Laboratory for Thin Film Energy Materials

2024-2030 Center of Excellence GREENTECH TK210U8

2024-2027 Estonian Research Council financed R&D project Sustainable Antimony Chalcogenide Thin-Film Tandem Solar Technology MOB3PRT2

2023-2025 Development of Bismuth Chalcogenide Sustainable Thin Film PV Technology, VHE23028

2022-2026 COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Research and International Networking on Emerging Inorganic Chalcogenides for Photovoltaics (RENEW-PV) CA21148
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2021-2025 Personal research funding: Start-up grant (PSG) Bismuth Chalcogenide Thin-Film Disruptive Green Solar Technology for Next Generation Photovoltaics PSG689

2020-2026 European Commission project. ERA Chair Of Emerging Next-generation Photovoltaics 5GSolar VFP20035
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2020-2024 Team grant Antimony chalcogenide thin films for next-generation semi-transparent solar cells applicable in electricity producing windows PRG 627

2022-2024 Incoming postdoctoral grant (SJD) Development of NiOx Thin Films as Electrode Material for Semi-transparent Solar Cells 
2021-2023 Baltic-Nordic R&D project Development of semi-transparent bifacial thin film solar cells for innovative applications 
2016-2023 Graduate School Graduate School of Functional Materials and Technologies 
Center of Excellence Advanced materials and high-technology devices for sustainable energetics, sensorics and nanoelectronics.
French-Estonian collaboration  Development of the optical layers for improving the design and performances of the extremely thin absorber (ETA) hybrid photovoltaic cells based on ZnO nanowires.
Bulgarian-Estonian collaboration Wide band gap oxide semiconductors for photovoltaic applications.
R&D project Smart road covering.
R&D project Development and employment of solar electricity producing pavement. (Tallinn City Environmental and Municipal Engineering Services Department, Contract 19036KK)
2014-2019 Institutional Research Funding Thin films and nanomaterials by wet-chemical methods for next-generation photovoltaics.
2017-2018 Contract Testing of materials.
2017 Contract Nordic e-pavement
2013-2015 R&D project Metal oxide thin films by wet chemical methods for electronic devices
2012-2015 Estonian Science Foundation Research Grant Absorber layers by chemical spray pyrolysis for nanostructured solar cells
2012-2015 Estonian Science Foundation Research Grant Thin film solar cells on the basis of calcogenide layers deposited from water solution
2011-2015 Center of Excellence Mesosystems - Theory and Applications
2012-2014 R&D project Efficient plasmonic absorbers for solar cells
2010-2013 Estonian Science Foundation Research Grant Development of ZnO nanorods by chemical spray
2009-2013 European Commission financed project Development of flexible single and tandem II-VI based high efficiency thin film solar cells
2008-2013 Estonian Ministry of Education and Research financed R&D project Thin film and nanostructured materials by chemical methods
2009-2012 Estonian Science Foundation Research Grant Deposition of sol-gel derived metal oxide layers for optoelectronics
2008-2011 Center of Excellence  Centre of Excellence in PV materials
2007-2010 Estonian Science Foundation Research Grant Thin films and structures for photovoltaics by wet chemical deposition techniques
2003-2007 Estonian Ministry of Education and Research financed R&D project Chemistry and technology of nanocrystalline and submicronic thin films
2005-2006 Estonian Ministry of Education and Research financed R&D project Structures based on chemically sprayed ZnO nanorods
2003-2006 Estonian Science Foundation Research Grant Thin films and solar cells by chemical methods
2003-2005 Ministry of Education and Research of the Federal Republic of Germany financed project Low-cost processing of dielectric thin films
2001-2004 European Commission financed project A challenging solar cell concept - skilful intercalation of a nanostructured semiconductor by an extremely thin copper (indium) sulphide adsorber (ETA solar cells)
2000-2002 Estonian Science Foundation Research Grant Formation of semiconductor materials and growth of thin films by spray pyrolysis method
1998-2002 Estonian Ministry of Education and Research financed R&D project 
Polycrystalline semiconductor materials

1. Juneja, N.; Daskeviciute-Geguziene, S.; Spalatu, N.; Mandati, S.; Katerski, A.; Grzibovskis, R.; Vembris, A.; Karazhanov, S.; Getautis, V.; Krunks, M.; Oja Acik, I. (2024). Employment of dopant-free fluorene-based enamines as innovative hole transport materials to boost the transparency and performance of Sb2S3 based solar cells. Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing, 169, #107934

1. Krautmann, R.; Spalatu, N.; Josepson, R.; Nedzinskas, R. S.; Kondrotas, R.; Grzibovskis, R.; Vembris, A.; Krunks, M.; Oja Acik, I. (2023). Low processing temperatures explored in Sb₂S₃ solar cells by close-spaced sublimation and analysis of bulk and interface related defects. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 251

2. Oluwabi, T. A.; Spalatu, N.; Maticiuc, N.; Katerski, A.; Mere, A.; Krunks, M.; Oja Acik, I. (2023). Combinative solution processing and Li doping approach to develop p-type NiO thin films with enhanced electrical properties. Frontiers in Materials, 10, 1−12

3. Koltsov, M.; Gopi, S.V.; Raadik, T.; Krustok, J.; Josepson, R.; Gržibovskis, R.; Vembris, A.; Spalatu, N. (2023). Development of Bi₂S₃ thin film solar cells by close-spaced sublimation and analysis of absorber bulk defects via in-depth photoluminescence analysis. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 254, #112292

4. Mandati, S.; Juneja, N.; Katerski, A.; Jegorove, A.; Grzibovskis, R.; Vembris, A.; Dedova, T.; Spalatu, N.; Magomedov, A.; Karazhanov, S.; Getautis, V.; Krunks, M.; Oja Acik, I. (2023). 4.9 % efficient Sb₂S₃ solar cells from semi-transparent absorbers with fluorene-based thiophene terminated hole conductors. ACS Applied Energy Materials, 6 (7), 3822−3933. 

