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Chemistry (FCT)
Doctoral Programme,
Faculty of Chemical Technology
The aim of the programme is to educate highly qualified creative workers and researchers with theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of strategy, design and practical implementation of synthesis of special inorganic and organic compounds, materials and polymers. Our aim is to deepen the chemical, physicochemical and chemical-engineering knowledge of the graduate who should be capable of independent creative activities and taking decisions in the field of research and development in chemistry as well as many related or interdisciplinary fields. CareersThe graduate will be able to design targeted syntheses of inorganic, organic and polymeric materials and coordination compounds with predefined physical, electrochemical, catalytic and biochemical properties to be applied in pharmacy, nanotechnology, electronics and catalysis, characterize them and theoretically interpret the obtained data. In the field of macromolecular chemistry, she/he will be prepared to solve problems related to the processing, recycling and use of polymers including the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage objects. Acquired knowledge may vary according to the nature of dissertation, ranging from purely experimental-interpretation character to knowledge based on quantum mechanics, thermodynamics or other theoretical models used to describe the structure and behavior of matter. The acquired skills also include knowledge of information technologies, ability to lead a scientific team, project preparation and management as well as publishing skills. Programme Details
Ph.D. topics for study year 2025/26Biodegradable materials based on starch
Annotation
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Polymers, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Biomimetic Approaches to the Total Synthesis of the Axinellamines
AnnotationThe axinellamines belong to the most complex alkaloids with interesting biological properties. With this project biomimetic approaches will be explored to enable short total syntheses of the natural products themselves and of analogs. Their biological profile will be investigated in collaboration.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
Warped and Chiral Nanocarbons
AnnotationThe aim of the project is to develop the synthesis of new warped and chiral nanocarbons such as helical pi-conjugated macrocycles, circulenes and cycloarenes. The chiral substances will be prepared in optically pure form by resolution of racemates or by asymmetric synthesis. Their (chir)optical properties, self-assembly in 2D/3D space, aromatic character and their conformational or redox behaviour will be studied in order to identify their possible applications in chemistry or nanoscience.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
Design and synthesis of higher calixarenes and their analogues for fullerene complexation
AnnotationThe aim of this work is focused on the design and synthesis of higher calixarenes (with five or more phenolic subunits) and their analogues, that could be applied as receptors for fullerene recognition. The aim of this work is to achieve selective complexation of C60 or C70 using suitably chemically modified calixarene skeletons and concave/convex principle of the interactions. Novel compounds will be used not only as receptors for fullerene complexation, but also for the construction of more sophisticate supramolecular systems (e.g. self-assembly).
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Display of proteins on DNA
AnnotationNucleotides bearing specific ligands or reactive groups will be designed and synthesized, from which modified DNA will be synthesized by enzyme methods and used to attach target proteins. Applications will include multi-enzyme systems.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
Enzymatic synthesis of modified oligonucleotides and DNA bearing several modifications at specific positions
AnnotationModified 2'-deoxyribonucleoside-triphosphates will be synthesized and used in enzymatic synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides and DNA bearing several modifications at specific positions using a novel approach involving repeated annealing of RNA templates, primer extension and RNA digestion. Applications will include the spatially defined attachment of several different biomolecules, particularly proteins, to DNA.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
CO2-fixation reaction - a way towards sustainable polymers
AnnotationThe increasing production of greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) by human activities reached in 2021 more than 36 Gt and thus CO2 is generally considered as the biggest waste contributed to climate change. Current research is trying to address this challenge by capturing CO2 and using it as sustainable feedstock for polymer synthesis. The aim of this work is to investigate the possibilities of converting CO2 into polymer materials. The first route will be the CO2- oxirane (epoxy) coupling reaction, which leads to production of various cyclic carbonates, which are monomers for innovative polymer materials, e.g. non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) and epoxides. The second approach will be the direct CO2 transformation into polycarbonates (PC). The third way will involve the ring-opening copolymerization of epoxide with CO2 leading to linear carbonate-ether copolymers. All the above-mentioned strategies will