Head of Department Linnik Oksana P. Dr.Sci. (Chem.), Senior Researcher   Fax: + 380 44 424-35-67 E-mail:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; okslinnik@yahoo.co.uk

The  Department staff is 9 co-workers including 3 Dr.Sci. (Chem.), 2 PhDs (Chem.) and 2 PhDs (Phys. & Math.).

The Surface Photonics Laboratory was established in 1991 at the Institute of Surface Chemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of the Ukraine. A Head of the Laboratory was appointed Dr.Sci. (Chem.), Prof. A. Eremenko. In 2006, the Department of Nanoscale Oxide Photonics was organized on the basis of the laboratory, headed by Dr.Sci. (Chem.), Prof. A. Eremenko, and later by Ph.D. N. Smirnova. Currently, the department performs its tasks under the leadership of Dr.Sci. (Chem.) O. Linnik. During the existence of the department, under the leadership of Dr.Sci. (Chem.), Prof. A. Eremenko, 2 doctoral theses and 14 candidate theses were defended, Ph.D., Senior Researcher N. Smirnova was the supervisor of 5 candidate theses.

Directions of investigations

Fundamental investigation of photophysical and photochemical processes of various nature organic compounds and biomolecules, synthetic and natural dyes on the surface of hybrid metal oxides in the processes of photocatalytic decomposition of toxic compounds and in biomedicine. 

Synthesis of semiconductor systems based on metal oxides that are sensitive to the action of the solar light spectrum as environmentally safe active photocatalysts for degradation of environmental pollutants and transformation of plant-derived biopolymers. 

 Synthesis of functional nanoscale systems based on metal nanoparticles (Ag, Au, Cu) with specified physicochemical parameters for the creation of magnetically controlled drugs for photodynamic therapy, nanomaterials with high antimicrobial and antiviral activity.

Main results for the recent years

Scientific investigation of the Department of Surface Photonics is directed on the formation of new fundamental and applied knowledge towards the synthesis, atomic-molecular surface design and physicochemical properties of nanoscale functional materials based on transition metal oxides and metal nanoparticles (NPs) exhibiting the enhanced action with biocompatible compounds and dyes. Research on surface chemistry and photonics of nanoscale composites based on metal NPs combined with bioactive molecules and semiconductors based on transition metal oxides to create the adsorbents, photocatalysts, self-cleaning surfaces, photofilters, antitumor and antimicrobial nanomaterials for the application in the fields of modern chemical technologies, electronic engineering, ecology and medicine.

The more efficient depolymerization of lignosulfonate at pH 2 in conjunction with light exposure and the repolymerization of hydrolyzed fragments to more complex structure in neutral and basic media are observed. The decomposition of aromatic components of the molecule takes place on the surface of titania films as a result of high reactive photoformed electron hole pair that is a key point for the synthesis of hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes and aliphatic acids. Nitrogen doped iron titanate films are considered as a photocatalyst for the processes of aromatic compounds’ synthesis. It is found that the efficiency of phenol formation is increased under visible light compared to simulated solar light using nitrogen doped iron titanate film.

For the first time, the formation of a crystalline phase of cerium(III) titanate, Ce₂Ti₂O₇, in a mixture of individual oxides in the form of thin films is achieved using the single-stage sol-gel process and the dip-coating approach of sol covering onto the substrate (glass, metal, etc.). Crystallization of Ce₂Ti₂O₇ phase takes place after temperature treatment at relatively low temperatures (450 - 600°C) in the presence of air. Analysis of the physicochemical properties indicates that the obtained materials can be used as effective and stable UV-visible filters. The electronic structure of Ce₂Ti₂O₇ is responsible for the obtained properties of the films that are based on their ability to absorb the light quantum without further photochemical processes on the surface of the composite.

Synthesis approach of magneto-plasmonic nanocomposites (MPNCs) Fe₃O₄/Au based on magnetite and gold with a core-satellite structure using tryptophan is developed. It is shown that the magneto-induced formation of MPNC aggregates leads to an increase in optical absorption in the near-infrared spectral range (800 - 1000 nm) that is reversible process under the action of applied magnetic field. It is established that the photochemical method of obtaining Fe₃O₄/Au MPNCs, compared to the chemical one, contributes to the increase in the magnitude of reversible optical changes in the near-infrared region.