5. Vadakkedath Gopi S.; Spalatu N.; Basnayaka M.; Krautmann R.;, Katerski A.; Josepson R.; Grzibovskis R.; Vembris A.; Krunks M. and Oja Acik I. (2023). Post deposition annealing effect on properties of CdS films and its impact on CdS/Sb2Se3 solar cells performance. Front. Energy Res 11:1162576

6. Eensalu, J. S.; Mandati, S.; Don, C. H.; Finch, H.; Dhanak, V. R.; Major, J. D.; Grzibovskis, R.; Tamm, A.; Ritslaid, P.; Josepson, R.; Käämbre, T.; Vembris, A.; Spalatu, N.; Krunks, M.; Oja Acik, I. (2023). Sb2S3 thin-film solar cells fabricated from an antimony ethyl xanthate based precursor in air. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 15 (36),  42622−42636.

Principal research topic 2022

1. G. Hector, J.S. Eensalu, A. Katerski, H. Roussel, O. Chaix-Pluchery, E. Appert, F. Donatini, I. Oja Acik, E. Kärber, V. Consonni. (2022). Optimization of the Sb2S3 Shell Thickness in ZnO Nanowire-Based Extremely Thin Absorber Solar Cells. Nanomaterials, 12

2. J.S. Eensalu, K. Tõnsuaadu, I. Oja Acik, M. Krunks. (2022). Sb2S3 thin films by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis of antimony ethyl xanthate. Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing, Volume 137

3. M. Koltsov, R. Krautmann, A. Katerski, N. Maticiuc, M. Krunks, I. Oja Acik, N. Spalatu. (2022). A post-deposition annealing approach for organic residues control in TiO2 and its impact on Sb2Se3/TiO2 device performance. Faraday Discussions

4. N. Juneja, S. Mandati, A. Katerski, N. Spalatu, S. Daskeviciute, A. Vembris, S. Karazhanov, V. Getautis, M. Krunks, I. Oja Acik. (2022). Sb2S3 Solar Cells with Cost-effective and Dopant-free Fluorene-based Enamine as Hole Transport Material. Sustainable Energy & Fuels, 6, 3220

5. Z. Chen, T. Dedova, N. Spalatu, N. Maticiuc, M. Rusu, A. Katerski, I. Oja Acik, T. Unold, M. Krunks. (2022). ZnO/NiO heterostructures with enhanced photocatalytic activity obtained by ultrasonic spraying of a NiO shell onto ZnO nanorods. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects V.648, #129366

6. T. Olukan, J. Sydorenko, A. Katerski, M. Al Mahriu, C.-Y. Lai, A. Al-Hagri, S. Santos, M. Chiesa. (2022). Insights intro TiO2 thin film photodegradation from Kelvin Probe AFM maps. Appl. Phys. Lett. 121, 031901

7. T. Dittrich, J. Sydorenko, N. Spalatu, N. Nickel, A. Mere, M. Krunks, I. Oja Acik. (2022). Synthesis control of charge separation at anatase TiO2 thin films studied by transient surface photovoltage spectroscopy. ASC Appl. Mater. Interfaces 121, 031901

8. T. Raadik, N. Spalatu, J. Krustok, R. Jospeson, M. Grossberg. (2022). Temperature dependent optical and electrical characterization of SnS/CdS solar cell. Thin Solid Films, 743, 139069

9. J. Sydorenko, A. Mere, M. Krunks, M. Krichevskaya, I. Oja Acik. (2022). Transparent TiO2 thin films with high photocatalytic activity for indoor air purification. RSC Advances, 12 (55), 35531−35542

Collaboration 2022

1. Tiismus, H.; Kallaste, A.; Vaimann, T.; Lind, L.; Virro, I.; Rassõlkin, A.; Dedova, T. (2022). Laser Additively Manufactured Magnetic Core Design and Process for Electrical Machine Applications. Energies, 15 (10), #3665.

2. Surzhenkov, A.; Viljus, M.; Antonov, M.; Kübarsepp, J.; Juhani, K.; Kulu, P.; Vägiström, H.; Jankauskas, V.; Leišys, R.; Bendikiene, R.; Adoberg, E.; Peetsalu, P.; Mere, A.; Gregor, A. (2022). Effect of laser heat treatment on AlxTi1-xN-based PVD coatings, deposited on carbon and tool steel substrates. Surface & Coatings Technology, 446, #128771.

3. Svirskaite, L. M.; Mandati, S.; Spalatu, N.; Malinauskiene, V.; Karazhanov, S.; Getautis, V.; Malinauskas, T. (2022). Asymmetric NDI electron transporting SAM materials for application in photovoltaic devices. Synthetic Metals, 291, #117214.

Principal research topic 2021

1. Z. Chen, T. Dedova, I. Oja Acik, M. Danilson, M. Krunks. Nickel oxide films by chemical spray: Effect of deposition temperature and solvent type on structural, optical, and surface properties. Applied Surface Science, 548 (2021)

2. J. Montero, T. Welearegay, J. Thyr, H. Stopfel, T. Dedova, I. Oja Acik, L. Österlund. Copper–zinc oxide heterojunction catalysts exhibiting enhanced photocatalytic activity prepared by a hybrid deposition method. RSC Advances, 11 (17) (2021)

3. N. Spalatu, R. Krautmann, A. Katerski, E. Kärber, R. Josepson, J. Hiie, I. Oja Acik, M. Krunks. Screening and optimization of processing temperature for Sb2Se3 thin film growth protocol: Interrelation between grain structure, interface intermixing and solar cell performance. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 225 (2021)

4. R. Krautmann, N. Spalatu, R. Gunder, D. Abou-Ras, T. Unold, S. Schorr, M. Krunks, I. Oja Acik. Analysis of grain orientation and defects in Sb2Se3 solar cells fabricated by close-spaced sublimation. Solar Energy, 225 (2021)

5. J.S. Eensalu, K. Tõnsuaadu, J. Adamson, I. Oja Acik, M. Krunks.  Thermal decomposition of tris(O-ethyldithiocarbonato)-antimony(III) — a single source precursor for antimony sulfide thin films. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (2021)

6. P. Gaffuri, T. Dedova, E. Appert, M. Danilson, A. Baillard, O. Chaix-Pluchery, F. Güell, I. Oja-Acik, V. Consonni, V. Enhanced photocatalytic activity of chemically deposited ZnO nanowires using doping and annealing strategies for water remediation. Applied Surface Science (2021)