preferable utilize bio-based monomers to obtain fully renewable polymer materials. The important part of this PhD topic will be finding a suitable catalytic system for each synthetic path. Our preliminary experiments showed the successful CO2-epoxy cycloaddition in the presence imidazolium and metal-based ionic liquids (ILs). Due to ILs’ countless possible anion/cation combinations and their exceptional set of properties (low vapor pressure, negligible flammability, high thermal and chemical stability), they can seem to be suitable candidates to catalyze the cycloaddition reaction of epoxide and CO2 with tunable selectivity towards linear / cyclic carbonate and ether formation. As part of the doctoral project, a student's several-month internship at foreign collaborating workplace (INSA Lyon, France) is assumed. The candidates should have good communication skills in English (both in speaking and writing), should be able to work both in a team and independently. Active participation on foreign internships, trainings and scientific conferences is expected.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Functional Bottle-brush polymers for the modification and organization of nanoparticles
AnnotationSupracolloidal structures are of major interest in the field of materials science, with prospects for energy materials, information technology, and healthcare materials. These structures can feature functional properties that are enhanced by several orders of magnitude compared with the single colloid level as well as novel, emergent functional properties. Solution self-assembly of colloidal building blocks was hatched as an efficient approach to access supracolloidal structures. In particular, macromolecular scaffold structures have proven highly potent for guiding supracolloidal structure formation with nanoscale precision. However, current approaches e.g. based on DNA origami are limited with regard to compositional versatility and solvent/ temperature stability and lack bio-orthogonality. On the other hand, assembly strategies using bio-orthogonal nanoparticle linking entities are considerably underdeveloped in comparison. To address this gap, the aim of this thesis is to develop a modular access to well-defined functional supracolloidal structures from minimally complex, bio-orthogonal scaffold structures. This aim will be pursued by synthesizing bottlebrush polymers of distinct topologies and molar masses (by RAFT polymerization) that will serve as scaffolds with addressable binding sites for attaching distinct functional entities. Here, these bottlebrush polymers will be used for the programmable assembly of gold nanoparticles into well-defined supracolloidal structures.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Polymers, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Glycine alkoxyamines for New Bioconjugation Methodologies
AnnotationWe just accomplished approaches to glycine alkoxyamines, which hold large promise in bioconjugation. With this project the potential of these non-natural amino acid derivatives for approaching new peptide architectures will be explored.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
Glycomimetic ligands for DC-SIGN receptor
AnnotationDC-SIGN is a carbohydrate-binding protein expressed on the surface of immune cells. Its targeting could be exploited in two ways: (1) to develop more efficient vaccines, and (2) to develop new treatments against certain pathogens. Despite the potential of natural carbohydrate ligands, their use in achieving specific delivery to DC‑SIGN expressing cells has largely been unsuccessful. In collaboration with the Molecular Drug Targeting Group from the University of Vienna, we have been working on the design and development of new glycomimetic ligands which bind DC‑SIGN with high selectivity and reasonable affinity. In the past years, we have identified several new scaffolds. The proposed PhD project will aim at performing structure–activity relationship study on these new DC-SIGN ligands. The major part of the thesis will be based on synthetic organic chemistry. The PhD candidate will learn the basics of carbohydrate chemistry and glycosylation reactions, as well as other organic reactions (use of orthogonal protecting groups, metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions…). Evaluation of binding affinity will be performed in Vienna and the PhD candidate will have the opportunity to learn the basics (either NMR-based techniques for protein–ligand interactions or cell-based techniques) during an internship.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Helically chiral ligands for asymmetric transition metal catalysis
AnnotationThe goal of the PhD project will be the development of new helically chiral metal complexes to be explored in enantioselective catalysis. The attention will be paid to the synthesis of cyclometallated helicenes and helical cyclopentadienyl complexes. They will be applied to selected enantioselective reactions catalysed by transition metals such as alkyne cycloisomerisation, olefin metathesis or hydrogenation.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
Catalytic Synthesis of Atropisomers by Substitution
AnnotationWe recently developed a method for synthesis of otherwise difficult-to-access atropisomers by nucleophilic aromatic substitution. One advantage is that starting materials, N‒H heterocycles and fluoroarenes, are readily available, and another is that the reactions are highly efficient and broadly applicable. However, the method currently produces racemates of atropisomers and is not catalytic. Accordingly, PhD students in our laboratory will develop catalytic atroposelective synthesis of such compounds and others. Several possibilities will be studied. The molecules synthesized in this project will be tested broadly in medicinal chemistry screenings.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
