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Chemistry and Chemical Technologies
Doctoral Programme,
Faculty of Chemical Technology
The study programme aims at the scientific education of graduates based on their quality theoretical knowledge and previous knowledge experience with independent solution of partial research problems in the field of applied chemistry and chemical technology. Students extend their theoretical knowledge of chemistry, physical chemistry and chemical engineering. This knowledge is further developed by means of independent professional work in the field of chemical technology, which enables the students to deepen theoretical knowledge and to gain experience with the application in implementation-specific technological projects. The scientific education itself also includes a complex research project related to chemical technology, which leads to obtaining the original published knowledge of a general nature. Students taking part in elective courses and implementing their own research projects specialise in inorganic and organic technology, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, photocatalysis, heterogeneous non-catalysed reactions, membrane processes, technical electrochemistry, chemical specialties and hydrogen technologies. Graduates of the doctoral study are ready to find employment in the design and optimization of chemical technologies in leading positions in companies engaged in the production or processing of chemicals, in research and development institutions, in state administration and in companies linked to technical chemistry, e.g., civil engineering and automotive industry. CareersA graduate of the programme is fully qualified to occupy a leading position in the field of design, development and optimization of chemical technologies as well as for the management of chemical operations, distribution and application of chemical products on the market. The graduate is able to assess the impacts of these activities on the environment and human health. He/she is also fully prepared and qualified for independent research and development activities in the field of chemical technologies using the broad theoretical basis and his/her own experience in obtaining experimental and theoretical data, their critical evaluation and processing, and drawing conclusions of a general nature. Programme Details
Ph.D. topics for study year 2025/26Two-dimensional materials as a catalytic support for metal nanoparticles
AnnotationTwo-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit increased catalytic activity in 2D material-supported metallic nanoparticles compared to their bulk counterparts. The increase in activity attributes to specific 2D support-nanoparticle interactions. The thesis focuses on the nanohybrid (2D support-nanoparticle) preparation by various routes, including both the metal introduction after the exfoliation and simultaneous exfoliation and metal deposition. An inherent part of the thesis is a complex and correlated spectroscopic and microscopic characterization of the prepared nanohybrids. Then the final output will be a relation between the synthetic route, material texture, and catalytic performance in model reactions like selective hydrogenations, oxidations, and C-C coupling.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Organic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Electrochemical synthesis of hypervalent iodine compounds as highly selective organic oxidants
AnnotationA highly selective oxidations of organic compounds belongs, especially in the case of highly added value products, among highly attractive processes. At present, such conversions are usually achieved using oxidation agents based on often toxic transition metals such as Cr(VI), Mn(VII), Ru(VI) či Os(VIII). An interesting „green“ alternatives to these oxidants represent benign hypervalent iodine based organic oxidation agents. The work will be focused on investigation of electrochemical behaviour of these compounds and their precursors. A motivation of the work is to use electrochemical oxidation for the production of hypervalent iodine oxidants allowing their application as industrial scale.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Electrochemical methods for process water treatment
AnnotationElectrochemical methods are suitable for water treatment due its simplicity and high efficiency. Main disadvantage is usually high price. Therefore electrochemical methods are used in the case of water of high salinity or otherwise contaminated. This is not possible to be treated by biochemical methods. Application of individual method has to be evaluated with respect to the direct process water composition.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Water electrolysis as a hydrogen source for the energetics
AnnotationWater electrolysis represents an important part of the hydrogen economy considered nowadays as a promissing approach to the future securing of the human society with electrical energy. Industrial water electrolysis processes established today suffer from several disadvantages when considering its application in the field of energetics. It is mainly its low efficiency and flexibility. Therefore, this process is a subject of interest of numerous research laboratories arround the globe. Electrode reaction kinetics, suitable polymer electrolytes and overall process design represent the main issues studied. Corrosion stability of the individual construction materials is also an issue.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Photoelectrochemical removal of pollutants and hydrogen generation from water using solar light
AnnotationProduction of hydrogen as an alternative energy source/carrier is becoming recently very important and intensively studied process. One of the promising options is direct production of hydrogen from water via solar light. Very important process is also removal of persistent pollutants in waters by advanced oxidation processes, one of them is photo-electrochemical oxidation. The topic of the present thesis is the preparation of semiconductor photoanodes and photocathodes (eg. WO3, BiVO4, CuO, CuFeO2, atd.) for photo-electrochemical water splitting or photo-electrochemical removal of persistent pollutants. Different methods of preparation (aerosol pyrolysis, spray pyrolysis, etc. ) will be used and the resulting films will be characterised (XRD, GDS, UV-VIS, BET, SEM) and their photo-electrochemical properties (open circuit potential, photocurrent, IPCE) evaluated. The attention will be given to the influence of composition, crystalline phase, layer thickness and porosity. The best photoanode and photocathode layers will be applied in the tandem solar photo-electrochemical cell and its efficiency for water decomposition to hydrogen and oxygen by sunlight will be determined.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Photoelectrochemical systems for conversion of solar light
