Nanotechnology for a sustainable future

Significant research by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doğa Kavaz on sustainability 

Department of Bioengineering Lecturer Assoc. Prof. Dr Doğa Kavaz of Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Engineering, speaking at the International Symposium on Dielectric Materials and Applications (ISyDMA 8) held in Orlando, USA, pointed out that biomaterials synthesized using nanotechnology pave the way for technological developments that provide new opportunities in sustainability.
Stating that ISyDMA is an international symposium organized regularly every year since 2016 at different locations around the world (Morocco, Romania, Jordan, France, Poland, USA, etc.), Kavaz said, “The conference is an opportunity to develop new ideas and collaborations. In addition to providing information, it also allows one to be informed about the latest research trends in the fields of dielectrics, nanodielectrics and advanced materials and their numerous applications." 
Kavaz presented his work titled "Green Synthesis and Doping Strategies for Advanced ZnO Photocatalysts: Sustainable Approaches for Solar Paint Improvement" at the conference where researchers and academicians from many countries around the world were in attendance.
Underlining that all experiments used in the study were carried out in CIU laboratories, Kavaz noted that he tried to develop sustainable and efficient ZnO photocatalysts through the green synthesis approach (made using plants such as wild mint, mountain thyme, etc. specific to the TRNC) and advanced doping strategies for the improvement of dyes with solar energy.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kavaz also emphasized that the study combined environmentally friendly methods to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles and investigated the synergistic effects of additives to increase visible light absorption and improve charge carrier dynamics.
Stating that the research combined green chemistry, material science and environmental engineering principles to contribute to the development of environmentally friendly and effective photocatalytic technologies for paint degradation, Kavaz stated that this environmentally friendly method prevents harmful chemicals and increases the safety of nanoparticle destruction.