Less traditional methods of rubber devulcanization
AnnotationOne of the current challenges for the rubber industry is to increase the proportion of recycled rubber waste, which is in line with the principles of circular economy. Recycling rubber is not easy as it cannot be dissolved or melted without degradation. A viable way of recycling rubber is by milling followed by partial or complete devulcanization. This can be done by various processes. The thesis will focus on the devulcanization of rubber by less traditional methods, e.g. by microwave radiation or micro-organisms. The influence of conditions on the course of devulcanization, its efficiency and selectivity will be studied. The properties of rubber compounds containing the obtained devulcanizate will also be studied.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Polymers, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Multiphotochromic Molecular Machines
AnnotationThe project focuses on the development and study of special light-switchable organic molecules that mimic the function of biological systems. These synthetic "molecular machines" will be composed of various photoswitches and molecular motors, with their individual components selectively switched or activated using light of specific wavelengths. The primary goal of the Ph.D. project is the preparation and detailed investigation of these unique molecules and their potential application in the construction of functional prototypes of molecular machines. Emphasis will be placed on different combinations of photoswitches and the methods of their interconnection (orthogonal vs. non-orthogonal).
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
Novel heterocyclic compounds with potential anticancer properties
AnnotationIn medicinal chemistry, heterocyclic moieties represent important pharmacophores of various biologically active compounds. The goal of this project will be synthesis and structural optimization of novel heterocyclic compounds with potential anticancer properties, and evaluation of their biological properties (activity, ADME, etc.).
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
Novel Polydentate Phosphane Ligands: Synthesis, Complexation Properties, and Applications in Noble Metal Separation
AnnotationThis work focuses on the synthesis of novel polydentate phosphane ligands containing at least four phosphorus centers. The complexation properties of the resulting ligands will be thoroughly investigated. The primary applications of these ligands will include the selective isolation of noble metals (Rh, Pd, Au) from natural sources and their use in cross-coupling reactions.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Organic thin films for energy conversion and catalysis
AnnotationHydrogen is considered as primary option in our transition to climate neutral economy. However, current technologies of hydrogen production are far from being climate neutral. Moreover, they involve pricy and precious materials that the EU must import from countries, which use those materials as geopolitical leverage. In this project, we will research the technology of hydrogen production using light (i.e. green hydrogen) and sustainable all-organic thin films and conjugated polymers. The project will integrate organic synthesis with materials preparation and extensive characterization, up to device assembly and testing in selected catalytic transformations with particular focus on green hydrogen photoelectrochemical cells.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Polymeric materials and composites for 3D printing
AnnotationNowadays new applications and processing technologies place new and bigger demands on polymeric materials. Materials for 3D printing or electrically conductive polymer composites can serve as typical examples. In most cases these systems have a heterogeneous phase structure, which influences the end-use properties of the final material to a large extent. The emergence of nanocomposite technology has provided a revolutionary new solution to wide range of technological aspects, not only provided novel functionalities, but also solved fundamental problems of polymer composites such as flammability and poor mechanical properties. The aim of the work is to develop novel highperformance polymer composites/ nanocomposites and discover the relationships between structure and properties of materials relevant for practical applications. Work activities include a synthesis of novel multifunctional nanomaterials, preparation of polymeric materials and chemical and structural investigations by means of different advanced characterization techniques. Furthermore, mechanical and flow behaviour of prepared materials will be studied in detail including flow instabilities analysis.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Potentiometric sensor based on polymer layers for detection of inflammatory markers and toxic micropollutants