Collaboration 2021

1. A. Abdalla, E. Kärber, V. Mikli, S. Bereznev. The effect of laser fluences on the structural and optoelectronic properties of Zn(O,Se) films. Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing 121 (2021)

2. K. Ping, M. Alam, S.R. Kahnert, R. Bhadoria, A. Mere, V. Mikli, M. Käärik, J. Aruväli, P. Paiste, A. Kikas, V. Kisand, I. Järving, J. Leis, N. Kongi, P. Starkov. Multi-purpose heterogeneous catalyst material from an amorphous cobalt metal–organic framework. Materials Advances, 2, 4009−4015 (2021)

3. M. Tarraste, J. Kübarsepp, A. Mere, K. Juhani, M. Kolnes, M. Viljus. Ultrafine cemented carbides with cobalt and iron binders prepared via reactive in situ sintering. Solid State Phenomena (176−180) (2021)

Principal research topic 2020

1. A.T. Oluwabi, D. Gaspar, A. Katerski, A. Mere, M. Krunks, L. Pereira, I. Oja Acik. Influence of post-UV/Ozone treatment of Ultrasonic-Sprayed Zirconium Oxide Dielectric Films for a Low-Temperature Oxide Thin Film Transistor. Materials 13 (2020)

2. A.T. Oluwabi, A. Katerski, E. Carlos, R. Branquinho, A. Mere, M. Krunks, E. Fortunato, L. Pereira, I. Oja Acik. Application of ultrasonic sprayed zirconium oxide dielectric in zinc tin oxide-based thin film transistor. Journal of Materials Chemistry C.  (2020)

3. T. Dedova, I. Oja Acik, Z. Chen, A. Katerski, K. Balmassov, I. Gromõko, T. Nagyné-Kovács, I.M. Szilágy, M. Krunks. Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO Nanorods by Surface Treatment with HAuCl4: Synergic Effects Through an Electron Scavenging, Plasmon Resonance and Surface Hydroxylation. Materials Chemistry and Physics (2020)

4. I. Dundar, A. Mere, V. Mikli, M. Krunks, I. Oja Acik. Thickness Effect on Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Thin Films Fabricated by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis. Catalysts, Issue 9 (2020)

5. J. Spiridonova, A. Mere, M. Krunks, M. Rosenberg, A. Kahru, M. Danilson, M. Krichevskaya, I. Oja Acik. Enhanced Visible and Ultraviolet Light-Induced Gas-Phase Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Thin Films Modified by Increased Amount of Acetylacetone in Precursor Solution for Spray Pyrolysis. Catalysts, Issue 9 (2020)

Collaboration 2020

1. I. Shtepliuk, V. Khranovskyy, D. Gogova, M. Danilson, M. Krunks, I.G. Ivanov, R. Yakimova (2020). Excitonic emission in heavily Ga-doped zinc oxide films grown on GaN. Journal of Luminescence 223 (2020)

2. K. Ping, A. Braschinsky, M. Alam, R. Bhadoria, V. Mikli, A. Mere, J. Aruväli, P. Paiste, S. Vlassov, M. Kook, M. Rähn, V. Sammelselg, K. Tammeveski, N. Kongi, P. Starkov. Fused hybrid linkers for metal–organic frameworks-derived bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts. ACS Applied Energy Materials 3 (2020)

3. A. Abdalla, E. Kärber, V. Mikli, S. Bereznev. The effect of laser fluences on the structural and optoelectronic properties of Zn(O,Se) films. Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing 121 (2021)

Principal research topic 2019

1. T. Dedova, I. Oja Acik, S. Polivtseva, M. Krunks, I. Gromyko, K. Tõnsuaadu, A. Mere. Influence of solution composition on sprayed ZnO nanorods properties and formation process: Thermoanalytical study of the precursors. Ceramics International 45 (2019)

 2. J.S. Eensalu, A. Katerski, E. Kärber, I. Oja Acik, A. Mere, M. Krunks. Uniform Sb2S3 optical coatings by chemical spray method. Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology 10 (2019)

3. I. Dundar, M. Krichevskaya, A. Katerski, I.O. Acik. TiO2 thin films by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis as photocatalytic material for air purification. Royal Society Open Science 6 (2019)

4. V. Consonni, J. Briscoe, E. Kärber, X. Li, T. Cossuet. 2019. ZnO nanowires for solar cells: a comprehensive review. Nanotechnology 30 (2019)

5. N. Spalatu, J. Hiie, R. Kaupmees, O. Volobujeva, J. Krustok, I. Oja Acik,  M. Krunks. Post-deposition Processing of SnS Thin Films and Solar Cells: Prospective Strategy to Obtain Large, Sintered and Doped SnS Grains by Recrystallization in the Presence of a Metal Halide Flux. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2019)

6. Z. Chen, I. Dündar, I. Oja Acik, A. Mere. TiO2 thin films by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering 503, 012006 (2019)

7. I. Dündar, M. Krichevskaya, A. Katerski, M. Krunks, I. Oja Acik. Photocatalytic Degradation of Different VOCs in Gas-phase Over TiO2 Thin Films Prepared by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis. Catalysts 9 (2019)

Collaboration 2019

1. M.V. Yakushev, A.V. Mudryi, E. Kärber, P.R. Edwards, R.W. Martin. The band structure of CuInTe2studied by optical reflectivity. Applied Physics Letters 114 (2019)

2. M. Tarraste, J. Kübarsepp, K. Juhani, A. Mere, M. Viljus. Effect of Carbon Stabilizing Elements on WC Cemented Carbides with Chromium Steel Binder. Materials Science (Medžiagotyra) 25 (2019)

3. D. Klauson, N. Romero Sarcos, M. Kricheskaya, E. Kattel, N. Dulova, T. Dedova, M. Trapido. Advanced oxidation process for sulfoamide antibiotic sulfamethizole degradation: Process applicability study at ppm level and scale-down to ppb level. J. Environ. Chem. Eng. 7 (2019)

4. M. Ganchev, A. Katerski, S. Stankova, J.S. Eensalu, P.Terziyska, R. Gergova, H. Dikov, G. Popkirov, P. Vitanov. Tin Dioxide Thin Films Deposited by Sol – Gel Technique. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2075, 140001 (2019)

