunities for both onsite and remote online attendance. The Local Organising Committee put a lot of effort to overcome all difficulties and to ensure the successful organisation and holding of 21st ISCMP. The organizing committee believes that the 21st ISCMP provided enough opportunities for personal scientific contacts, interesting discussions and interactive exchange of ideas among the participants. The Editors would like to thank all authors for their high-quality contributions and the members of the International Programme Committee for their strong commitment.The papers submitted for publication in the Proceedings were refereed according to the publishing standards of the Journal of Physics: Conference Series. The Editorial Committee members are very grateful to the Journal’s staff for the continuous fruitful collaboration and for providing the opportunity to publish scientific contributions from the 21st ISCMP.Prof. DSc Hassan Chamati, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Genova, Assoc. Prof. Dsc Albena Paskaleva, Assist. Prof. Dr. Albert Varonov

A Novel Method to Observe Topological Nature Using Nonlinear Thermoelectricity

Researchers at the Institute for Solid State Physics, University of Tokyo, recently proposed a current-induced thermoelectric phenomenon called the “nonlinear anomalous Ettingshausen effect” in organic massive Dirac electron systems. This phenomenon allowed for a novel method of observing the topological nature of Dirac electron systems by inducing the time-reversal-symmetry breaking using an electric current, which can then be detected via simple thermoelectric measurements.

Toward Small Consumption of Helium with Recycling Activities at the Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo

Toward Small Consumption of Helium with Recycling Activities at the Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo

Functional Materials and Nanotechnologies (FM&NT 2018)

PrefaceThe 12th International Scientific Conference ‘Functional Materials and Nanotechnologies – FM&NT-2018’ was held on October 2-5, in Riga, Radisson Blu Latvia Conference & Spa Hotel. The event was organized by the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL). This conference is a continuation of meetings, first of which was organized in 2006 by ISSP UL in Riga. Since 2013 FM&NT conferences turned over a new page, becoming a common conference of all three Baltic countries. Now it is being organized periodically by the ISSP UL, University of Tartu, and Vilnius University. FM&NT-2018 is also a tribute to 40th anniversary of the ISSP UL, Latvia’s Centenary programme Latvia 100 and beginning of Centenary year of the University of Latvia.The purpose of the FM&NT is to bring together materials scientists, physicists, chemists, research staff, engineers, as well as experts in a wide range of the most demanding application areas, and students from universities, research institutes and related industrial companies. The topics of the conference included materials for energy and renewable energy technologies, biomedicine, multifunctional inorganic, organic and hybrid materials for photonics, micro- and nanoelectronics.List of FM&NT-2018 International Organizing Committee, Programme Committee and Local Organizing Committees are available in this pdf.

20th International School on Condensed Matter Physics

PREFACEWe are pleased to introduce the Proceedings of the 20th JUBILEE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ON CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS “Physics and Applications of Advanced and Multifunctional Materials (20th ISCMP). The school was held from September 3rd to September 7th, 2018 in Varna, Bulgaria. It was organized by the Institute of Solid State Physics of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (ISSP-BAS), and took place at one of the fine resorts on the Bulgarian Black sea “Saints Constantine and Helena”.The aim of this international school is to bring together top experimentalists and theoreticians, with interests in interdisciplinary areas, with the younger generation of scientists, in order to discuss current research and to communicate new forefront ideas. This year special focus was given to advanced organic and inorganic materials and their application in biophysics and sensors. Traditionally covered areas, such as characterization of nanostructured materials and thin films were also discussed. Participants from 16 countries presented 26 invited lectures, 28 short oral presentations and 60 posters.The hope of the organizing committee is that the 20th ISCMP provided enough opportunities for direct scientific contacts, interesting discussions and interactive exchange of ideas between the participants. The nice weather certainly helped a lot in this respect. The editors would like to thank all authors for their high-quality contributions and the members of the international program committee for their commitment.The papers submitted for publication in the Proceedings were refereed according to the publishing standards of the Journal of Physics: Conference Series. The Editorial Committee members are very grateful to the Journal’s staff for the continuous fruitful relations and for giving us the opportunity to present the work from the 20th ISCMP.Prof. DSc Hassan Chamati, Prof. DSc Doriana Dimova-Malinovska, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Genova Prof. DSc Diana Nesheva, and Prof. DSc Albena Paskaleva

Collection development profile of the research institute’s information and library resources (the case study of the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Solid State Physics)

The system of the research institute’s library information resources is described. The electronic resources generated both by the institute itself and other producers are characterized as the most dynamic system component. Collection development profile relevant to researchers’ current information needs and designed to form uniform document and information environment of the Institute is suggested.