AnnotationThe goal of the dissertation is the development of a new concept of a potentiometric sensor based on polymer detection layers, usable for the detection of markers of bacterial and sterile inflammation, the presence of endotoxins, or polyvalent toxic metal ions. The student will develop knowledge of polymer synthesis, master the technology of applying polymer sensing layers and their characterization by instrumental methods, such as potentiometry and cyclic voltammetry, spectrofluorometry (steady-state, time-resolved), confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and others. Part of the work will be testing the functionality of the prepared detection layers first on synthetic analytes. The obtained results will be used to optimize the polymer electrodes, which will subsequently be tested on real biological or environmental samples. The student will use the new knowledge to design a multisensor electrode concept. The topic of the thesis is highly interdisciplinary, includes a number of methodologies and can be further adjusted according to the individual interests of the student. The application potential of the achieved results will be verified within the framework of cooperation with the workplaces of university hospitals.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Preparation of Biomass-Based Nanocomposites for the Removal of Emerging Contaminants: From Polymer Synthesis to Environmental Applications
AnnotationPhD Topic: "Preparation of Biomass-Based Nanocomposites for the Removal of Emerging Contaminants: From Polymer Synthesis to Environmental Applications" Emerging contaminants (ECs) are potential health hazards in the world nowadays. This research aims to develop novel nanocomposites derived from biomass-based monomers and biopolymers to remove ECs. The structure-property relationship of materials for the adsorption of emerging contaminants has not been clearly understood, seriously limiting their effectiveness. Therefore, a complete structural characterization of the prepared nanocomposites will be performed including porosity, stability, mechanical and thermal properties to explain the effectivity in terms of macromolecular structure and characterization of active sites. The nanocomposites will be evaluated for their efficiency in adsorbing or degrading ECs.The adsorption kinetics will be studied to identify the mechanism and speed of the adsorption process. Degradation products will be identified by combining several analytical techniques to investigate the mechanism of depolymerization. This project offers an alternative to conventional methods with lower environmental impacts.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Natural additives for mixtures with natural rubber
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Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Polymers, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Recycling of polyisocyanurate foams
AnnotationThe plastic waste treatment and a sustainable use of synthetic polymers is one of the major environmental challenges of the 21st century. Polyisocyanurate (PIR) foams are highly rigid foams primarily used for thermal insulation in construction, refrigeration, and other industries. They are produced by reacting polyols (which are typically derived from petroleum-based products) with isocyanates, resulting in a foam that has excellent insulating properties and resistance to fire and heat. PIR foams are chemically similar to polyurethane foams, but they have higher degree of isocyanurate content, which enhances their thermal stability and fire resistance. Recycling PIR foams is therefore challenging because their covalent structure is highly crosslinked and contains hydrolytically highly resistant structures that do not easily undergo chemical depolymerization. The aim of the PhD topic is to study the degradation behavior of PIR foams with the aim of finding a suitable method for their chemical recycling (solvolysis). The PhD candidates should have good communication skills in English (both in speaking and writing), should be able to work both in a team and independently. Active participation on foreign internships, trainings and scientific conferences is expected.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Redox innocent metals in photoredox catalysis
AnnotationRedox-inactive metals have long been used in photoredox catalysis, or in redox reactions in general, as Lewis acids. However, recent results show that under appropriate conditions, salts of such metals, such as scandium(III) salts, can act as independent photoactive species that act as strong oxidizing agents upon excitation. The aim of this work is to study the possible use of scandium salts in oxidative transformations using visible light. Examples of use include C-C and C-heteroatom coupling reactions. Another aim of the study is to verify the applicability of other metal ions with similar properties in photoredox catalysis.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Self-healing and recyclable polymer networks prepared from renewable resources
AnnotationThe aim of this PhD topic is to prepare and characterize polymer materials based on renewable raw materials (carboxylic acids, vanillin derivatives, furan compounds, etc.). The prepared materials will be dynamically crosslinked through reversible covalent bonds and non-covalent interactions (hydrogen bonding, metal-ligand coordination bonds, complex formation or electrostatic/ionic interactions), which will give the material self-healing and recyclable properties. As part of the doctoral project, a student internship of several months at a foreign collaborating institution (Cracow University of Technology, Poland) is planned. Applicants should have good communication skills in English (spoken and written), and should be able to work in a team and independently. Active participation in foreign internships, trainings and scientific conferences is expected.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Stability of Grafted Polymer Ligands on Gold Nanoparticles: Solvent Effects and Strategies for Optimization