5. M. Ganchev, D. Dimitrov, S. Stankova, A. Katerski, I. Gadjov, O. Volobujeva, S. Bereznev, M. Krunks. Electrodeposited molybdenium oxide coatings for thin film chalcopyrite solar cells. AIP Conference Proceedings 2075, 140002 (2019)

6. V. Podgursky, A. Bogatov, M. Yashin, M. Viljus, A.P. Bolshakov, V. Sedov, O. Volobujeva, A. Mere, T. Raadik, V. Ralchenko. A comparative study of the growth dynamics and tribological properties of nanocrystalline diamond films deposited on the (110) single crystal diamond and Si(100) substrates. Diamond and Related Materials, 92 (2019)

7. K. Javed, A. Krumme, M. Viirsalu, I. Krasnou, T. Plamus, V. Vassiljeva, E. Tarasova, N. Savest, A. Mere, V. Mikli, M. Danilson, T. Kaljuvee, S. Lange, Q. Yuan, P.D. Topham, C.-M. Chen. A method for producing conductive graphene biopolymer nanofibrous fabrics by exploitation of an ionic liquid dispersant in electrospinning. Carbon, 140 (2018)

Principal research topic 2018

1. I. Gromyko, T. Dedova, S. Polivtseva, J. Kois, L. Puust, I. Sildos, A. Mere, M. Krunks. Electrodeposited ZnO morphology transformations under the influence of SeO2 additive: Rods, disks, nanosheets network. Thin Solid Films, 652 (2018) 10-15. 

2. A.T. Oluwabi, I. Oja Acik, A. Katerski, A. Mere, M. Krunks. Structural and electrical characterisation of high-k ZrO2 thin films deposited by chemical spray pyrolysis method. Thin Solid Films, 662 (2018) 129-136.

3. A.T. Oluwabi, A.O. Juma, I.Oja Acik, A. Mere, M. Krunks. Effect of Zr doping on the structural and electrical properties of spray deposited TiO2 thin films. Proceedings of the Estonian Academy of Sciences 67 (2018) 147–157.

4. J.S. Eensalu, A. Katerski, A. Mere, M. Krunks. Gas sensing capability of spray deposited Al-doped ZnO thin films. Proceedings of the Estonian Academy of Sciences 67 (2018) 124–130.

Collaboration 2018

1.  S. Polivtseva,  N. Spalatu, N.; I.A. Mohammed, O. Volobujeva, J. Hiie, S. Bereznev. Pulsed laser deposition of Zn(O,Se) layers for optoelectronic application.  ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 11 (2018), 6505–12.

2. M. Tarraste, J. Kübarsepp, K. Juhani, A. Mere, M. Kolnes, M. Viljus, B. Maaten. Ferritic chromium steel as binder metal for WC cemented carbides. Intern. J. Refr. Metals & Hard Mater. 73 (2018) 183–191.

3. M. Chandra Dimri, H. Khanduri, A. Mere, and R. Stern. Studies of doped LaMnO3 samples prepared by citrate combustion process. AIP Conference Proceedings 1942, 130015 (2018). 

4. D. Untila, I. Evtodiev, I. Caraman, N. Spalatu, L. Dmitroglo, M. Caraman. Optical and Photoelectric Properties of Nanolamellar Structures Obtained by Thermal Annealing of InSe Plates in Zn Vapours. Phys. Status Solidi A 215 (2018), 1700434.

5. K. Javed, A. Krumme, M. Viirsalu, I. Krasnou, T. Plamus, V. Vassiljeva, E. Tarasova, N. Savest, A. Mere, V. Mikli, M. Danilson, T. Kaljuvee, S. Lange, Q. Yuan, P. D. Topham, C.-M. Chen. A method for producing conductive graphene biopolymer nanofibrous fabrics by exploitation of an ionic liquid dispersant in electrospinning. Carbon, 140 (2018), 148−156.

6. M. Kolnes, A. Mere, J. Kübarsepp, M. Viljus, B. Maaten, M. Tarraste. Microstructure evolution of TiC cermets with ferritic AISI 430L steel binder. Powder Metallurgy 61 (2018), 197–209.

Principal research topic 2017

1. N. Maticiuc, A. Katerski, M. Danilson, M. Krunks, J. Hiie. XPS study of OH impurity in solution processed CdS thin films. Solar En. Mater. Sol. Cells, 160 (2017) 211-216.

2. N. Spalatu, M. Krunks, J. Hiie. Structural and optoelectronic properties of CdCl2 activated CdTe thin films modified by multiple thermal annealing. Thin Solid Films, 633 (2017) 106-111. 

3. S. Polivtseva, A. Katerski, E. Kärber, I. Oja Acik, A. Mere, V. Mikli, M. Krunks. Post-deposition thermal treatment of sprayed SnS films. Thin Solid Films, 633 (2017) 179-184. 

4. I. Gromyko, M. Krunks, T. Dedova, A. Katerski, D. Klauson, I. Oja Acik. Surface properties of sprayed and electrodeposited ZnO rod layers. Applied Surface Science, 405 (2017) 521-528. 

5. R. Parize, A. Katerski, I. Gromyko, L. Rapenne, H. Roussel, E. Kärber, E. Appert, M. Krunks, V. Consonni. ZnO/TiO2/Sb2S3 core-shell nanowire heterostructures for extremely thin absorber solar cells. The Journal of Physical Chemistry C , 121 (2017) 9672-9680.

6. J.S. Eensalu, M. Krunks, I. Gromyko, A. Katerski, A. Mere. A comparative study on physical properties of Al-doped zinc oxide thin films deposited from zinc acetate and zinc acetylacetonate by spray pyrolysis. Energetika, 63(2) (2017) 46-55. 

 

Collaboration 2017

1. Klauson, D.; Šakarašvili, M.; Pronina, N.; Krichevskaja, M.; Kärber, E.; Mikli, V. (2017). Aqueous photocatalytic degradation of selected micropollutants by Pd-modified titanium dioxide in three photoreactor types. Environmental Technology, 38 (7) 860-871. 

