Prof. Dr. Renato Tomaš – Physical Chemistry – Chemical Thermodynamics Award

Prof. Dr. Renato Tomaš – Physical Chemistry – Chemical Thermodynamics Award

University of Split, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, Department of Physical Chemistry, Croatia

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👨‍🔬 Work Experience

Prof. Dr. Renato Tomaš is currently serving as a Full Professor of Physical Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, a position he has held since 2025. Prior to this, he served as an Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry at the same institution from 2014 to 2025. He has demonstrated strong leadership skills as the Head of the Department of Physical Chemistry during two terms, from 2007 to 2009 and again from 2011 to 2013. His journey in academia began with a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences – Chemistry, awarded by the University of Split in 2002. Over the years, Prof. Tomaš has become a highly respected scholar and educator in the field of physical chemistry, contributing both in teaching and in extensive scientific research.

🔬 Research Experience and Fields of Work

Prof. Tomaš’s primary research focus lies in the domain of solution chemistry and supramolecular chemistry. Within solution chemistry, he investigates areas such as the thermodynamics of electrochemical reactions, metal-ligand complex formation, association reactions of electrolytes, and the determination of limiting molar conductivities of ions. His studies also explore viscosity and density of electrolyte solutions, with special emphasis on ion-ion and ion-solvent interactions. In the growing field of ionic liquids, he has contributed significantly to understanding their properties and interactions. Furthermore, his work in supramolecular chemistry, especially on the thermodynamics of calixarene chemistry, reflects his deep commitment to advancing knowledge in the physical behavior of complex chemical systems.

📚 Teaching Experience

With decades of teaching experience, Prof. Tomaš has played a crucial role in shaping future generations of chemists. He is a dedicated lecturer of Selected Topics in Physical Chemistry of Environmental Systems to Ph.D. students, and he teaches Physical Chemistry to undergraduate and graduate students in various fields, including chemistry, chemical technology, pharmacy, and biology and chemistry. He has also served as a seminar teacher and laboratory instructor, guiding students in core courses like Physical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry of Electrolyte Solutions, and Elements of Physical Chemistry for professional chemical technology studies. His ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively has earned him high regard among both students and colleagues.

🌍 International Training and Professional Visits

Throughout his career, Prof. Tomaš has taken part in several short-term international visits aimed at teaching and research collaboration, particularly through the Erasmus+ program. In 2022, he visited the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia, for a teaching exchange. In 2021 and 2015, he visited the University of Lodz, Poland, for Erasmus+ teaching and staff training mobility, respectively. In 2012, he completed a research-oriented visit at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, where he studied the viscosity of electrolyte solutions. His four-month visit in 2008 to the University of Zagreb, Croatia, focused on the thermodynamics of calixarene chemistry. These visits have enriched his expertise and expanded his collaborative research network.

🧪 Experimental Methods Used

Prof. Tomaš applies a range of experimental techniques in his research, including potentiometry, conductometry, viscometry, densitometry, and UV/VIS spectrometry. These methods enable him to carry out detailed studies on chemical interactions in solution and contribute valuable insights into the thermodynamic behavior of electrolytes and supramolecular systems.

🧑‍🔬 Research Projects

Prof. Tomaš has participated in and led several important research projects throughout his career. Notably, he was involved in a series of MZOS-funded projects on the properties of electrolytes in mixed solvents from 1994 to 2013, under the guidance of renowned Croatian chemists. He was a Croatian member of the COST Action CM1206 (EXIL: Exchange on Ionic Liquids) from 2016 to 2017 and led the project COST-STSM-CM1206-32790, which explored molecular interactions of imidazolium chloride ionic liquids in water. He also contributed to the HRZZ-funded project “SUPRACAR” (2015–2019), which focused on the development of supramolecular receptors, and to “MAKROSOL” (2019–2024), which investigated coordination reactions of macrocyclic ligands. Currently, he is a member of the NECTAR (Network for Equilibria and Chemical Thermodynamics Advanced Research), COST Action CA18202, from 2021 to 2024.