AnnotationA photoelectric chemical system involving a photoanode, photocathode, membrane and suitable ox/red couple allows the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy. The theme of this thesis is the investigation of possible systems for solar energy conversion with a focus on suitable photoanode and photocathode materials and their combination with suitable electrolytes. Part of the work will be the preparation of selected photoanode or photocathode materials (e.g. Fe2O3, ZnO, WO3, BiVO4, CuO, CuFeO2, etc.) and investigation of their behaviour during long-term photoelectric polarization. Different methods of preparation (aerosol pyrolysis, spray pyrolysis, etc. ) will be used and the resulting films will be characterised (XRD, GDS, UV-VIS, BET, SEM) and their photo-electrochemical properties (open circuit potential, photocurrent, IPCE) evaluated. The attention will be given to the influence of composition, doping, crystalline phase, layer thickness and porosity.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Catalytic transformation of methane to higher value products
AnnotationThe high attention on the processes of transformation of methane (C2, C3 hydrocarbons eventually) from natural gas or biogas to higher value products is paid at present time. The processes such as non-oxidative catalytic methane aromatization, selective oxidation to methanol or dimethyl ether are used. The suitable catalyst for chosen process will be developed. The effect of the reaction conditions, catalyst carrier and formation of active phase on catalyst on the methane conversion, catalyst stability and yield of products will be studied.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Catalysts for alkaline energy conversion devices
AnnotationAlkaline energy conversion technologies represent one of the promising ways to increase the utilization of the installed renewable sources of energy. The advantage of the alkaline technologies lies in the possibility to avoid the necessity of the utilization of the Pt-group metals as catalysts for electrode reactions. On the other hand, the intensity of these technologies is generally lower when compare to alternatives. This work focuses on the synthesis and optimization of the new catalysts, their testing using standard procedures and under the real conditions of the energy conversion devices.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Catalysts for the oxidation of volatile organic compounds
AnnotationVolatile organic compounds (VOC) are one of the main contributors to air pollution. They are precursors of photochemical smog (ground-level ozone) and very efficient greenhouse gases (up to 11 times more effective compared to CO2). Furthermore, they are detrimental not only to the environment but also to human health due to their harmful properties (toxic, malodorous, mutagenic, and carcinogenic). Therefore, increasingly strict regulations are being put in place worldwide in order to reduce VOC emissions into the atmosphere. VOCs are emitted from thousands of different sources, such as chemical plants, petroleum refineries, power plants, paint industry, gas stations, dry cleaners, etc. In the industry, the old thermal incineration units are retrofitted with catalytic oxidation technology, which is a green and cost-effective method for the abatement of VOC emissions. The aim of the thesis is the development of new catalysts for VOC oxidation. The activity and selectivity of the prepared catalysts in the oxidation of model VOCs will be correlated with their physicochemical properties in order to identify the factors important for their efficiency. Required education and skills: • Master's degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, organic technology, chemical physics or similar; • willingness to do experimental work and learn new things, team work ability.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS
Mathematical modelling of the electrochemical systems
AnnotationMathematical modeling represents an extraordinary powerful tool for deeper understanding of the electrochemical units function and their subsequent optimization. Within the framework of this project the attention will focus on the mathematical description of the local transport of electric current, mass or heat etc. in electrochemical and electromembrane systems (fuel cells, PEM electrolysis, electrodialysis, solid-oxide high temperature electrolysis) and investigation of mechanism and kinetics of electrochemical reactions. The models formulated on the base of PDE equations will be implemented to simulate systems with a practical impact.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Mathematical modelling of chemical and membrane processes using universal simulation programs
AnnotationUniversal simulation programs introduce a tool suitable for design of new and optimization of existing industrial technologies. In the frame of this work the static and dynamic models of selected advanced membrane and/or chemical technologies or their parts will be developed using universal simulation programs. By the help of them and computer experiment the behavior of these technologies will be studied. Verification of developed models by experimental data will be implemented. Aim of the work is the improvement of economic and ecological technological parameters. The universal simulation programs from Aspen Technology will be used preferentially.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Membrane separations of highly concentrated solutions
AnnotationMembrane separations are widely used especially in the water treatment processes. Another key application is in the field of chemical industry, where concentrated solutions are mostly used. However, higher concentrations of solutions bring several problems such as back diffusion, solubility limit and membrane stability to the separation process. It is therefore necessary to understand and describe these phenomena and their influence on the membrane separation process itself to predict the long-term a behaviour of the system.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Nanostructured/ composite materials based on TiO<sub>2</sub> for photocatalytic processes in gaseous phase