2. N. Revathi, S. Bereznev, M. Loorits, O. Volobujeva, J. Raudoja, N. Maticiuc, R. Traksmaa, E. Mellikov. SnS/CdS Heterostructures Prepared by High Vacuum Evaporation Method. International Journal of Research in Engineering and Science (IJRES), 5 (2) (2017) 35−40. 

3. Maricheva, J.; Bereznev, S.; Maticiuc, N.; Volobujeva, O.; Kois, J. Influence of selenous acid microadditive on electrochemical formation of CdS thin films. Electrochim. Acta, 242 (2017) 280-286. 

4. N. Revathi, M. Loorits, E. Kärber, O. Volobujeva, J. Raudoja,  N. Maticiuc,  S. Bereznev, E. Mellikov. Impact of vacuum and nitrogen annealing on HVE SnS photoabsorber films. Mater. Sci.  Semicond. Proc., 71 (2017) 252−257. 

Principal research topic 2016

1. S. Polivtseva, I. Oja Acik, A. Katerski, A. Mere, V. Mikli, M. Krunks. Tin sulfide films by spray pyrolysis technique using L-cysteine as a novel sulfur source. Physica Status solidi c, 2016, no.1, 18-23. 

2. A. Juma, I. Oja Acik, A. Mere, M. Krunks. Dielectric relaxation and conduction mechanisms in sprayed TiO₂ thin films as a function of the annealing temperature. Applied Physics A, 2016, 122:359. 

3. A. Juma, I. Oja Acik, A.T. Oluwabi, A. Mere, V. Mikli, M. Danilson, M. Krunks. 2016. Zirconium doped TiO2 films deposited by chemical spray pyrolysis. Applied Surface Science, 387 (2016) 539−545.

4. E. Kärber, A. Katerski, I. Oja Acik, A. Mere, V. Mikli, M. Krunks. Sb2S3Grown by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis, and Implementation in a Hybrid Solar Cell. Beilstein J. Nanotechnology, 7 (2016)1662-1673.

Collaboration 2016

1. A. Tamm, I. Oja Acik, T. Arroval, A. Kasikov, H. Seemen, M. Marandi, M. Krunks, A. Mere, K.  Kukli, J. Aarik. Plasmon resonance effect caused by gold nanoparticles formed on titanium oxide films. Thin Solid Films, 616 (2016) 449-455.  

2. J. Maricheva, S. Bereznev, R. Naidu, N. Maticiuc, V. Mikli, J. Kois. Improved electrodeposition of CdS layers in presence of activating H2SeO3 microadditive. Mater. Sci. Semicond. Process., 54 (2016) 14-19. 

3. I. Caraman, N. Spalatu, I. Evdotiev, D. Untila, L. Leontie, M. Caraman. Photoelectric and photoluminescence properties of CdTe-GaTe composite. Physica Status Solidi B_Basic Solid State Physics, 253(12) (2016) 2515-2522. 

4. Surzhenkov, A.; Antonov, M.; Goljandin, D.; Kulu, P.; Viljus, M.; Traksmaa, R.; Mere, A. (2016). High-temperature erosion of Fe-based coatings reinforced with cermet particles. Surface Engineering, 32 (2016) 624-630.

5. Timmo, K.; Kauk-Kuusik, M.; Pilvet, M.; Mikli, V.; Kärber, E., Raadik, T.; Leinemann, I.; Altosaar, M.; Raudoja, J. Comparative study of SnS recrystallization in molten CdI2, SnCl2 and KI. physica status solidi (c), 13 (2016) 8−12. 

Principal research topic 2015

1. T. Dedova, I. Gromõko, M. Krunks, M. Grossberg, I. Sildos, K. Utt, R. Vessart, T. Unt. Spray pyrolysis deposition and characterization of highly c-axis oriented hexagonal ZnS nanorod crystals. Crystal Research &Technology, 2015, 50(1) 85-92.

2. I. Gromyko, T. Dedova, M. Krunks, V. Syritski, V. Mikli, A. Mere, T. Unt, I. Oja Acik. ZnO nanorods grown electrochemically on different metal oxide underlays. IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Eng. 77 (2015) 012012.

4. I. Oja Acik, N.G. Oyekoya, A. Mere, A. Katerski, V. Mikli, M. Krunks. In-situ deposition of gold nanoparticles onto different substrates by chemical spray. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Eng. 77 (2015) 012009. 

5. J. Madarasz, M. Krunks, L. Niinistö, G. Pokol. Thermally evolved gases from thiourea complexes of CuCl in air. J Therm Anal Calorim., 120 (2015) 189-199. 

6. M. Kriisa, R. Saez-Araoz, C.-H. Fischer, T. Köhler, E. Kärber, Y. Fu, F. Hergert, M.-C. Lux-Steiner, M. Krunks. Study of Zn(O,S) films grown by aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition and their application as buffer lauers in Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 solar cells. Solar Energy, 115 (2015) 562-568.  

7. A. Graf, N. Maticiuc, N. Spalatu, V. Mikli, A. Mere, A. Gavrilov, J. Hiie. Electrical characterization of annealed chemical-bath-deposited CdS films and their application in superstrate configuration CdTe/CdS solar cells. Thin Solid Films, 582 (2015) 351-355.

8. N. Spalatu, J.Hiie, V. Mikli, M. Krunks, V. Valdna, N. Maticiuc, T. Raadik, M. Caraman. Effect of CdCl2 annealing treatment on structural and optoelectronic propertiers of CSS CdTe/CdS thin film solar cells vs deposition conditions. Thin Solid Films, 582 (2015) 128-133. 

9. I.Oja Acik, N. G. Oyekoya, A. Mere, A. Loot, L. Dolgov, V. Mikli, M. Krunks, I. Sildos. Plasmonic TiO2:Au composite layers deposited in-situ by chemical spray pyrolysis. Surface and Coatings Technology, 271 (2015) 27-31.  

10. S. Polivtseva, I. Oja Acik, M. Krunks, K. Tõnsuaadu, A. Mere. Thermoanalytical study of precursors for tin sulfide thin films deposited by chemical spray pyrolysis. J. Therm. Anal. Calorim., 121 (2015) 177-185. 