🤝 Memberships and Affiliations

Prof. Tomaš is an active member of various professional and academic organizations. These include the Croatian Society of Chemists and Engineers, the Croatian Chemical Society, and the Almae Matris Alumni Chemico-Technologicae Facultatis Spalatensis. His involvement in these societies reflects his dedication to professional development, scientific collaboration, and the advancement of chemistry in Croatia and beyond.

Publications Top Noted📝


📝Interactions in aqueous solutions of imidazolium chloride ionic liquids [Cnmim][Cl] (n = 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8) from volumetric properties, viscosity B-coefficients and molecular …

Authors: Renato Tomaš, Aleksandar Tot, Jure Kuhar, Marija Bešter-Rogač

Journal: Journal of Molecular Liquids

Year: 2018


📝Fluorescent phenanthridine-based calix[4]arene derivatives: synthesis and thermodynamic and computational studies of their complexation with alkali-metal cations

Authors: Marina Tranfić Bakić, Dijana Jadreško, Tomica Hrenar, Gordan Horvat, Josip Požar, Nives Galić, Vesna Sokol, Renato Tomaš, Sulejman Alihodžić, Mladen Žinić, Leo Frkanec, Vladislav Tomišić

Journal: RSC Advances

Year: 2015


📝Thermodynamics of the Association Reaction of Li⁺ and Br⁻ Ions in 2-Butanol + Water Mixtures from Conductivity Measurements

Authors: Vesna Sokol, Ivo Tominić, Renato Tomaš, Marija Višić

Journal: Croatica Chemica Acta

Year: 2005


📝Synthesis and cation binding properties of fluorescent calix[4]arene derivatives bearing tryptophan units at the lower rim

Authors: Nives Galić, Nataša Burić, Renato Tomaš, Leo Frkanec, Vladislav Tomišić

Journal: Supramolecular Chemistry

Year: 2011


📝Viscosity B-Coefficient for Sodium Chloride in Aqueous Mixtures of 1,4-Dioxane at Different Temperatures

Authors: Renato Tomaš, Toni Jovanović, Marija Bešter-Rogač

Journal: Acta Chimica Slovenica

Year: 2015

Dr. Z’hen’yan Xia – Physical Chemistry- Best Researcher Award

Dr. Z’hen’yan Xia – Physical Chemistry- Best Researcher Award

Tianjin University – China

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🏆 Academic Achievements

Dr. Xia has served as the Principal Investigator (PI) for multiple projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation, reflecting his leadership in cutting-edge research. His work has been published in prestigious scientific journals, including Physics of Fluids, Computational Materials Science, and Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, showcasing his contributions to the field.

🌀 Areas of Expertise

Dr. Z’hen’yan Xia specializes in Fluid Mechanics, Molecular Dynamics, Physical Analytical Chemistry, and Advanced Materials. His work combines both theoretical research and engineering applications, pushing the boundaries of fluid flow control and molecular interactions at macro and nanoscale levels.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Xia’s research focuses on two primary areas. The first is turbulent flow control and fluid instability, where he conducts theoretical research and engineering applications aimed at improving fluid flow efficiency in various engineering systems. His second area of focus is the molecular dynamics of fluid-micronano structures, where he explores the fundamental interactions between fluids and micronano surfaces, optimizing fluid behavior at microscopic levels.

🚀 Research Innovations

Reducing the contact time between liquid droplets and solid surfaces is a crucial challenge in many engineering applications. While extensive studies have been conducted on droplet impact mechanisms, there is still a lack of systematic research on nanodroplet behavior on superhydrophobic surfaces with square ridges. Dr. Xia’s research addresses this gap by investigating nanodroplet interactions on both superhydrophobic planes and structured surfaces. His findings reveal that when nanodroplets impact a superhydrophobic plane, the droplet contraction time determines the total contact time. However, when nanodroplets impact superhydrophobic surfaces with square ridges, the critical factor influencing contact time is the detachment time as the droplet lifts off. Additionally, his research highlights that nanodroplets exhibit stronger adhesion to solid surfaces compared to larger droplets and are also more resistant to deformation and splitting, a characteristic not commonly observed in macroscopic droplets. Dr. Xia introduces the critical rebound Weber number (We) to evaluate how square ridges enhance droplet rebound performance. His study demonstrates that a moderate increase in ridge height helps in reducing contact time, while narrower ridges are more effective in minimizing contact duration and facilitating droplet splitting.