AnnotationAir polution represents a significant problem which can be conveniently solved by an application of photocatalytic processes. Therefore the aim of the present thesis is the preparation of new photocatalytically active composite materials based on TiO2 and the determination of their adsorption and photocatalytic properties. Titanium dioxide nanotubes prepared by anodic oxidation show a larger active area (compared to planar samples), allowing more efficient removal of polutants from the gaseous phase. The influence of various modifications of TiO2 nanotubes and of operating parameters (flow, humidity and UV intensity) on photocatalytic efficiency will be investigated. The goal is to get the material having at the same time good adsorption properties and at the same time a high ability to remove unwanted volatile substances in the air. Part of the work will use the standard ISO tests for monitoring the kinetics of oxidation reactions (NOx, VOCs) on the surface of the prepared photocatalysts. The important part is the characterization of materials/coatings (XRD, SEM, BET, Raman spectroscopy) and further development of methods allowing the testing of functional properties of the prepared materials/coatings in air treatment.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Polymer electrolytes for energy conversion devices
AnnotationPolymer ion selective materials are well established in the many technologies including the environment protection, food industry and large scale production of the basic chemical substances. Energy conversion devices represent the recent but sharply growing field of the ion selective membrane utilization. The work is focused on the complex characterisation of the physio-chemical and electrochemical properties of the developmental ion selective polymer electrolytes.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Preparation and characterization of mixed matrix membranes for gas separation
AnnotationGas membrane separation represents one of the perspective and energy saving alternative with respect to the present separation processes (PSA, TSA etc.). In the frame of this work the mixed matrix membranes, combining the perspective properties of the both, microporous and polymeric membranes, will be prepared and characterized. The microporous material e.g. ZIF-8, silicalite-1, ETS, FAU, TS-1, AFX, MOF will be used as filler and combined with polyimide matrix. The key issue of mixed matrix membranes preparation which needs to be solved is the adhesion and interface interactions of filler and polymer because of their effects on compactness and selectivity of membrane. The aim of this study is evaluation of different possibilities of microporous and polymer phase modifications with respect to the compactness of membranes and their selectivity and permeability in selected systems of hydrocarbons, CO2 and H2.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Preparation of nanofibrous catalysts by electrospinning technique
AnnotationThe main aim of the proposed project is to assess the specific properties of the novel polymeric nanofibrous materials prepared by electrospinning in applications as effective catalyst supports. Other targets of this project will be specifically addressed to the optimization of the electrospinning process parameters concerning properties of the prepared supports, deposition of the catalytically active centers or catalyst precursors, and assessment of the effect of support microstructure on the phenomenological kinetics of model reactions. Studied model reactions will involve both reactions in gas-phase (total oxidation of volatile organic compounds) and liquid-phase (selective hydrogenation of unsaturated carbonyl compounds). Additionally, it will be investigated the possible influence of differences between the polymer surface nature of nanofibers and conventional polymeric catalyst supports on catalytic properties. Required education and skills: • Master's degree in chemical technologies, chemical engineering, or chemistry of materials; • methodical and creative approach to work; • willingness to perform experimental work and learn new issues.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS
Synthesis and chemical modification of layered materials based on Si, Ge, and Si<sub>x</sub>Ge<sub>(1-x)</sub> mixtures
AnnotationLayered low-dimensional materials are auspicious for application in all areas of nanotechnology since properties of these materials depend on the degree of exfoliation. Also, catalysis seems to be an exciting application as a superior effect of a two-dimensional (2D) support on the activity of metal nanoparticles due to specific metal-support interactions. This project is focused on preparation and chemical modification of layered materials based on Si, Ge, and SixGe(1-x) mixtures. The aim is to prepare 2D hundreds-of-micron-sized sheets and nanometer-sized quantum dots (QDs) with high optical and chemical uniformity. Functionalization of the prepared uniform low-dimensional materials allows the application of these materials in fundamental research of phenomena typical for heterogeneous catalysis: I) Study of the exclusive effect of 2D support on the enhanced activity of metal nanoparticles and II) Assessment of accessibility and interconnectivity of pores space in conventional catalysts using 0D QDs with varying size as a pore space probe.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Organic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Self-cleaning and antibacterial coating based on TiO<sub>2</sub> and ZnO
AnnotationThe main scope of this work is preparation of photocatalytic active coatings/ paints based on TiO2 a ZnO on the appropriate substrate (ceramics, glass, metals, facades, hydraulic binders) by different methods. The important part of the work is films characterization (XRD, SEM, Raman spectroscopy) and development of methods for testing photoactivity and hydrophilic and antibacterial properties of prepared layers. Studied parameters will be the methods of precursor deposition (dip-coating, spraying) and the influence of the binder in the coating and the substrate.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Investigation of water electrolysis with proton exchange membrane
