Training

25/05/2026 - Training at Elettra Synchrotron, Trieste (Italy)

Fabrication of photolithography assisted SOFC anodes is being tested in collaboration with Elettra synchrotron Trieste through CERIC. Ayodya Thejasiri from UNIBS visited Microfabrication laboratory at Elettra Synchrotron in Trieste (Italy) from 25 to 28 May 2026 for training and study of UV-lithography techniques under supervision of Dr. Benedetta Marmiroli.

31/01/2026 - Training at University of Bayreuth, Germany

From January 31 to February 28, 2026, Pavlo Kolkovskyi, undertook a working visit to the University of Bayreuth (Germany), within the framework of the international research project “Ultra-durable and efficient nano-engineered fuel cells” (URANUS) No. G6166.

During the internship, Pavlo Kolkovskyi mastered the synthesis methodology for nanodispersed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), a key material used in the fabrication of electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Yttria-stabilized zirconia was characterized by high oxygen-ion conductivity, as well as thermal and chemical stability, which ensures its wide application in electrochemical energy systems, particularly in solid oxide fuel cells.

During the research stay, the technological aspects of synthesizing nanodispersed powders were studied, along with the principles of controlling the structural characteristics of materials. Practical approaches to obtaining functional ceramic materials for energy applications were also mastered. The acquired knowledge and practical experience will be applied in further research aimed at the development of materials and components for electrochemical devices and hydrogen energy technologies within the framework of the project URANUS.

2025 - Training Course at VSPNU

In order to spread knowledge about solid oxide fuel cells among university students, Natalia Ivanichok created a course of 10 lectures on the topic "Principle of Operation and Development Prospects of Fuel Cells." This training course was held for project students at VSPNU. Teacher: senior researcher, Natalia Ivanichok.

The main goal of the course is to introduce students to the principles of operation, types, and applications of fuel cells as a promising source of clean and efficient energy.

Lecture 1: Introduction to Fuel Cells

• What is a fuel cell?• Historical development of fuel cells.• Comparison of fuel cells with conventional energy sources and batteries.• Basic components of a fuel cell: electrodes, electrolyte, and membrane.

Lecture 2: Thermodynamics of Fuel Cells

• Fundamental thermodynamic principles of fuel cell operation.• Enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy in fuel cells.• Efficiency of fuel cells.

Lecture 3: Kinetics of Fuel Cells

• Electrochemical reactions in fuel cells.• Overpotential, polarization, and resistance.• Catalysts for fuel cells.

Lecture 4: Types of Fuel Cells

• Classification of fuel cells according to electrolyte type:o PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells)o PAFC (Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells)o AFC (Alkaline Fuel Cells)o MCFC (Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells)o SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cells)• Comparison of different fuel cell types and their characteristics.

Lecture 5: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC)

• Structure and operating principle of PEMFC.• Materials used in PEMFC.• Applications in transportation and stationary power systems.

Lecture 6: Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFC/PEM Variants)

• Specific features of polymer electrolyte fuel cells compared to PEMFC.• Materials for polymer electrolyte systems.• Applications of polymer-based fuel cells.

Lecture 7: Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC)

• Historical development and current status of AFC.• Advantages and disadvantages of AFC.• Applications of alkaline fuel cells.

Lecture 8: Molten Carbonate and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

• High-temperature fuel cells: MCFC and SOFC.• Materials and construction.• Applications in energy systems.

Lecture 9: Fuels for Fuel Cells

• Hydrogen as the primary fuel.• Other fuels: natural gas, biomass, alcohols.• Challenges of hydrogen storage and transportation.

Lecture 10: Perspectives in Fuel Cell Development

• Current state of fuel cell technologies.• Challenges and possible solutions.• Role of fuel cells in the hydrogen economy.Practical Training• Laboratory experiments on performance characteristics of different fuel cell types.• Modeling fuel cell operation using simulation software.• Design of small-scale fuel cell prototypes.

September 2025 - Fuel cells for power production: from basic theory to system applications

From September – October 2025, PhD students attended also a course at UNIBS titled “Fuel cells for power production: from basic theory to system applications”. Starting from the description of the different types of fuel cells, the course covers:

• Definition of the basic principles and the main operating parameters

• Fuel cell system modelling and applications: plant layout, energy balance, efficiency and some practical examples

09/09/2025 - 17th International Summer School on Advanced Studies of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs) and Hydrogen (H₂)

UNIBS researchers attended the 17th International Summer School on Advanced Studies of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs) and Hydrogen (H₂) opened at ESEIA Member, Graz University of Technology (TU Graz). Running from 8–13 September 2025, the summer school was organised in cooperation with Yokohama National University (YNU), Japan, and with internationally recognised experts. In particular, Dr. Abbas Ibn and Dr. Sembukutti Arachchige Ayodya Bede Thejasiri (PhD students) attended the school with strong enthusiasm and interest.

The lectures included fundamental studies and advanced aspects of fuel cell and hydrogen research – covering electrode processes, hydrogen production and storage, modelling and measurement techniques, fuel cell applications, and sustainability assessments. Students and early career researchers also joined poster sessions, workshops, and networking events.

As part of the programme, TU Graz hosted the 8th International Workshop on Hydrogen and Fuel Cells on 9 September 2025. The workshop was free of charge with registration and highlighted the latest research on sustainable hydrogen supply chains and bio-hydrogen.

