Experience

Kemijski Inštitut - National Institute of Chemistry

• Slovenia
• Research
• 200 - 300 Employee

• Znanstveni sodelavec / Research Assistant Professor

  • Jun 2019 - Present

  The research primarily centers around Na-ion batteries, metal-sulfur batteries, and metal-organic batteries. It entails the synthesis of hard carbon materials and utilizes advanced electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques to unravel the intricate electrochemical mechanisms. These spectroscopic techniques include XRD, SAXS/SANS, UV-Vis, ATR, synchrotron-based techniques such as XAS and XRS, among others. Moreover, novel operando techniques are being actively developed to further enhance the comprehension of these systems. Show less

• Asistent z doktoratom / Postdoctoral Research Associate

  • Apr 2016 - Jun 2019

  Research was focused on metal-sulfur batteries and metal-organic batteries, utilizing advanced electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques to decipher the electrochemical mechanisms. Developing new operando techniques

• Mladi raziskovalec / Doctoral Student

  • Oct 2012 - Apr 2016

  - Investigated the effect of different cathode compositions in both charged (carbon-sulfur composites) and discharged (cathode composites containing Li2S) states in order to mitigate polysulfide diffusion or migration from the positive electrode to the negative electrode.- Designed novel separator interlayers based on chemically modified reduced graphene oxide to prevent or minimize polysulfides' movement. Conducted extensive testing on self-standing gel polymer electrolyte membranes.- Demonstrated the significance of carbon pore volume and surface area in influencing the electrochemistry of Li-S batteries. Utilized in operando spectroscopy techniques such as UV-Vis and X-ray absorption spectroscopy on the Li2S cathode material to observe direct conversion of Li2S into sulfur during the first oxidation, bypassing intermediate lithium polysulfide stages.- Developed and employed chemically modified reduced graphene oxide with hydrophobic organic molecules or directly bonded fluorine groups to hinder the diffusion of lithium polysulfides towards the anode side. Verified the effectiveness of this approach using various analytical techniques, including in operando UV-Vis spectroscopy, a modified 4-electrode Swagelok cell, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.- Successfully implemented a self-standing gel polymer electrolyte membrane in both all solid-state and liquid Li-S cell configurations, exhibiting promising electrochemical behavior.By conducting thorough investigations and employing advanced spectroscopy and analytical techniques, I contributed to advancing the understanding of electrochemical processes in energy storage systems, particularly in the field of Li-S batteries. Show less



Technische Universität Graz

• Austria
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Visiting postdoctoral researcher (ERC visiting grant 2018)

  • Jun 2018 - Dec 2018

  Collaborated within a team led by Dr. Stefan Freunberger to conduct this research, benefiting from a rich scientific environment and expert guidance. - Conducted in-depth research on metal-sulfur batteries, employing advanced electrochemical techniques to unravel the underlying electrochemical mechanisms. - Focused on investigating the reaction mechanism of various metal polysulfides, both among themselves and with different surfaces such as sulfur, Li2S, MgS, and Al2S3. Emphasized the simplification of the system by removing the metal anode (Li, Mg, or Al). - Utilized scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) with ultramicroelectrodes based on platinum or carbon fiber to gain insights into the intricate processes occurring at the electrode-electrolyte interface. By delving into the complexities of metal-sulfur battery systems and employing cutting-edge electrochemical techniques, I made significant contributions to understanding the reaction mechanisms of metal polysulfides and their interactions with various surfaces. This research experience has enriched my expertise in the field, enabling me to contribute to the development of innovative and efficient energy storage solutions. Show less



Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces

• Germany
• Research Services
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Visiting PhD student

  • Jun 2014 - Aug 2014

  Synthesis of carbon doped materials via salt templating, electrochemical testing, coating and synthesis of Li2S active materials Synthesis of carbon doped materials via salt templating, electrochemical testing, coating and synthesis of Li2S active materials



LRCS - Laboratoire de Réactivité et Chimie des Solides

• France
• Chemical Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Visiting PhD student

  • Apr 2014 - Apr 2014

  Preparation of membrane separators for Li-S battery, electrochemical testing Preparation of membrane separators for Li-S battery, electrochemical testing

• Visiting PhD student

  • Jun 2013 - Aug 2013

  Synthesis of carbon doped materials via salt templating, surface modifications Synthesis of carbon doped materials via salt templating, surface modifications



Kemijski inštitut - National Institute of Chemistry

• Slovenia
• Research
• 200 - 300 Employee

• Student Internship

  • Aug 2010 - Sep 2010

  Optical characteriazation of modified organophosphorus ligand DIPAMP, synthesis of new ligands with catechol and asymetric hydogenation Optical characteriazation of modified organophosphorus ligand DIPAMP, synthesis of new ligands with catechol and asymetric hydogenation