List of Abstracts

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) is a powerful analytical technique for molecular detection at ultra-low concentrations, with significant potential in biomedical diagnostics [1]. However, its practical application remains limited by challenges in reproducibility and stability of conventional plasmonic substrates, particularly in complex biological environments [1,3]. In this context, this research proposes the development of SERS platforms based on carbon nanostructures, specifically carbon dots (CDs) and graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs). These materials exhibit distinct and complementary physicochemical properties, including tunable surface chemistry and structural versatility, which can enhance analyte–substrate interactions and yield more consistent signal enhancement [4]. The main objective of this study is to develop and evaluate these carbon-based nanostructures as SERS-active platforms, aiming to improve signal reproducibility, stability, and detection sensitivity in biomedical applications. The methodology involves the synthesis of modified carbon nanomaterials, followed by physicochemical characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The SERS performance will be assessed using model molecular systems relevant to biomedical diagnostics [2]. It is expected that the combined use of carbon dots and graphene oxide quantum dots will result in improved signal consistency and stability compared to conventional substrates. This work aims to establish a reliable and versatile SERS platform for biomedical diagnostics, which can be further explored in future studies targeting specific disease-related biomarkers.

If we listen carefully, we can hear the last groanings of the fossil fuel age. This crude and soon to be obsolete form of energy is giving way to energy straight from the sun. The struggle to transition toward clean energy has always been economic; and now solar is the least cost new generation energy option. Innovation is accelerating the clean energy revolution. Despite momentary appearances to the contrary, the global transition to renewable energy is unstoppable. Storage, and distribution technologies are already adequately mature for solar to be first choice for new utility scale generation. In the United States the utilities are following the example of millions of Americans who for two generations have been heating their pools and domestic hot water with solar thermal systems. Now they are powering their homes and electric vehicles with sunshine. As a result, CO2 emissions per capita have dropped significantly in the last five years placing the U.S. in company with the leading European nations in the fight against global climate change.

Hydrogen is widely regarded as a next-generation clean energy carrier due to its high gravimetric energy density and environmentally friendly combustion product [1]. However, the lack of efficient, safe, and reversible hydrogen storage materials remains a major bottleneck for large-scale hydrogen energy systems. Carbon-based nanomaterials, particularly graphene oxide (GO) and its derivatives, have emerged as promising candidates because of their high surface area, structural tunability, and chemical flexibility [2,3].

The objective of this work is to develop and investigate aluminum-decorated nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (Al/N-GO) materials for hydrogen storage applications and to evaluate the effect of aluminum content on adsorption performance [3]. Nitrogen doping was introduced to modify the electronic structure of graphene oxide and generate additional active adsorption sites. Subsequently, aluminum decoration was applied to enhance the interaction between hydrogen molecules and the carbon framework. Samples with different aluminum loadings were synthesized to systematically study composition–property relationships.

The materials were prepared using a controlled modification route and characterized using structural, morphological, and surface chemical analysis techniques. Hydrogen adsorption behavior was evaluated to determine the influence of metal decoration and heteroatom doping on storage performance. The correlation between aluminum content and hydrogen uptake was analyzed to understand the role of surface functionalization in adsorption enhancement.

The results indicate that the combined effect of nitrogen doping and aluminum decoration significantly improves the hydrogen adsorption characteristics of graphene oxide. This improvement is attributed to the synergistic modification of electronic structure and increased density of active adsorption sites. The findings demonstrate that controlled metal-heteroatom functionalization is an effective strategy for tuning hydrogen storage properties in carbon-based materials.

The development of advanced propulsion systems for next-generation space launch vehicles necessitates exploration of novel energetic materials. This study investigates a carbon–silicon nanopowder enhanced solid-plasma fuel originally designed for Angara-class space rockets. The fuel incorporates carbon nanoparticles and silicon nanopowders within a reactive solid matrix, generating plasma-assisted combustion. Carbon nanoparticles provide rapid heat transfer and electrical conductivity, while silicon nanopowders offer high energy density and intense oxidation heat release, forming transient microplasma zones that enhance combustion rates and flame stability.

