PhD Student Valdinei Liber de Faria from Brazil Conducts Research at FunGlass

Valdinei Liber de Faria, a PhD student from Brazil, joined FunGlass as a visiting researcher from University of São Paulo. His research focuses on luminescent composites of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), with particular interest in the development of advanced materials for photonic applications.

During his stay at FunGlass, Valdinei worked on the project entitled “Luminescent glass composites based on RE doped upconversion nanoparticles impregnated in zeolitic imidazolate frameworks.” The project is dedicated to the development of composites based on glassy MOFs incorporated with upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), aiming to explore their potential use in photonic sensors and light-emitting devices. Owing to their relatively low processing temperatures, MOFs represent promising matrix materials for the incorporation of nanostructures such as UCNPs, enabling the preparation of advanced luminescent composites with enhanced optical functionalities.

His research activities at FunGlass were supervised by Assoc. Prof. José Joaquín Velázquez García and Dr. Surjyakanta Rana, while the project also involved collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Róbert Klement and Dr. Michal Žitňan.

Reflecting on his experience at FunGlass Valdinei highlighted:

“During my stay at FunGlass, I had the opportunity to experience what it is like to work in a place driven entirely by research. In every meeting and even in small talks in the corridors, the exchange of ideas was always stimulating and enjoyable.

The administrative staff were always helpful and available whenever assistance was needed. The Centre offers a great international environment, with researchers and students from many different countries. This created not only valuable scientific exchange but also pleasant cultural interactions and friendships, both professionally and personally.

I also enjoyed spending time with the hiking group and discovering the beautiful nature around Trenčín. I hope we will have the opportunity to meet again in the future. Thank you, FunGlass, for this wonderful experience.”