11. N. Maticiuc, N. Spalatu, V. Mikli, J. Hiie. Impact of CdS annealing atmosphere on the performance of CdS-CdTe solar cell. Applied Surface Science, 350 (2015) 14-18. 

12. N. Spalatu, J. Hiie, N. Maticiuc, M. Krunks, A. Katerski, V. Mikli, I. Sildos. Plasmonic effect of spray-deposited Au nanoparticles on the performance of CSS CdS/CdTe solar cells. Applied Surface Science, 350 (2015) 69-73. 

13. M. Kriisa, M. Krunks, I. Oja Acik, E. Kärber, V. Mikli. The effect of tartaric acid in the deposition of Sb2S3 films by chemical spray pyrolysis. Mater. Sci.  Semicond. Process., 40 (2015) 867-872.  

14. A. Juma, I. Oja Acik, V. Mikli, A. Mere, M. Krunks. Effect of solution composition on anatase to rutile transformation of sprayed TiO2 thin films. Thin Solid Films, 594 (2015) 287-292.

15. I. Gromyko, I. Oja Acik, M. Krunks, T. Dedova, A. Katerski, A. Mere, V. Mikli, R. Vessart. Surface plasmon resonance in ZnO nanorod arrays caused by gold nanoparticles for solar cell application. Physica Status solidi c, 12 (2015) 1338-1343.  

Collaboration 2015:

1.     Klauson, D.; Gromyko, I.; Dedova, T.; Pronina, N.; Krichevskaya, M.; Budarnaja, O.; Oja Acik, I.; Volobujeva, O.; Sildos, I.; Utt, K. Study of photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide nanoneedles, nanorods, pyramids and hierarchical structures obtained by spray pyrolysis. Mater. Sci. Semicond. Process., 2015, 31, 315-324.

2.     Grossberg, M.; Timmo, K.; Raadik, T.; Kärber, E.; Mikli, V.; Krustok, J. Study of structural and optoelectronic properties of Cu2Zn(Sn1 − xGex)Se4 (x = 0 to 1) alloy compounds. Thin Solid Films, 582, (2015) 176-179. 

3.     Pilvet, M.; Kauk-Kuusik, M.; Altosaar, M.; Grossberg, M.; Danilson, M.; Timmo, K.; Mere, A.; Mikli, V. Compositionally tunable structure and optical properties of Cu1.85(CdxZn1 -x)1.1SnS4.1 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) monograin powders. Thin Solid Films, 582 (2015) 180-183. 

4.     K. Timmo, M. Kauk-Kuusik, M. Pilvet, V. Mikli, E. Kärber, T. Raadik, I. Leinemann, M. Altosaar, J. Raudoja, (2015). Comparative study of SnS recrystallization in molten CdI2, SnCl2 and KI. physica status solidi (c), 1-5 (2015).

Principal research topic 2014

1. I. Oja Acik, L. Dolgov, M. Krunks, A. Mere, V. Mikli, S. Pikker, A. Loot, I. Sildos. Surface plasmon resonance caused by gold nanoparticles formed on sprayed TiO2 films. Thin Solid Films, 553 (2014) 144-147. 

2.  M. Kriisa, E. Kärber, M. Krunks, V. Mikli, T. Unt, M. Kukk, A. Mere, Growth and properties of ZnO films on polymeric substrates by spray pyrolysis method, Thin Solid Films, 555 (2014) 87-92. 

3. E. Kärber, K.Otto, A. Katerski, A.Mere, M.Krunks, Raman spectroscopic study of In2S3 films prepared by spray pyrolysis, Mater. Sci.  Semicond. Process., 25 (2014) 137-142. 

4. Natalia Maticiuc, Mart Kukk, Nicolae Spalatu, Tamara Potlog, Malle Krunks, Vello Valdna, Jaan Hiie, Comparative study of CdS films annealed in neutral, oxidizing and reducing atmospheres, Energy Procedia 44 (2014) 77-84.  

5. T. Repän, S. Pikker, L. Dolgov, A. Loot, J. Hiie, M.Krunks, I. Sildos, Increased efficiency inside the CdTe solar cell absorber caused by plasmonic metal nanoparticles, Energy Procedia, 44 (2014) 299-233.

6. N.Spalatu, J. Hiie, V. Valdna, M. Caraman, N. Maticiuc, V. Mikli, T. Potlog, M. Krunks, V. Lughi. Properties of the CdCl2 air-annealed CSS CdTe thin films. Energy Procedia, 44 (2014) 85-95. 

7. T. Dedova, M. Krunks, I. Gromyko, V. Mikli, I. Sildos, K. Utt, T.Unt, ZnS thin films and ZnS nanorods by spray pyrolysis: Effect of growth temperature and Zn:S molar ratio in solution on properties of ZnS layers. Physica status solidi a, 211 (2) (2014) 514-521. 

8. M. Krunks, J. Soon, T. Unt, A. Mere, V. Mikli, Deposition of NiO films by chemical spray, Vacuum, 107 (2014) 242-246.

9. K. Otto, I. Oja Acik, M. Krunks, K. Tõnsuaadu, A. Mere. Thermal decomposition of HAuCl4.3H2O and AgNO3 as precursors for plasmonic metal nanoparticles, J Therm. Anal. Cal. 118 (2014) 1065-1072. 

11. N. Maticiuc, N. Spalatu, A. Katerski, J. Hiie, V. Mikli, M.Krunks, L.Dolgov, I. Sildos. Plasmonic modification of CdTe thin films by gold nanoparticles: Methods, difficulties and solutions. Mictroelectronic Eng., 126 (2014)  173-178. 

12. T. Repän, L. Dolgov, A. Katerski, I. Oja Acik, E. Kärber, A. Mere, V. Mikli, M. Krunks, I. Sildos. CuInS2 solar cell absorber plasmonically modified by gold nanoparticles. The 5th International Conference on Metamaterials, Photonic Crystals and Plasmonics, 20-23 May, 2014, Singapure, In: META’14 Proceedings, Singapure, edited by S.Zouhdi, N.Zheludev, J.H.Tengs, pp.108-112. 