While initially conceived for Angara-class boosters and upper stages, this paper extends the analysis to Orion-class vehicles (e.g., SLS solid rocket boosters, upper stages, and reaction control systems). Key findings include:

•          For large segmented SRBs (Orion/SLS class): Direct drop-in replacement is not feasible without major redesign due to grain brittleness risks, longer burn time plasma stability requirements, and higher thermal loads on nozzle insulation.

•          For upper stages (ICPS/EUS) and reaction control thrusters: The fuel is highly promising, offering higher specific impulse, improved thermal regulation, and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional solid propellants.

•          For hybrid propulsion variants: The carbon–silicon nanopowder solid-plasma fuel is an excellent candidate as the solid fuel grain in a hybrid motor with liquid or gaseous oxidizer.

The paper outlines synthesis methods (mechanical milling, plasma-assisted processing, surface coating) and addresses challenges such as agglomeration control, oxidation resistance, tailored burn rates, and grain mechanical integrity for large-scale motors. A pathway for experimental validation – including subscale motor tests for Orion-relevant burn times and thrust profiles – is proposed.

The findings highlight that carbon–silicon nanopowder solid-plasma fuel is not a universal replacement but a modular, subsystem-specific enhancement for Orion-class missions, particularly for upper stages, RCS, and hybrid boosters, while offering a clear performance upgrade for Angara-class vehicles.

The seamless integration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with macroscopic engineering platforms is heavily restricted by high contact resistance and weak mechanical adhesion at the traditional metal-nanomaterial interface. While direct synthesis of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) onto conductive metals has been explored, the required temperatures to grow good quality CNT typically exceed 650 °C, causing substrate degradation and preventing the use of highly conductive but low-melting-point non-catalytic metals like copper (Cu). To overcome these structural and thermal bottlenecks, this work introduces an innovative chemical post-transfer technique to establish robust, highly conductive covalent junctions between open-ended, vertically oriented carbon nanotube networks and bulk metallic surfaces (Cu, Pt, and Au) at temperatures as low as 120 °C. This approach achieves CNT end-contact interface engineering by electrografting the metallic current collectors with amino groups and functionalizing open-ends of CNTs for chemical bond formation. Under moderate pressure and medium temperature conditions, crosslinking occurs between the grafted surfaces and CNTs, yielding highly stable amide bonds without compromising the pristine sp² structure, mechanical quality, or vertical arrangement of the continuous CNT array. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and electron localization function (ELF) analyses validate the bridge-like covalent chemistry at the interface, demonstrating that electron flow is significantly improved through a continuous conjugated pathway compared to simple physical contact. 

Experimentally, the mechanical integrity of the VACNT-metal bond was verified by rigorous physical perturbations, including aggressive tape-peeling tests and extended ultrasonication in organic solvents, which failed to delaminate the anchored nanotubes. PeakForce Tunneling Atomic Force Microscopy (TUNA) and four-point probe electrical measurements confirmed that the interface exhibits true ohmic behavior, demonstrating an interface resistance that is nearly an order of magnitude lower than conventional compression contacts. Evaluation of electrochemical and energy storage configurations reveal its advantages of this postprocessing method. Symmetrical electrochemical double-layer supercapacitors (EDLCs) fabricated using these binder-free VACNT-bonded Au electrodes yielded a high specific capacitance of up to 50 mF cm⁻² (9.5 F g⁻¹), a maximum power density of 3953 W kg⁻¹, and an outstanding cycling lifespan with 74% capacitance retention after 100,000 charge-discharge cycles. By providing precise control over nanotube orientation, low-temperature Cross-Border kinetics, and interface resistivity, this chemical bonding platform successfully bypasses traditional energy-intensive metallurgical steps, drastically expanding the viability of carbon-metal hybrid composites in sustainable microelectronics, biochemical sensors, and high-power density energy storage devices.