Notable Publications📄


📄An analysis of the contact time of nanodroplets impacting superhydrophobic surfaces with square ridges
  • Authors: HuaiYing Shi, XuanQiang Hou, HaiJue Xu, YuChuan Bai, ZhenYan Xia

  • Journal: Computational Materials Science

  • Year: 2024

📄Experimental investigation of the impact of viscous droplets on superamphiphobic surfaces
  • Authors: Yaolin Tai, Haijue Xu, Yuchuan Bai, Linan Li, Shibin Wang, Zhenyan Xia

  • Journal: Physics of Fluids

  • Year: 2022

📄Research on the contact time of a bouncing microdroplet with lattice Boltzmann method
  • Authors: Yaolin Tai, Yang Zhao, Xinyu Guo, Linan Li, Shibin Wang, Zhenyan Xia

  • Journal: Physics of Fluids

  • Year: 2021

Prof Dr. Liubov Safonova, Physical Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Liubov Safonova, Physical Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Liubov Safonova, Institute of Solution Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia

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🎓Educational Background 

Liubov P. Safonova completed her undergraduate studies in chemistry at the Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Ivanovo State University of Chemistry and Technology in 1975, earning her Dipl.Chem. degree. This educational foundation in inorganic chemistry established her for a prolific scientific career.

🔬Scientific Experience and Career Milestones 

1975-1978: Safonova began her professional journey as a Scientific Associate and Research Assistant at Ivanovo State University of Chemistry and Technology, where she gained valuable early career experience.

1978-1981: During her graduate studies at the same institution, she conducted significant research that led to her PhD and the award of the academic degree of Candidate of Chemical Sciences in 1981.

1981-1984: She continued her scientific contributions as an Associate Researcher, expanding her expertise in solution chemistry.

1984-1998: Her promotion to Senior Researcher marked the start of over a decade of leadership in research projects, solidifying her status as an expert in coordination chemistry.

1998-Present: Since 1998, Safonova has held the prestigious position of Chief Researcher. That same year, she earned the Doctor of Chemical Sciences degree, recognizing her immense contributions to the field. In 2007, she was awarded the academic rank of professor, further confirming her stature as a top scientist.

🌟Professional Contributions and Leadership 

Liubov P. Safonova has been actively involved in editorial and organizational roles within the scientific community. She serves on the editorial board of the esteemed Russian academic book series, “Problems of Solution Chemistry”, and is a key member of the organizing committee for notable events such as the International Conference of Chemical Thermodynamics in Russia and the International Chugaev Conference on Coordination Chemistry (2011). Her ongoing engagement with these events underscores her dedication to the advancement of chemical sciences globally.

Publications Top Noted📄

Zwitterionic and vinyl-N-imidazolium ionic liquids

Authors: Shmukler, L.E., Fadeeva, Y.A., Gruzdev, M.S., Van Thuc, N., Safonova, L.P.
Journal: Journal of Molecular Liquids
Year: 2024

Structure of Propyl-, Dipropyl-, and Tripropylammonium Mesylates According to the Molecular Dynamics Data

Authors: Fedorova, I.V., Krest’yaninov, M.A., Safonova, L.P.
Journal: Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry A
Year: 2024

New PBI Membranes Doped with Methyl-Imidazolium Triflate Protic Ionic Liquid

Authors: Fadeeva, Y.A., Kuzmin, S.M., Shmukler, L.E., Safonova, L.P.
Journal: Polymer Science – Series A
Year: 2024

Combined Computational and Experimental Studies of Tripropylammonium 2-Sulfobenzoate Protic Ionic Liquid

Authors: Fedorova, I.V., Shmukler, L.E., Fadeeva, Y.A., Krestyaninov, M.A., Safonova, L.P.
Journal: Structural Chemistry
Year: 2024

Effects of Non-Specific and Specific Solvation on Structure of Tripropylammonium-Based Protic Ionic Liquids: Insight from Computational Modeling

Authors: Fedorova, I.V., Krestyaninov, M.A., Safonova, L.P.
Journal: Journal of Molecular Liquids
Year: 2023