From May to July 2026, Jan Hočevar from UL FKKT is visiting KU Leuven to collaborate with the research group of Prof. Dr. Simon Kuhn at the Laboratory of Process Engineering for Sustainable Systems.
The purpose of this research visit is to continue work begun during a previous stay by Griša Grigorij Prinčič at KU Leuven, focusing on converting naturally occurring lignin into advanced lignin-based nanomaterials using an ultrasound-assisted continuous flow system. The project examines how process parameters such as lignin type, ultrasound power, flow rate, and solvent selection affect the formation and size of lignin nanoparticles. The synthesised nanoparticles are characterised using techniques including dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurement, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A key objective is to transfer expertise in batch nanoparticle synthesis developed at the University of Ljubljana to a continuous flow process, thereby improving reproducibility and facilitating scale-up. The visit also strengthens collaboration between the University of Ljubljana and KU Leuven and supports future joint research initiatives.