The in vitro photothermal effect of MPNCs is shown to manifest as the cell integrity damage as a result of the formation of “microbubbles” in the areas of MPNC localization under irradiation. The obtained magneto-controlled Fe₃O₄/Au MPNCs are proposed to be used as activated by IR irradiation photothermal therapy means. Complex spectroscopic and colorimetric investigation of the change in the optical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) of noble metals (gold and silver) in the presence of biological markers of prostate cancer, namely polyamines (PAs) – putrescine, spermine and spermidine, is carried out. It is shown that the interaction of NPs with PA is accompanied by the change in the color of colloidal systems as well as by the shift of the maximum of the localized surface plasmon resonance band of metals by 100 - 160 nm to the long-wavelength region as a result of the formation of NPs associates that are linked through a bridging polyamine. It is demonstrated that the change in the optical response is connected with the concentration range that is different for different types of NPs and depends on the nature of the PA molecule allowing their selective detection.

The Scientists of the Surface Photonics Department, Dr.Sci. (Chem.) Prof. Eremenko A.., PhD, Senior Researcher Petryk I., Ph.D., Senior Researcher Smirnova N. with the participation of Dr.Sci. (Biol.), Prof. Rudenko A. (Institute of Urology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine) developed the energy-saving and economical method for production of the bactericidal cotton fabrics of various densities (gauze, madapolam, calico) modified with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and their bimetallic composition with copper (Ag/CuNPs) with low metal content using the mild heat treatment regime (without special equipment and under low energy consumption). The presence of NPs in the tissue structure is confirmed by the localized plasmon resonance spectra of silver, copper, and Ag/Cu NPs as well as by electron microscopic images of tissues.

The scientists of the Laboratory of Microbiology, Virology and Mycology of the Institute of Urology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine studied the activity of tissue samples contained silver NPs and Ag/CuNPs against a number of microorganisms. The activity of Ag/CuNPs samples exceeds the silver NPs ones against a series of bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus) due to the synergistic effect of metals. The increased antimicrobial effect of Ag/CuNPs/tissue compounds is the result of the release of biologically active binary ions Ag⁺/Cu²⁺ from the surface of Ag/CuNPs and their mutual interaction with bacterial membranes. Antimicrobial masks based on the obtained textiles is reduced the risk of coronavirus transmission due to their adsorption on the surface of the fabric with metal NPs compared to untreated clean fabric.

Department staff

Oksana Linnik, Dr.Sci. (Chem.), a Head of the Department

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Anna Eremenko, Dr.Sci. (Chem.), Prof., Leading Researcher

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Iuliia Mukha, Dr.Sci. (Chem.), Senior Researcher

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Nataliia Smirnova, Ph.D., Senior Researcher

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Iryna Petrik, Ph.D., Senior Researcher

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Nadiia Vityuk, Ph.D., Senior Researcher

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Tetyana Dobrodziy, Ph.D., Scientific Researcher

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Tetyana Zakharenko, Leading Engineer

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Anastasiia Kramar, Leading Engineer

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Postgraduate students

Anastasiia Kramar, e-mail:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Recent publications

1. A. Kramar, I. Laguta, V. Anishchenko, O. Stavinskaya, P. Kuzema, N. Smirnova, R. Ivannikov, O. Linnik. Comparative Study on Phenolic Content and Antioxidant/Reducing Properties of Extracts from Various Types of Camelina Plant Biomass // Waste Biomass Valor. – 2025. – P. 01-14. doi: 10.1007/s12649-025-02931-y.

2. O. P. Linnik, A. S. Kramar, N. P. Smirnova, P. O. Kuzema, V. M. Anishchenko, I. V. Laguta, R. V. Ivannikov, O. M. Stavinskaya, Photocatalytic conversion approach of sodium lignosulfonate in the presence of titania films or nitrogen-containing iron titanates under the action of solar light // Patent of Ukraine №128590 from 21.08.2024. Bul. № 34 —10 p.