AnnotationThe architecture and stability of polymer-brush layers at (metal) nanoparticle surfaces are key matters in nanotechnology. This is so, not only because the polymeric ligand shell may carry desired functionalities, but this coating also determines in general the nanoparticle’s interaction with their environment. However, the nanoparticle/polymer-ligand interface is not static, but dissociation and exchange phenomena occur. This is critical for example in the context of nanomedicine, where cell internalization, the in-vivo biodistribution, and targeting of polymer-functionalized nanoparticles can be affected by polymer-layer instabilities. The goal of this thesis is to investigate the stability and dynamic properties of the ligand shell in polymer-grafted gold nanoparticles; and also to tackle the challenge of increasing this stability. The polymers will be synthesized by Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization and directly anchored at gold nanoparticle surfaces using a grafting-to strategy. Polymer layer stability will be analyzed by UV/visible extinction spectroscopy and scattering methods. The thesis will test the hypothesis that the chemistry of the polymer’s surface anchoring group, the hydrophobic character in proximity to this binding group, and also the number of such binding groups within the end-grafted macromolecules will influence the polymer-ligands dissociation kinetics. It will also be tested if additional surface modification steps can further increase polymer layer stability. After initial tests in aqueous environments, experiments in more complex fluids such as simulated blood fluid will be used to assess the stability in application-relevant conditions.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Polymers, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Structural analysis of small molecules using crystalline sponge X-ray diffraction
AnnotationOur lab combines cutting-edge experimental (e.g., LC-MS, metabolomics, RNA-seq) and computational (e.g., bioinformatics, molecular networking, machine learning) approaches to develop new workflows for the discovery and utilization of bioactive molecules derived from plants. The aim of this project will be the development of methods for structural analysis of small molecules isolated from plants using the technique of crystalline sponge X-ray diffraction. The applicants for this position should already have laboratory experience with small molecule crystallography.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
Study of photochemistry of non-classical electrophiles and Lewis acids
AnnotationElectrophiles and Lewis acids are among the most common intermediates utilized for catalytic reactions. Many attempts have been made to characterize and classify the strength and reactivity of these electron deficient species. However, the classical concept of electrophilicity and Lewis acidity starts to fall apart when open-shell (radicals, radical ions) and excited states are considered. The thesis will focus on development of electrophilic systems with open-shell and electronically excited electronic structure capable of various non-classical interactions with nucleophilic and radical partners. This unique behaviour will not only be applied in novel catalytic reactions but if will be used in re-formulation of rules for chemical bonding between open-shell and electronically excited species. The candidate will perform synthesis and characterization of organic non-classical electrophiles and Lewis acids and will study their catalytic properties and non-covalent interactions. Highly motivated and skilful candidate will have the opportunity to extend his/her graduate training in organic chemistry by learning electrochemical, photochemical and physicochemical methods.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
Synthesis and Application of Silica-Coated Quantum Dots in Bioengineering
AnnotationQuantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles with outstanding optoelectronic properties. More specifically, QDs are highly bright and exhibit wide absorption spectra, narrow light bands, and excellent photovoltaic stability, which make them useful in bioscience and medicine, particularly for sensing, optical imaging, cell separation, and diagnosis. In general, QDs are stabilized using a hydrophobic ligand during synthesis, and thus their hydrophobic surfaces must undergo hydrophilic modification if the QDs are to be used in bioapplications. Silica-coating is one of the most effective methods for overcoming the disadvantages of QDs, owing to silica’s physicochemical stability, nontoxicity, and excellent bioavailability. Micro and nano-particles of SiO2 will be covered by polydopamine, or by mixture of citric acid and urea, or by melamine. The covered layer will be carbonized in the presence of conducting metal ionically connected to the covered layer. The entire SiO2 can be dissolved. Rest hollow charged particles will be examined by electrochemical, fluorescent methods and other techniques needed for characterization of quantum dots.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Synthesis and Chiroptical Properties of Helicene-Derived Luminophores