13. T. Repän, L. Dolgov, A. Katerski, I. Oja Acik, E. Kärber, A. Mere, V. Mikli, M. Krunks, I. Sildos. CuInS2 solar cell absorber plasmonically modified by gold nanoparticles. Appl. Phys. A. 2014, 117:455-458. 

14. A. Katerski, I. Oja Acik, L. Dolgov,  E. Kärber, A. Mere, I. Sildos, V. Mikli, M. Krunks. Modification of light absorption in thin CuInS2 films by sprayed Au nanoparticles, Nanoscale Research Letters,   2014:9494. 

15. E. Kärber, A. Katerski, I. Oja Acik, V. Mikli, A. Mere, I. Sildos, M.Krunks. Low-cost plasmonic solar cells by chemical spray pyrolysis method. Beilstein J. Nanotechnology, 5 (2014) 2398-2402. 

16. Maticiuc, N.; Hiie, J.; Mikli, V.; Potlog, T.; Valdna, V. Structural and optical properties of cadmium sulfide thin films modified by hydrogen annealing. Mater.Sci. Semicond. Process., 26 (2014) 169-174. 

17. S. Polivtseva, I. Oja Acik, A. Katerski, A. Mere, V. Mikli, M.Krunks. Spray Pyrolysis deposition of SnxSy thin films, Energy Procedia, 60 (2014) 156-165. 

18. I. Gromõko, T. Dedova, M. Krunks, V. Mikli, T. Unt, I.Oja Acik, A. Mere, Zinc oxide rods on different TCO substrates and seed layers by electrochemical deposition, Proceedings of 11th International Conference of Young Scientists on Energy Issues, May 29-30, 2014,  Kaunas, Lihthuania, VII-298-VII-305. 

19. R. Vessart, T. Unt, A. Mere, M.Krunks, Structural and electrical properties of p-type NiO thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis, Proceedings of 11th International Conference of Young Scientists on Energy Issues, May 29-30, 2014,  Kaunas, Lihthuania, VII290-VII297. 

Collaboration 2014:

1. Klauson, D.; Budarnaja, O.; Stepanova, K.; Krichevskaya, M.; Dedova, T.; Käkinen, A.; Preis, S. (2014). Selective performance of sol-gel synthesised titanium dioxide photocatalysts in aqueous oxidation of various-type organic pollutants. Kinetics and Catalysis, 55(1) (2014) 47 - 55. 

2023, Robert Krautmann. Development of Sb2Se3 and Sb2S3 Thin Film Solar Cells by Close-Spaced Sublimation. Supervisors: Nicolae Spalatu, Ilona Oja Acik.

2023,  Jekaterina Sydorenko. Development of Spray-Pyrolysis – Synthesised TiO2 Thin Films for Photocatalytic Degradation of Volatile Organic Compounds in Air. Supervisors: Ilona Oja Acik, Marina Kritševskaja

2022, Zengjun Chen. Development of ZnO Nanorod and NiO Thin Film Based Materials for Photocatalytic Applications. Supervisors: Malle Krunks, Tatjana Dedova.

2022, Jako Siim Eensalu. Deposition of Sb2S3 Thin Films by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis for Photovoltaic Applications. Supervisors: Malle Krunks, Ilona Oja Acik.

2021, Ibrahim Dündar. TiO2 Thin Films by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis for Photocatalytic Air-Cleaning Applications. Supervisors: Ilona Oja Acik, Malle Krunks, Atanas Katerski.

2020, Abayomi Titilope Oluwabi, High-κ Metal Oxide Thin Film by Chemical Spray Pyrolysis: From Optimization of Material Properties to Application in Thin Film Transistor. Supervisors: Ilona Oja Acik, Malle Krunks, Arvo Mere.

2018, Inga Gromõko. ZnO Nanostructured Layers by Wet Chemical Deposition Methods: Growth, Surface Properties, Photocatalytic Capability. Supervisors: Tatjana Dedova, Malle Krunks, Ilona Oja Acik. 

2018, Svetlana Polivtseva. Tin Sulfide Films by Chemical Spray Pyrolysis: Formation and Properties. Supervisors: Malle Krunks; Ilona Oja Acik, Atanas Katerski.

2017, Merike Kriisa. Study of ZnO:In, Zn(O,S) and Sb2S3 Thin Films Deposited by Aerosol Methods. Supervisors: Malle Krunks, Ilona Oja Acik.

2017, Nicolae Spalatu. Development of CdTe Absorber Layer for Thin-Film Solar Cells. Supervisors: Jaan Hiie; Malle Krunks, Valdek Mikli.

2015, Natalia Maticiuc. Mechanism of changes in the properties of chemically deposited CdS thin films induced by thermal annealing. Supervisors: Jaan Hiie, Tamara Potlog.

2014, Erki Kärber. Properties of ZnO-nanorod/In2S3/CuInS2 Solar Cell and the Constituent Layers Deposited by Chemical Spray Method. Supervisor: Malle Krunks, Arvo Mere.

2012, Kairi Otto. Deposition of In2S3 Thin Films by Chemical Spray Pyrolysis. Supervisor: Malle Krunks.

2011, Atanas Katerski. Chemical Composition of Sprayed Copper Indium Disulfide Films for Nanostructured Solar Cells. Supervisor: Malle Krunks.

2007, Tatjana Dedova. Chemical Spray Pyrolysis Deposition of Zinc Sulfide Thin Films and Zinc Oxide Nanostructured Layers. Supervisor: Malle Krunks.

2007, Ilona Oja Açik. Sol-Gel Deposition of Titanium Dioxide Films. Supervisor: Malle Krunks.

2006, Arvo Mere. Structural and Electrical Properties of Spray Deposited Copper Indium Disulphide Films for Solar Cells. Supervisor: Malle Krunks.

2004, Olga Kijatkina. Deposition of Copper Indium Disulphide Films by Chemical Spray Pyrolysis. Supervisor: Malle Krunks.