National Conference on Theory of Magnetism

Preface for the Special CollectionMagnetism and magnetic properties are the important branches of condensed matter physics. The research of magnetism is closely related to the national economy, national defense security and people’s daily life. The national conference on the theory of magnetism provides an interactive platform for Chinese researchers to demonstrate their latest achievements in the recent investigations on the theoretical magnetism and related magnetic experiments, and to explore and discuss new ideas, new methods and results so as to promote further development in the theory of magnetism in China. Thirteen workshops have been successfully held since 1964. The 14th National Conference on Theory of Magnetism was held in Hefei, the capital of Anhui province, operated by the Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, on April 8-11, 2016.The opening ceremony of the Conference was chaired by Prof. Zhi Zeng from the Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Prof. Baonian Wan, the vice president of Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Prof. Wuming Liu, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, addressed in the ceremony. 232 participants from 69 research institutes and universities attended the Conference, including more than 20 famous experts in the field of magnetism. Five top experimentalists in magnetism were invited to present their latest progresses. The talks were focused on the following seven sessions: spintronics & spin transport, quantum magnetism in nanostructures & low-dimensional systems, first-principles calculations and computational simulation of magnetic materials, quantum theory of magnetism, magnetic domain structures and macroscopic quantum phenomena, metallic & alloy magnetic materials, physics of materials under strong magnetic fields, which were very exciting and aroused strong interests of the participants.This Conference was very successful. It has made a great breakthrough in scale, distinguished in the overall high quality of academic reports, enthusiastic academic discussions, and active poster presentations, together with careful and orderly arrangements of the Program. During the two-day conference, 50 reports were presented, of which 14 were plenary lectures, 26 were invited talks, and 10 were oral talks. Poster presentation was for the first time set up in conference, with a total of 24, from which three were selected for the best poster awards. In addition, the Conference received a total of 86 abstracts. We acknowledge the editorial office and publishing house of the Acta Physica Sinica in assisting the publication of the Booklet. We also thank the British IOP Publishing Group for the first time agree to publish a special issue on Journal of Physics: Conference Series for these invited and contributed papers submitted to this Conference papers.The Organizing Committee of the conference approved the establishment of the poster session and publishing of conference papers, suggested to incorporat into the future organizing procedures, and proposed to increase the number of the best poster winners so as to attract more young scientists and postgraduates to participate the conference and share their frontier research work. The National Conference on Magnetism Theory was suggested to fix on the first weekend after the Qingming Festival and be held every two year. The 15th Conference held in 2018 will be hosted by Fujian Normal University in Fuzhou.Wuming LiuChairman of the Organizing CommitteeZhi ZengChairman of the Local Organizing CommitteeLiangJian ZouVice Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee

Organising Committee

ChairmanProf. Hassan Chamati, Director, Georgi Nadjakov Institute of Solid State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria (director@issp.bas.bg).Honorary Chairman:Academician Alexander G. Petrov, Georgi Nadjakov Institute of Solid State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria (agpetrov@issp.bas.bg)Local Organising CommitteeVictoria Vitkova (scientific secretary, victoria@issp.bas.bg), Emilia Dimova, Alexander Donkov, Julia Genova, Albena Paskaleva, Emilia PechevaInternational Programme CommitteeD. Alexandrov (Thunder Bay), O. Batischev (Moscow), H. Chamati (Sofia), V. Čelebonović (Belgrade), D. Dimova-Malinovska (Sofia), A. Iglič (Ljubljana), D. Nesheva (Sofia), A. Nesrullajev (Mugla), A. G. Petrov (Sofia), Stephen Reynolds (Dundee), N. Tonchev (Sofia), Ph. Vanderbemden (Liege).Local Scientific CouncilBulgarian Academy of Sciences: S. Vodenicharov (President), O. Stoilova (Nanosciences, New materials and Technologies)Georgi Nadjakov Institute of Solid State Physics: H. Chamati, A. G. Petrov,D. Nesheva, N. Tonchev, V. VitkovaCentral Laboratory of Solar Energy and New Energy Sources: D. Dimova-MalinovskaSofia University - Faculty of Physics: V. Donchev, E. Valcheva (Heads of Departments).Plovdiv University Paisii Hilendarski - Faculty of Physics and Engineering Technologies: T. Yovcheva (Head of Department).

INERA Workshop 2016: Membrane and Liquid Crystal Nanostructures (MELINA 2016)