Nowadays, the development of innovative materials for the treatment of various diseases is highly interesting and effective [1]. Women's health is usually discussed predominantly from a reproductive perspective [2]; however, other conditions also significantly impact women's physical well-being [3]. In this context, this study aimed to develop chemically modified hydrogels incorporating vitamin D, using chitosan and carboxymethylcellulose foams as supports, with carbon dots (quantum carbon nanoparticles) at different concentrations. The synthesis was conducted sustainably and at low cost, using Ceiba speciosa fibers, an underutilized resource from the semi-arid/Cerrado region of Brazil, with a view to application in controlled drug delivery systems. The samples — hydrogels, nanoparticles, and foams — were characterized using various techniques, including FTIR, PL, TEM, UV-Vis, zeta potential, DLS, XRD, XPS, SEM, as well as swelling assays and gel-fraction determination. Cytotoxicity and image mapping in HeLa cells (uterine carcinoma) were also evaluated, along with the kinetics of vitamin D release. The results indicated that incorporating carbon dots increased the hydrogels' crystallinity by approximately 66%. FTIR analysis showed modifications in the chemical bands, while the observed morphology revealed homogeneous structures. The carbon quantum dots presented an average diameter of (2.5 ± 0.2) nm, with blue photoluminescence emission and a negative surface charge of -(7.9 ± 0.2). Cell viability was greater than 90%, indicating no significant cytotoxicity and suggesting the potential of hydrogels as theragnostic agents for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Additionally, antimicrobial assays demonstrated that chitosan foam showed more promising performance under the investigated conditions, exhibiting relevant activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and moderate action against Candida albicans.

Hydrogen is widely recognized as a promising clean energy carrier; however, its practical implementation is limited by the lack of efficient, safe, and reversible storage materials. Porous carbon materials have emerged as attractive candidates owing to their low density, high specific surface area, tunable pore architecture, and excellent chemical stability [1,2]. In this study, a systematic approach was employed to synthesize highly porous biomass-derived carbon through controlled optimization of activation conditions. The pore structure was tailored by adjusting the activator-to-carbon ratio, activation temperature, and activation duration, enabling the development of a well-defined hierarchical porous network.

The optimized material exhibited an ultrahigh specific surface area of approximately 3500 m² g⁻¹ and a total pore volume of around 2 cm³ g⁻¹. Hydrogen adsorption measurements demonstrated storage capacities of about 0.7 wt.% at ambient temperature and nearly 7 wt.% under cryogenic conditions, highlighting the excellent adsorption performance of the developed porous carbon. Structural analysis revealed a strong relationship between hydrogen uptake and the textural properties of the material. Micropores provided the primary adsorption sites for hydrogen molecules, while mesopores facilitated rapid diffusion and improved accessibility to the adsorption centers, demonstrating the importance of hierarchical pore architecture for efficient hydrogen storage.

The results demonstrate that biomass-derived porous carbon can serve as an efficient and sustainable hydrogen storage material. The combination of exceptionally high surface area, optimized hierarchical porosity, and high hydrogen uptake provides valuable design principles for the development of next-generation carbon adsorbents for clean hydrogen energy applications.

Society is facing numerous challenges like climate change, water scarcity, vector-borne diseases, microbial pathogens, and antibiotics in water.  The solution to such difficulties is in innovative approaches that utilize environmentally friendly earth abundant elements having multiple roles. Iron oxide as green molecule in the plus 6-oxidation state (Ferrate, Fe^VIO₄^2-) has multiple modal actions in oxidizing micropollutants (e.g., antibiotics), in coagulating toxic metals (e.g., arsenic and lead) to achieve water sustainability, and in disinfecting water and surfaces (e.g., Clostridium difficile and Murine Norovirus) to enhance population health care [1,2]. “Activated Ferrate” (Fe^V and Fe^IV) are relatively short-lived transients when produced in aqueous solution (e.g., Fe^VO₄^3-, Fe^IVO₄^4-, Fe^IVO₃^2-, and Fe^IVO²⁺) and can degrade recalcitrant pollutants and microorganisms in water with high efficiency in seconds, which would otherwise take several minutes or hours by Ferrate without activation [1-3]. Importantly, high-valent iron species (Fe^V and Fe^IV) can be generated by activating the low-valent iron and high-valent iron species. Significantly, ions that are present naturally greatly increase the reactivity of Fe^V and Fe^IV and hence the degradation kinetics and oxidation efficiency of micropollutants in water [4,5].  Examples of Ferrate in sterilization of vegetables and fruits, and water splitting will be presented. Role of ferrate and activated ferrate in healthcare setting will be demonstrated.  Recent research of iron(VII) (Fe^VII) as a new oxidant in depollution and disinfection will also be presented [6].  