2021, Madhawa Basnayaka, Post deposition annealing effect on properties of chemically deposited CdS films and performance of Cds/Sb2Se3 solar cells. Supervisor: Nicolae Spalatu

2021, Mykhailo Koltsov, Effect of TiO2 annealing conditions on the performance of antimony selenide thin film solar cell. Supervisors: Nicolae Spalatu, Atanas Parashkevov Katerski

2021, Tero Tuomas Lahtinen, Encapsulation of yttrium oxyhydride with thin film of Al2O3 or TiO2 grown by atomic layer deposition. Supervisors:  Merike Kriisa, Smagul Karazhanov

2021, Oluwatobi Moses Olowosokedile, Encapsulation of yttrium oxyhydride with TiO2 thin films deposited by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. Supervisors:  Merike Kriisa, Smagul Karazhanov

2020, Kaur Ots, Development of solar panels for marine applications. Supervisors: Arvo Mere, Ander Pukk (Naps Solar OÜ)

2020, Sepideh Safdari, Development of Sb2S3 thin film absorber by close-spaced sublimation for thin film solar cells applications. Supervisors: Nicolae Spalatu, Robert Krautmann

2020, Amirhossein Palizgar, Optimization of Sb2Se3 thin film absorber growth protocol and its application in solar cells. Supervisors: Nicolae Spalatu, Atanas Katerski

2020, Richard Chinedu Chukwu, Study on the photocatalytic activity of hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods on the degradation of different dye pollutants. Supervisor: Tatjana Dedova

2020, Siddharth Ashok Kumar, Sb2S3 thin films from an alternative metal organic precursor by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. Supervisor: Jako Siim Eensalu

2020, Dmitri Ivanov, Gas-phase photocatalytic activity of spray-pyrolysis-synthesized TiO2 thin films modified by increased amount of acetylacetone in precursor solution. Supervisors: Marina Kritsevskaja, Jekaterina Spiridonova

2019, Nwadialor Vivian Nwaokolo. Spray deposition of tin (IV) oxide thin films for photovoltaic applications (Tinaoksiidi õhukesed kiled pihustuspürolüüsi meetodil päikesepatareidele). Supervisor: Atanas Parashkevov Katerski

2019, Robert Krautmann. Development of Sb2Se3 thin film solar cells by close-spaced sublimation. Supervisors: Nicolae Spalatu, Ilona Oja Açik.

2019, Khalil Omotosho. Spray deposited aluminum oxide thin films for electronic applications. Supervisors: Abayomi Titilope Oluwabi, Ilona Oja Açik.

2018, Ikechukwu Okpara. Deposition and properties of ZnS:Mn thin films and nanostructured layers by spray pyrolysis. Supervisors: Tatjana Dedova, Inga Gromõko.

2018, Jude Awele Okolie. Deposition and Properties of MoO3 for hybrid solar cells. Supervisor: Atanas Katerski.

2018, Kirill Balmassov. Gold nanoparticles decorated ZnO nanostructured layers by hydrothermal growth for photocatalytic applications. Supervisors: Tatjana Dedova, Atanas Katerski.

2018, Zengjun Chen. TiO2 thin films by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. Supervisors: Ilona Oja Acik, Ibrahim Dündar.

2017, Marvin Üürike. Impact of CdS impurities on the performance of CdTe based solar cell. Supervisors: Natalia Maticiuc, Nicolae Spalatu, Jaan Hiie.

2017, Jako Siim Eensalu. Study of ZnO:Al Thin Films Deposited by Chemical Spray. Supervisors: Malle Krunks; Inga Gromõko.

2016, Ibrahim Dündar. Nb doped TiO2 thin films by chemical spray pyrolysis. Supervisors: Ilona Oja Acik, Atanas Katerski.

2016, Abayomi Titilope Oluwabi. Zirconium doped titanium dioxide thin films by chemical spray pyrolysis. Supervisors: Ilona Oja Acik, Albert Owino Juma.

2015, Tarmo Unt. Structural, optical and electrical properties of NiO thin films prepared by chemical spray pyrolysis. Supervisors: Arvo Mere, Erki Kärber.

2015, Mart Kukk. Semiconductor films' thickness measurement and mapping using spectroscopic reflectometer. Supervisors: Erki Kärber, Arvo Mere.

2014, Inga Gromõko, ZnO nanostructured layers by wet-chemical deposition methods. Supervisors: Tatjana Dedova, Malle Krunks.

2014, Gboyega Nathaniel Oyekoya. Chemical spray deposition of Au-nanoparticles and TiO2:Au films. Supervisors: Ilona Oja Acik, Atanas Katerski.

2013, Jaanika Soon, NiO thin films by chemical spray pyrolysis. Supervisor: Malle Krunks.

2012, Merike Kriisa. Deposition of ZnO and ZnO:In thin films by chemical spray on glass and polymeric substrates. Supervisor: Malle Krunks.

2012, Agne Junolainen, Ultra-thin and doped TiO2 films by spray pyrolysis method. Supervisors: Ilona Oja Acik, Malle Krunks.

2012, Aleksadr Graf. A Study of the Temperature Dependence of Electrophysical Properties of CdS Thin Films. Supervisors: Jaan Hiie, Aleksei Gavrilov.

2010, Natalia Maticiuc, Obtinerea si studierea proprietatilor fizice ale straturilor subtiri de CdS depuse prin CBD (Obtaining and physical properties study of CBD CdS thin films). Supervisors:  Jaan Hiie, Tamara Potlog.

2009, Erki Kärber. Electrical parameters of thin films by Van der Pauw - Hall and Kelvin probe methods. Supervisor: Arvo Mere.

2009, Federico Quinci, Ottimizzazione delle proprieta' elettriche di film sottili in solfuro di cadmio (cds) per applicazioni fotovoltaiche (Optimization of the electrical properties of cadmium sulphide (CdS) thin films for photovoltaic applications.). Supervisor: Jaan Hiie.

2007, Katri Muska. Influence of bath composition and annealing on the properties of CdS films deposited from chloride solution. Supervisor: Jaan Hiie.

2007, Jelena Klauson. ZnO thin films by continous and pulsed spray methods. Supervisor: Malle Krunks.

2003, Ilona Oja. TiO2 thin films by sol gel process. Supervisor: Malle Krunks.

2001, Helen Rebane. CuInS2 õhukesed kiled keemilise pihustamise meetodil. Supervisor: Malle Krunks.

2000, Olga Bijakina. ZnO thin films by chemical spray pyrolysis. Supervisor: Malle Krunks.