With hydrogen expected to play a crucial role in achieving climate neutrality by 2040, the 17th International Summer School on Advanced Studies of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs) and Hydrogen (H₂) offered a unique back-to-back opportunity to build expertise, exchange knowledge, and foster collaboration in the clean energy field.

12/05/2025 - Training at University of Bayreuth, Germany

Since May 12th, 2025, Dr. Pavlo Kolkovskyi has been attending a training course on the relative permittivity of materials at the Department of Functional Materials, under the guidance of Prof. Ralf Moos at the University of Bayreuth, Germany. The training aims to master the methodology for studying the relative permittivity of materials intended for use as cathode materials in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).

The visits occurred within the framework of the NATO project “Science for Peace and Security” (SPS NATO URANUS G6166).

12/02/2025 - Training at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Karlsruhe, Germany)

On February 12th, 2025, Dr. Pavlo Kolkovskyi attended the training course on screen-printing method for fabrication of electrodes for high-performance solid oxide fuel cells provided by Dr. Iurii Kogut at the Institute of Applied Materials – Electrochemical Technologies of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Karlsruhe, Germany).

The training course focuses on understanding the science of ink rheology and processing conditions of screen-printing inks of various composite electrode materials for the fabrication of high-performance solid oxide fuel and electrolyser cells.

09/12/2024 - Training at AGH University of Krakow, Poland

From December 9th, 2024, to December 12th, 2024, Dr. Pavlo Kolkovskyi attended the training course (The conductivity of cathode material based on perovskites at a high temperature range measurement for SOFC technologies.) in Dr. Taras Parashchuk, Assistant Professor, Thermoelectric Research Laboratory, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Krakow Mickiewicza Ave. 30 30-059 Krakow Poland.

Perovskite materials are important components for SOFCs due to their unique properties, including electrical conductivity, ionic conductivity, and stability at high temperatures. The conductivity of such materials can be classified into two main types: Electronic conductivity and Ionic conductivity. Thus, the correct measurement of the conductivity of a material is dictated by the requirements that apply to this material during its application as cathodes in the operating range of 500-1000 ºC.

2024 - Training Course at VSPNU

The training course "Nanosized lanthanum-strontium manganite with a perovskite structure: Synthesis, properties, prospects of use". A training course was held for project participants at VSPNU. Teacher: Ph.D., senior researcher, senior researcher of the Solid State Chemistry Department of the Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry named after V. I. Vernadskyi of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Julia Shlapa.

The main goal of the seminar "Nanosized lanthanum-strontium manganite with a perovskite structure: Synthesis, properties, prospects of use" is a discussion of new approaches to the synthesis, characterization, and potential application of nanoscale manganites La1-xSrxMnO3 with a perovskite structure in energy, electronics, and sensor technologies.

Course Content

Module 1: Analysis of synthesis methods

Comparison of traditional and modern synthesis methods (in particular, the Pechini method, sol-gel, hydrothermal synthesis, etc.).

Determination of the influence of technological parameters on the morphology and phase composition of the nanomaterial.

Module 2: Discussion of the structural-phase and morphological features of cathode materials of fuel cells.

Investigation of the crystal structure, effectiveness, and nanoscale effect on the properties of the material.

Study of the influence of strontium concentration on the structure and electrophysical properties.

Module 3: Characterization of the physical and chemical properties of cathode materials of fuel cells.

Magnetism (colossal magnetoresistance effect, metal-insulator transition).

Conductivity, stability, and chemical activity.

Thermal resistance and resistance to aggressive environments.

Module 4: Prospects for the practical application of cathode materials of fuel cells.

Catalytic properties in fuel cell electrodes.

Materials for solid-state electronics (gas sensors, thermistors, magnetoresistors).

Potential for use in spintronics, solar cells, and energy-saving technologies.

Module 5: Stimulating scientific discussions and cooperation

Creating a platform for the exchange of experience between researchers, postgraduate students, and teachers.

Discussion of current problems and prospects for further research.

Formation of interdisciplinary contacts for joint projects.

15/03/2024 - Spring School

As part of the Spring School “Physics and Materials Science,” teachers from the Department of Materials Science and New Technologies, along with participants of the G6166 project “Ultra-durable and efficient nano-engineered fuel cells (URANUS),” which is carried out within the framework of the NATO “Science for Peace and Security Programme”, conducted a number of classes and seminars for university applicants. General information about the university, the Faculty of Physics and Technology, educational programs, and scientific events held at the faculty was provided by the Dean of the Faculty of Physics and Technology, Professor Ivan Gasyuk.

Then the applicants were divided into groups and continued to explore the possibilities of physics and materials science in the educational and scientific laboratories of the Department of Materials Science and New Technologies, taking turns moving to different locations. Research staff members Natalya Ivanichok and Pavlo Kolkovskyi worked with applicants at the ‘Sources and Elements of Nutrition’ site. Applicants became acquainted with the construction of supercapacitors, fuel cells, and solar power sources. Laboratory experiments titled ‘Interesting Optical Phenomena’ were conducted by Professor Bohdan Rachiy in the teaching laboratory of optics, where the phenomena of interference and diffraction of light, the application of light polarization, modeling of optical systems, and the study of microscopes, among others, were demonstrated. The meeting was interesting and full of information; the applicants gained a lot of new knowledge, emotions, and unforgettable impressions.

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