Transformative materials and transformative materials technologies have always played a most important and critical role in history and in the development of all human civilizations. Because of that most eras were named after them, such as the Stone, the Bronze, the Iron, the Silicon, and now we are experiencing what may be called the Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies Ages. Today and globally, we experience considerable, urgent and critical challenges in all domains of sustainable development, which is a comprehensive and complex system of systems requiring multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary science and technology inputs with economic, environmental, and social objectives, and considerable scientific and technological innovation. In broad terms, sustainable development is achieved when the present needs and challenges are met without critical depletion of natural and manufactured resources and without placing in jeopardy the ability of future generations to meet their own needs and challenges. The trade space is very wide, and the multitude of trade-offs generate considerable challenges but also important opportunities. During the last sixty years the planet’s population has grown exponentially, from 2 to almost 8 billion people, and the technological progress achieved has been tremendous, especially in the industrialized countries. These trends are expected to continue, even at faster rates, and now extended into developing countries. However, all these associated technological activities in the pursuit of better living standards have created a considerable depletion of resources and pollution of land, water, air, and natural resources, for the global population. During the last sixty years considerable achievements have been obtained in the development and deployment of transformative materials such as light weight metallic alloys; metal, polymer and ceramic matrix composites: intermetallic and carbon fiber composites, and hybrid materials. Nano, nano-structured and nano-hybrid carbon-based materials systems and nanotechnologies are now being deployed with considerable impact on energy, environment, health, and sustainable development. This presentation discusses perspectives on the impact of transformative materials and technologies on sustainability frameworks, with focus on innovation and Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies.

Closed-cell aluminum foams are increasingly gaining attention as lightweight structural materials due to their excellent energy absorption capabilities, low density, and favorable strength-to-weight ratio. However, their endurance (fatigue behavior) under cyclic loading conditions is yet to be fully understood which is a critical limitation to make them relevant to aerospace, automotive, and structural applications. To address this challenge, our research explores the mechanical enhancement of closed-cell aluminum foams through carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcement, focusing particularly on their fatigue life and failure mechanisms. 

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate how CNT integration affects the fatigue performance of aluminum foams under varying stress amplitudes and cyclic loading conditions. The potential of reinforcements to improve the mechanical properties of closed cell Aluminum foam under high strain rate loading conditions has been documented in our previous studies [1-4]. This motivated us to investigate local stiffness, crack propagation, and redistribution of stress at the cell walls under fatigue loading in the presence of CNT reinforcement. This work aims not only to extend the operational life of foams but also to understand the underlying reinforcement mechanisms at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels.

Fatigue testing are being conducted on both unreinforced and CNT-reinforced foam specimens using a servo-hydraulic MTS testing system under load-controlled conditions. Foam specimens with a relative density of ~0.30 +/- 5% are fabricated via liquid metallurgy route, with 0.5wt% CNTs uniformly dispersed into the aluminum matrix through mechanical stirring. The specimens are subjected to high-cycle fatigue (HCF) regimes, with stress ratio of R = 0.1 as commonly used in other studies and at a frequency of 1 Hz, mimicking service-level loads. In addition, microscopic evaluations are being carried out using micro-CT to investigate deformation patterns and crack initiation and propagation patterns. Results of fatigue life curve of CNT reinforced aluminum foam will be presented along with deformation and failure mechanisms. 

Pulmonary diseases, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, and inflammatory lung disorders, remain major global health challenges. Pulmonary drug delivery provides a direct, non-invasive route to diseased lung tissue, but the translation of nanoparticle-based inhalation systems is limited by colloidal instability, low long-term storage stability, cargo leakage, and difficulties in scalable powder production. To address these limitations, the Powder2Deliver platform develops redispersible dry powder formulations based on modified hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), stimuli-responsive polymeric nanoparticles, and polymer–hBN hybrid composites for pulmonary administration.

