What & Where?
SurfUP (Surface-modified mono- and trimetallic zeolitic imidazolate frameworks: a unique platform for adsorption-enhanced photocatalysis) is a collaborative Croatian-Slovenian research project focused on the design of innovative photocatalytic materials. Research activities are carried out within a virtual research unit connecting the Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb, the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Chemistry, and the University of Ljubljana – Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology.
How?
The SurfUP project (IP-2026-8015) is supported by the Croatian Science Foundation (CSF) through a three-year grant of €150,000 (1 November 2026 – 30 October 2029). The project is coordinated at the Ruđer Bošković Institute, which ensures full administrative, organizational, and research infrastructure support throughout its duration.
Who?
The SurfUP project is led by Dr Aleksandar Višnjevac (Croatian team) and Prof. Anton Meden (Slovenian team). The Croatian team includes Dr Zoran Štefanić, Dr Ana Šantić (Ruđer Bošković Institute), Dr Mirjana Bijelić (University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science), Prof. Tamara Todorović and Andrej Milivojac (University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry). The Slovenian team comprises Prof. Jakob Kljun and Prof. Marta Počkaj (University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology), and will be further strengthened by the recruitment of a PhD student during the project period.
To which purpose?
To develop and structurally validate a new generation of surface-modified mono- and trimetallic ZIF photocatalysts for the efficient removal of antibiotics and textile dyes from water. The project aims to establish quantitative structure-property relationships and predictive design rules for high-performance photocatalytic materials.
Why?
SurfUP will deliver the first atomic-resolution structures of trimetallic, surface-modified ZIFs and provide a rational framework for designing next-generation photocatalysts. By enabling more effective removal of emerging water pollutants, the project will contribute to combating water contamination and antimicrobial resistance while strengthening regional scientific collaboration and researcher training.