Young scientists from St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technology and Design have returned from Shenyang Normal University (China), where they attended a seasonal school on efficient and low-carbon use of oil and gas resources.
The training took place at the University College of Chemical and Chemical Engineering in a program aimed at scientists and students conducting research in the field of materials science and chemical engineering.
The educational program was devoted to the prospects for the development of the oil and gas industry and solving problems in the context of the global energy transition. The delegates presented the results of their own scientific work to their Chinese colleagues and outlined plans for a partnership in the field of scientific communication.
"The electron microscopy laboratory aroused great interest, where we had the opportunity to work on a transmission electron microscope. It allows us to study the structure of materials at the nanometer level — tens of thousands of times smaller than the thickness of a human hair. In this laboratory, a microscope is used to analyze the atomic structure of catalysts. The internship has become a valuable experience for me, both scientifically and personally. I gained new knowledge, worked in modern laboratories and discussed my scientific topic with foreign colleagues. This is an important step forward in the development of my project and academic career," said Alla Spiridonova, a graduate student at the Department of Engineering Chemistry and Industrial Ecology at St. Petersburg State University.
The theoretical part of the course and lectures were devoted to molecular modeling, photosensitive nanomaterials, methods of direct mass spectral analysis and sustainable organic synthesis. Ƶ scientists have adopted the scientific experience of their Chinese colleagues in the field of catalysis, sorption materials and environmentally friendly technologies directly in the laboratories of adsorption, spectral, thermal analysis, as well as in the laboratory of electron microscopy.
"We have studied the work of scientific laboratories in terms of fundamental research, such as ion scattering spectroscopy to determine the composition and structure of individual atomic layers, as well as Raman spectroscopy. These methods are usually used in chemistry to obtain structural "fingerprints" of substances that can be used to identify molecules. We studied the experience of colleagues in conducting thermal analysis combined with infrared spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy to obtain spectra and determine the type of thermal decomposition products. In addition, it was interesting to have equipment for determining the porous structure of nanomaterials by nitrogen cryosorption, an X—ray fluorescence spectrometer designed for element analysis, as well as liquid chromatography to identify and quantify components of complex mixtures, such as the composition of organic compounds," says senior lecturer at the Department of Nanostructured, Fibrous and Composite Materials named after A. I. Meos. Ƶ Vadim Martsenyuk.
Young Ƶ scientists were invited to a meeting with the leadership of the College of Chemical and Chemical Engineering, where they discussed the prospects for international grants, academic exchange and joint research. International exchange is not only a step towards professional growth, but also a contribution to the development of science without borders.
"Lectures were presented on modern approaches to optimizing the properties of composite materials and methods for achieving results that previously seemed impossible, on the prospects for using photosensitive nanomaterials and their possible applications, on the development of catalysts for the direct and selective conversion of methane and other lower alkanes. This is just a part of the entire educational cycle, but each lecture was unique and informative in its own way. In addition to the lecture course, we were introduced to the university's laboratories. It was especially valuable to see modern scientific facilities and equipment that make it possible to conduct research at the highest level. We were able to make sure that the university has everything necessary to conduct high-quality, effective and relevant scientific work," said Elizaveta Mazurkevich, a graduate student at the Department of Nanostructured, Fibrous and Composite Materials named after A. I. Meos.
In addition to the rich educational part, the program included cultural events: excursions, master classes, and acquaintance with Chinese students.
"The trip to China was filled with scientific events, but besides that, I got acquainted with Chinese culture and traditions. I will remember this journey throughout my life," says Derek Kitimbo, a master's student at the Department of Organic Chemistry at Higher School of Technology and Energy of Ƶ.