The work focuses on the controlled modification of both inorganic and polymeric components to create drug carriers with high loading capacity, environmental responsiveness, and processability into inhalable powders. Few-layer hBN nanosheets are prepared by liquid-phase exfoliation and further modified through oxidative functionalization to obtain oxygenated hBN species. This modification tunes the surface chemistry of hBN, improves its interaction with polymers and therapeutic cargos, and supports the formation of stable hybrid dispersions suitable for spray drying. The high surface area, chemical stability, biocompatibility, and potential anti-inflammatory properties of hBN make it an attractive two-dimensional carrier for pulmonary drug delivery, as also supported by the broader potential of layered nanomaterials in therapeutic delivery [1].

In parallel, amphiphilic block copolymers are synthesized with pH- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive segments. These polymers respond to pathological pulmonary microenvironments, including acidic pH and oxidative stress, which are characteristic of lung tumors, inflamed tissues, and tuberculosis-associated conditions. Previous work demonstrates the relevance of microfluidically prepared pH-responsive polymersomes for intracellular delivery [2] and ROS-responsive polymersomes for site-specific chemotherapeutic release [3]. In the present platform, these principles are extended toward modified polymer–hBN composite systems that combine rapid stimulus-triggered polymer release with sustained drug retention and release from the hBN component.

Hybrid nanoparticles are formed by microfluidic-assisted self-assembly, where solvent shifting under controlled laminar flow enables precise control over size, morphology, dispersity, drug loading, and polymer–hBN association. The platform investigates structurally distinct systems, including polymeric nanoparticles, hBN-based carriers, and polymer–hBN composites with core–shell, capsule-like, or matrix-based architectures. Nile Red and paclitaxel are used as model and therapeutic cargos to evaluate loading efficiency, release behavior, and biological performance.

A central part of the work is the transformation of optimized colloidal dispersions into inhalable dry powders by one-step spray drying. Spray-drying conditions, including excipient type, excipient concentration, inlet temperature, pumping speed, and airflow, are systematically optimized to produce redispersible micropowders with aerodynamic diameters in the pulmonary delivery range of 1–5 µm. Spray-dried nanoparticle powders have previously shown promise for inhalation while preserving nanoparticle properties after redispersion [4], supporting this strategy for scalable formulation development.

The resulting powders are characterized in terms of morphology, crystallinity, porosity, moisture content, density, flowability, aerodynamic performance, redispersibility, drug loading, and release kinetics. Biological evaluation in lung cancer, tuberculosis-related macrophage, and non-cancerous pulmonary models assesses cytotoxicity, uptake, intracellular distribution, and stimuli-responsive release.

By combining hBN surface modification, responsive polymer design, microfluidic hybrid formation, and scalable spray drying, we establish a versatile route toward stable, high-payload, redispersible inhalable powders with controlled pulmonary deposition and disease-responsive drug release.

Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the Czech Science Foundation (GAČR), project No. 26-21213S, entitled “Dry powder composite systems of stimuli-responsive polymers and 2D materials for pulmonary drug delivery (Powder2Deliver)”. It was also assisted by the Research Infrastructure NanoEnviCz, supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic under Project No. LM2023066.

The recycling of conversion explosives remains an ongoing challenge. It is well known that diamonds can be synthesized under high pressures and temperatures, and various technologies have been developed to fabricate synthetic diamonds from carbon. One of the most attractive and widespread methods for nanodiamond fabrication is synthesis via high-explosive detonation—producing so-called detonation nanodiamonds. This method offers significant advantages compared to alternative technologies. A substantial body of scientific knowledge and technical data on detonation nanodiamond synthesis has been accumulated in published articles and patents [1-4].