We are pleased to introduce the Proceedings of the INERA Workshop “Membrane and Liquid Crystal Nanostructures” (MELINA 2016). This meeting was held from 3th to 6th of September 2016 in Varna (Bulgaria) and was organized by the Institute of Solid State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (ISSP-BAS) in the frames of the Project INERA “Research and Innovation Capacity Strengthening of ISSP-BAS in Multifunctional Nanostructures” REGPOT-2012-2013-1 NMP (http://www.inera.org). The workshop venue was the “Saints Constantine and Helena” Resort - a beautiful complex on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast within a landscaped park 10 km north of downtown Varna, close to the Euxinograd royal summer palace, park and winery.The aim of this workshop was to bring together researchers with interests in interdisciplinary areas in order to report the recent results of their scientific work, to discuss the state-of-the-art & perspectives and communicate new ideas. Several experimental & theoretical streams in the field of nanostructured liquid crystal systems and nanocomposites; soft and living matter physics; membrane biophysics; nanostructures in polymer and lipid membranes; characterization of soft nanomaterials were merged and directed towards a constructive discussion & solutions of a wide variety of actual problems in these important scientific areas. Participants from 9 countries presented 20 oral and 15 poster presentations in 5 topical areas.INERA Workshop MELINA 2016 provided very good opportunities for direct contacts, interesting discussions and interactive exchange of ideas between the participants. It also became a meeting point where INERA partners could plan and organize their future efficient collaborations and joint research projects of common interest.The editors would like to thank all authors for their high-quality contributions. The papers submitted for publication in the Proceedings were refereed according to the publishing standards of the Journal of Physics: Conference Series. The proceedings of conferences and workshops organized in the frames of INERA Project are regularly published by the Journal of Physics: Conference Series. The Editorial Committee members are very grateful to the journal’s staff for providing us this opportunity, as well as for the continuous support for the publication of these Proceedings.Managing Editor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia GenovaCo-editors:Prof. DSc. Diana NeshevaProf. DSc. Isak BivasAssoc. Prof. Dr. Yordan MarinovAssoc. Prof. Dr. Victoria VitkovaAssoc. Prof. Dr. Georgi Hadjichristov

Raman spectral identification of phase distribution in anodic titanium dioxide coating

Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia as the Center of Excellence has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme H2020-WIDESPREAD-01-2016-2017-TeamingPhase2 under grant agreement No. 739508, project CAMART²

19th International School on Condensed Matter Physics (ISCMP): Advances in Nanostructured Condensed Matter: Research and Innovations

We are pleased to introduce the Proceedings of the 19th International School on Condensed Matter Physics “Advances in Nanostructured Condensed Matter: Research and Innovations” (19th ISCMP). The school was held from August 28th till September 2nd, 2016 in Varna, Bulgaria. It was organized by the Institute of Solid State Physics of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (ISSP-BAS), and took place at one of the fine resorts on the Bulgarian Black Sea “Saints Constantine and Helena”.The aim of this international school is to bring together top experimentalists and theoreticians, with interests in interdisciplinary areas, with the younger generation of scientists, in order to discuss current research and to communicate new forefront ideas. This year special focus was given to discussions on membrane biophysics and quantum information, also not forgotten were some traditionally covered areas, such as characterization of nanostructured materials. Participants from 12 countries presented 28 invited lectures, 12 short oral talks and 44 posters. The hope of the organizing committee is that the 19th ISCMP provided enough opportunities for direct scientific contacts, interesting discussions and interactive exchange of ideas between the participants. The nice weather certainly helped a lot in this respect. The editors would like to thank all authors for their high-quality contributions and the members of the international program committee for their commitment.The papers submitted for publication in the Proceedings were refereed according to the publishing standards of the Journal of Physics: Conference Series. The Editorial Committee members are very grateful to the Journal’s staff for the continuous fruitful relations and for giving us the opportunity to present the work from the 19th ISCMP.Prof. DSc Hassan Chamati, Assist. Prof. Dr. Alexander A. Donkov, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Genova, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emilia Pecheva

Atomic Layer Deposition for Energy and Environmental Applications

Atomic Layer Deposition for Energy and Environmental Applications

INERA Conference: Vapor Phase Technologies for Metal Oxide and Carbon Nanostructures

We are pleased to introduce the Proceedings of the Conference “Vapor Phase Technologies for Metal Oxide and Carbon Nanostructures” (6th to 8th of July 2016, Velingrad, Bulgaria) organized by the Institute of Solid State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in the frames of the Project INERA: “Research and Innovation Capacity Strengthening of ISSP-BAS in Multifunctional Nanostructures” REGPOT-2012-2013-1 NMP (http://www.inera.org). Participants from 7 different countries delivered 10 invited lectures, 16 oral and 26 poster presentations, contributing in 7 different topics. Papers submitted for publication in the Proceedings were refereed according to the standards of the Journal of Physics: Conference Series and the accepted ones illustrate the diversity and the high quality of the contributions. The Conference offered good opportunities for many interesting discussions and ample exchange of ideas between the participants. It became also a meeting point where INERA partners could plan their future collaboration and joint projects.A significant factor for the success of the Conference was the conference venue - the beautiful spa resort Velingrad located 130 km from Sofia in the western part of the Rhodope Mountains. It is one of the leading “balneological” resorts in the Balkans with its ninety mineral water springs suitable for treatment of a wide range of diseases. The participants enjoyed also the rich social program, in particular the guided trip to the excavation site Dorkovo, one of the milestones marking the beginning of the Pliocene epoch in Eastern Europe.The proceedings of conferences and workshops organized in the frames of INERA Project are regularly published by the Journal of Physics: Conference Series. We are grateful to the Journal's staff for the continuous support.Managing Editor: Diana NeshevaCo-editors: Hassan Chamati, Julia Genova, Kostadinka Gesheva, Tatyana Ivanova, Albena Paskaleva and Anna Szekeres