3. A. Kramar, Yu. Bibik, A. Dyachenko, O. Chernyayeva, V. Vorobets, G. Kolbasov, N. Smirnova, S. Gaidai, O. Ischenko, A. Eremenko, O. Linnik. Advanced design of sol-gel derived multilayered cerium titanate films: structural, surface, photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties // Mater. Chem. Phys. – 2024. – V. 124 – №129679.

4. S. Grammatikaki, V. Bala, H. Katifelis, D. I. Lampropoulou, I. Mukha, N. Vityuk, N. Lagopati, V. Kouloulias, G. Aravantinos, M. Gazouli. Fe3O4 and Fe₃O_4coreAu_shell-based Hyperthermia Reduces Expression of Proliferation Markers Ki-67, TOP2A and TPX2 in a Human Breast Cancer Cell Line // In Vivo – 2024. – V. 38, N 4. – P. 1665–1670.

5. I. Petrik, A. Eremenko, N. Smirnova, N. Rybalchenko. Effect of copper ion concentration and templating agent nature on the nano-Cu/TiO₂ properties // Academia Nano: Science, Materials, Technology – 2024. – V. 1, N 1.

6. I.S. Petrik, A.M. Eremenko, A.I. Marynin, V. M. Pasichnyi. Obtaining of Silver Nanoparticles in the Presence of Quercetin and Rutin Flavonoids // Theor. Exp. Chem. – 2023. – V. 59 – P. 143–149.

7. A. S. Kramar, M. L. Malysheva, V. M. Anishchenko, P. O. Kuzema, O. M. Stavinskaya, N. P. Smirnova, I. V. Laguta, R. V. Ivannikov, O. P. Linnik. Photocatalytic Conversion of Lignin in the Presence of Titania and Iron Titanate Films // Theor. Exp. Chem. – 2023. – V. 59 – P. 178-185.

8. L. Andriyko, M. Kurbanov, I. Siora, I. Petrik, A. Marynin, S. Tulaganov. The influence of the aqueous media acidity on the electrokinetic potential, aggregation and adsorption properties of silica nanoparticles synthesized from metallurgical wastes // Journal of Molecular Liquids – 2023. – V. 392 – Р. 123513-123525.

9. A. Kramar, V. Anishchenko, P. Kuzema, N. Smirnova, I. Laguta, O. Stavinskaya, R. Ivannikov, O. Linnik. Features of lignosulfonate depolymerization and photocatalytic transformation to low-molecular-weight compounds over nano-sized semiconductive films // Applied Nanoscience – 2022. – V.12. – P. 2345-2355.

10. H. Katifelis, M.-P. Nikou, Iu. Mukha, N. Vityuk, N. Lagopati, C. Piperi, A. A. Farooqi, N. Pippa, E. P. Efstathopoulos, M. Gazouli. Ag/Au Bimetallic Nanoparticles Trigger Different Cell Death Pathways and Affect Damage Associated Molecular Pattern Release in Human Cell Lines // Cancers – 2022. – V.14, N 6. – P. 1546.

11. D. Ihnatiuk, V. Vorobets, M. Šihor, C. Tossi, G. Kolbasov, N. Smirnova, I. Tittonen, A. Eremenko, K. Kočí, O. Linnik. Photoelectrochemical, photocatalytic and electrocatalytic behavior of titania films modified by nitrogen and platinum species // Applied Nanoscience – 2021. – P. 01-13. doi: 10.1007/s13204–021–01690–1.

12. Iu. Mukha, O. Chepurna, N. Vityuk, A. Khodko, L. Storozhuk, V. Dzhagan, D.R.T. Zahn, V. Ntziachristos, A. Chmyrov, T.Y. Ohulchanskyy. Multifunctional Magneto-Plasmonic Fe₃O₄/Au Nanocomposites: Approaching Magnetophoretically-Enhanced Photothermal Therapy // Nanomaterials. – 2021. – V.11, N 5 – P. 1113.