This paper presents the results of thermodynamic and hydrodynamic investigations aimed at developing optimized technologies for synthesizing detonation nanodiamonds from conversion explosives through the modification of their compositions. In particular, thermodynamic analysis of colloidal, pyroxylin, and ballistite powders was performed to select energetic materials for nanodiamond synthesis. Detonability, thermodynamic transformation modes, and key energetic parameters (detonation velocity, workability, brisance) were experimentally determined in an underground explosion chamber.

The Solar Cube™ is a modular, containerized renewable energy platform designed to deliver resilient, off-grid and grid-tied power across transportation, logistics, and critical infrastructure environments. Built on standard ISO shipping containers, the Solar Cube integrates form-fit photovoltaic arrays, advanced energy storage, and intelligent power management into a transportable, plug-and-play solution that can be rapidly deployed anywhere in the world.

Unlike traditional stationary solar systems, the Solar Cube leverages existing intermodal logistics networks—rail, truck, ship, and port infrastructure, enabling energy generation and storage to move where it is needed most. This mobile architecture supports applications including refrigerated container (reefer) power, port electrification, disaster response, fleet charging, and microgrid support for hospitals, universities, fire stations, and remote facilities.

The system combines high-efficiency flexible solar modules seamlessly integrated onto container surfaces with scalable battery energy storage and automated transfer switching. Embedded monitoring and AI-enabled controls optimize energy dispatch, load balancing, and predictive maintenance, ensuring maximum uptime and performance. By reducing diesel generator reliance, the Solar Cube lowers fuel costs, emissions, noise, and maintenance burdens while improving energy resilience.

This presentation will outline the Solar Cube’s engineering design, power architecture, deployment models, and real-world pilot use cases. Attendees will gain insight into how containerized renewables can accelerate decarbonization across global logistics and infrastructure systems while providing a scalable pathway toward resilient, distributed energy networks.

Essential oils are a combination of hydrophobic compounds, including volatile aromatic compounds originating from the secondary metabolism of plants, which are present in plants. The therapeutic and organoleptic properties of these oils are due to the presence of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and phenylpropanoids, among other volatile compounds, which confer antiparasitic, antimicrobial, and antifungal activities [1]. In this context, given the therapeutic and aromatic effects of this material, along with the proposal to reduce its impact on health and the environment, the potential of this product as a pharmaceutical ingredient has gained strength in the face of proponents of synthetic chemical additives [2,3]. In this context, the present research produces chitosan hydrogels, incorporating graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQD) nanoparticles and rosemary and arnica essential oils for potential pharmaceutical applications. To this end, characterization with ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), infrared (FTIR), Raman, XRD spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were conducted to evaluate the properties. Subsequently, antimicrobial activity of the hydrogels was evaluated against the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the fungus Candida albicans. These microorganisms were used as models of potential human pathogens. The results showed that it was possible to incorporate the essential oil with controlled volatile release, which is essential to maintaining its antimicrobial and other properties. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity showed good results. In addition, chemical bonds formed between the hydrogel and the essential oil. Therefore, the results indicate that these scaffolds incorporating essential oils have potential for a wide range of pharmaceutical applications. 

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is widely used in optical and structural applications due to its transparency and good mechanical properties. However, it is susceptible to photodegradation under ultraviolet (UV) radiation [1]. The incorporation of carbon-based nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide, has been explored to improve the stability and performance of polymeric materials, particularly for diverse biomedical applications, including biomaterials for regenerative or tissue-substitution therapies [2,3]. Thus, this research proposed PMMA and PMMA/graphene oxide samples prepared by solution casting in acetone. After homogenization, the mixtures were poured into molds and subjected to different curing conditions: room temperature and UV radiation for 1 h and 24 h. The samples were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to assess possible structural changes under different curing conditions. The spectra showed the characteristic bands of PMMA, indicating preservation of the polymer chemical structure. No significant band shifts were observed, although small variations in band intensity were detected, suggesting possible interactions between the polymer matrix and graphene oxide. These results indicate that graphene incorporation and curing conditions did not significantly alter the chemical structure detectable by FTIR, while maintaining the typical PMMA spectral profile. Further studies using complementary techniques are recommended to better evaluate the structural organization and dispersion of graphene in the polymer matrix.