AnnotationWater electrolysis represents an important part of the hydrogen economy considered nowadays as a promising approach to the future securing of the human society with electrical energy. Industrial water electrolysis processes established today suffer from several disadvantages when considering its application in the field of energetics. It is mainly its low efficiency and flexibility. Therefore, this process is a subject of interest of numerous research laboratories around the globe. Electrode reaction kinetics, suitable polymer electrolytes and overall process design represent the main issues studied. Corrosion stability of the individual construction materials and recycilng of precious metals remain also important topics.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Thin films of Metal oxide semiconductors for photoelectrochemical and sensory applications
AnnotationMetal oxide-based semiconductor films (e.g. WO3, Fe2O3, Fe2TiO5....) can be used for a number of photoelectrochemical and sensory applications. Based on the literature review, selected layers of metal oxide-based semiconductors will be prepared and their material (XRD, AFM, SEM), photoelectrochemical (photocurrent, efficiency of photon-to-electron conversion) and sensory properties (resistivity) will be characterized. The optimized films will be used as sensors for the detection of gaseous substances such as hydrogen, NO, NO2, acetaldehyde, etc.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Transformation of carbon dioxide into higher value products
AnnotationCurrently, considerable attention is paid to the transformation of carbon dioxide into products of higher utility value such as methane, light hydrocarbons, methanol and others. These include, for example, the processes of methanization, aromatization, disproportionation. At the same time, new ways of supplying energy to activate the C=O bond are being sought. In this work, a suitable catalyst for the selected process will be developed. The influence of reaction conditions, catalyst support and the procedure for forming the active phase on the achieved CO2 conversion, catalyst stability and product yields will be studied. The influence of the catalyst structure on its activity will also be studied.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
High temperature fuel cells
AnnotationHigh temperature water electrolysis represents a modern technology closely related to the optimization of operational conditions of the traditional as well as novel high capacity power sources used nowadays to the stabilization of the electricity distribution grid. Stabilization requirement is caused by the strongly increasing capacity of the unstable renewable energy sources connected to the distribution grid.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
High temperature fuel cells with proton exchange membrane
AnnotationAn attention of the numerous laboratories around a globe is focused on the issue of the PEM type fuel cells operational temperature increase above 100 ºC. The globaly accepted approach to solve this problem consists in application of basic polymers impregnated with phosphoric acid as an electrolyte and carbon supported Pt nanoparticles as an electrolyte. The main obstacle of this approach represents leaching of the phosphoric acid into the catalytic layer and its corrosion aggressivenes at the fuel cell operational conditions. Solution of this issue, together with understanding understanding of the degradation processes at elevated temperature represents basic requirement for further development and wider application of this technology in future.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Inorganic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Layered double hydroxides as sorbents for biologically active substances
AnnotationDouble layered hydroxides, also known as hydrotalcite or anionic clays, are an important group of materials with a wide range of applications. They can be applied as catalysts, catalyst precursors or ion exchangers, in sorption and decontamination processes. They can also be used for the intercalation of various substances including drugs. The aim of this work will be to prepare these materials, modify their surface with silanol based compounds and to characterize them by suitable methods. The prepared materials will be used as support materials for the immobilization of selected active substances.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Organic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
2D materials as supports for modern catalytic systems
Annotation2D materials are defined as layered materials with minimum thickness to the physical limit. Graphene is the first example of 2D materials, isolated from natural graphite in 2004 which has been since then extensively investigated in the wide range of potential applications. Beyond graphene, a wide spectrum of 2D materials. Layered 2D materials are characterized by large surface area, uniformly exposed lattice plane, adjustable electronic state, ability of surface defect formation, and possibility of controlled surface functionalization. Because of these unique properties, 2D materials can be utilized in catalysis as the supports for anchoring of catalytic active species/metals. The greatest benefit of using 2D supports is possibility to decrease amount of anchored precious metals necessary for catalyzing of the chemical reaction. The aim of the research work will be preparation of heterogenous catalysts utilizing 2D materials that will be active in basic chemical syntheses as hydrogenations, oxidation or hydroformylations. Experimental work will therefore include preparation of heterogeneous catalyst utilizing 2D materials as the supports for various active metals, as Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ag, Cu, Ni or others. The prepared catalysts will be deeply characterized using available characterization methods (SEM/EDS, TEM, XRD, N2-physisorption, Raman spectroscopy etc.) and finally tested in chosen model reactions.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Organic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
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Updated: 21.1.2022 15:24, Author: Jan Kříž