Research

The Kolen'ko Research Group is focusing on the synthesis and Investigation of unconventional nanomaterials. The Group prioritizes fundamental science, creating knowledge for impact and innovation.

Research Areas

Sustainable Solutions

Our approach to sustainable innovation focuses on using unconventional nanomaterials to help industries reduce environmental impact while enhancing material performance. We develop coatings and functional additives that improve energy efficiency, extend component lifetimes, and minimize reliance on harmful or scarce raw materials.

Recent developments include self-healing nanofiber coatings designed to protect offshore structures from corrosion, reducing maintenance needs and environmental degradation. We're also engineering infrared-reflective materials for automotive applications, which can contribute to passive cooling and lower energy consumption.

In the field of photovoltaics, our fluorine-free surface treatments offer self-cleaning and anti-icing functionalities — improving energy yield and system resilience without compromising environmental safety.

Sustainable nanomaterials in action

Selected Publications in Sustainable Solutions

Self–healing core–shell nanofibers for corrosion protective coatings for offshore structures

Self–healing core–shell nanofibers for corrosion protective coatings for offshore structures

Authors: Spera, N.C. M.; Salazar-Castro, C.; Álvarez de Eulate, P. C.; Kolen’ko, Yu. V.; Sousa, J. P. S.

Journal: Prog. Org. Coat., 2024, 191, 108424

Development of functional additives with infrared reflective properties for automotive industry

Development of functional additives with infrared reflective properties for automotive industry

Authors: Oliveira, I. M.; Piva. D. H.; Spera, N. C. M.; Grosche, L. C.; Sousa, J. P. S.

Journal: Prog. Org. Coat., 2025, 200, 109032

Fluorine-free approaches to impart photovoltaic systems with self-cleaning and anti-icing features

Fluorine-free approaches to impart photovoltaic systems with self-cleaning and anti-icing features

Authors: Alves, D. F.; Sousa, J. P. S.

Journal: J. Coat. Technol. Res., 2024, 21, 907–1919