Project will be continuation of research conducted in the previous period, devoted to exploring possibility of
tailoring thin film properties by structural and compositional modification, for use in photosensitive devices.
The nano-sized structures and nanocomposites with specific shape as nanotubes, nanorods and thin layers
will be investigated. For additional adjustment of properties, the surface chemistry and structure will be
modified by electrochemical etching, decoration with nanoparticles andtreatment in reactive gases.The
achievement of preferred properties targeting for the photovoltaic, sensing and photo-catalytic application will
be supported by prediction of theoretical study, based on DFT calculation of electronic structure of individual
materials and nanocomposites. The experiments on ZnO and TiO 2 , done in previous project, will be extended
on oxide materials having perovskite structures, starting with BaTiO 3 and Mn based perovskites. In further
steps, the functionality of studied thin films will be tested by integration in bi-layer and multilayer structures as
a part of photosensitive device.

For preparation and modification of thin films, various physical and chemical methods will be used. Their
structural and functional properties will be determined by using standardtechniques and correlated with
parameters of formation, enabling better insight into the processes relevant for the thin film growth. The
obtained experimental data, combined with theoretical predictions based on DFT calculations, will lead to
better understanding of the influence of composition and nanostructure on macroscopic properties. It will
enable the evaluation of possibilities of using applied approaches for improving properties of photovoltaics,
photo-catalysts and sensors.The results will be published in the high ranking journals in the field of material
science.
Project will be partially devoted to education of the graduate and PhD students implying new careers
development.