AnnotationThe aim of the project is to prepare new helical TADF and excimer luminophores derived from helicenes and to study their chiroptical properties in solution and thin films (in particular circularly polarized luminescence) in order to identify suitable materials for future CP-OLED design.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
Synthesis of functionalized polymers and polymer membranes for electrochemical devices
AnnotationIon-exchange polymer membranes are widely used in laboratory and industrial applications. Major applications include electrochemical desalination of seawater and brackish water, wastewater treatment, separation of mixtures in the production of industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals, separation of electrolytes from non-electrolytes in electrochemical devices such as electrolyzers, fuel cells and batteries. Recently, their use in hydrogen management and storage of excess electricity from renewable sources has become increasingly important. The use of so-called green hydrogen produced in electrolyzers is one of the ways in the transition to carbon-free energy. The topic includes the synthesis of polymers and polymer membranes bearing functional groups for a specific purpose. For example, sulfo and phosphono groups for cation-exchange or quaternary ammonium groups for anione-exchange materials. In addition, these polymers are useful for electrode design, as catalyst supports and for other applications. Preparative organic chemistry and polymerization reaction methods are commonly applied. Our department is flexible enough to give the potential candidate enough room to apply his or her ingenuity.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Synthesis of novel macrocycles using the conjugate addition and their supramolecular applications
AnnotationPillar[n]arenes can be considered relatively new members of the family of phenolic macrocycles. Due to their unique cylindrical shape and electron-rich cavity, pillar[n]arenes have already found many applications in contemporary supramolecular chemistry. To name at least a few such applications, the sensing of various analytes, supramolecular self-assemblies, stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymers and model systems to study various noncovalent interactions can be mentioned. It is well known from the chemistry of calix[n]arenes that the introduction of sulfur instead of common methylene bridges leads to dramatic changes in chemical and supramolecular behaviour of such systems. Recently, it has been shown that these compounds can be constructed using the 1,4-conjugate addition of suitable building blocks. The aim of this project is the construction of pillararenes and their analogues bearing heteroatoms as the bridging units and the investigation of these new macrocycles including their characterization, derivatization and the study of supramolecular applications.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Synthesis of polymer materials and polymer membranes for separation processes
AnnotationPolymer membranes are widely used in separation processes due to their versatility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. These membranes are designed to selectively allow certain molecules or ions to pass through while blocking others, making them ideal for applications like water filtration, gas separation, and dialysis. Polymer membranes can be tailored for specific separation tasks by adjusting factors such as pore size, chemical composition, and surface properties. Their applications range from purifying drinking water through reverse osmosis to separating gases in industrial processes. With ongoing advancements, polymer membranes continue to play a crucial role in improving the sustainability and performance of various separation technologies. The subject matter encompasses the synthesis of novel polymers and the functionalization of commercially available materials, with a particular focus on their use in the separation of chemical mixtures, including gases and enantiomeric mixtures. Methodologically, the work will encompass polymerization reactions, the introduction of functional groups into polymers, and the utilization of reactions employed in preparative organic synthesis. Our department is sufficiently flexible to allow the prospective candidate the opportunity to exercise their inventiveness.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Synthesis of compounds with potential antiviral properties
AnnotationThe goal of the project will be synthesis and structural optimization of novel antiviral compounds, and evaluation of their biological as well as pharmacokinetic properties (in collaboration with other scientific groups as virology and biochemical pharmacology). Suitable prodrugs will be prepared and studied, if necessary.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
Total Syntheses of Complex Indoloterpene Alkaloids and Their Analogs
AnnotationWith the project, synthetic approaches to complex indoloterpene and their analogs displaying wide-ranging biological activity will be developed.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
The use of mechanical bond as a protecting group for the synthesis of porous materials
AnnotationPorous crystalline materials are used for the gas separation and storage, catalysis or chemical sensing. Their properties are strongly related to their porosity. However, one of the problems preventing the preparation of highly porous materials is the interpenetration – the interweaving of multiple crystal lattices. The aim of the project is to use the mechanical bond as a protecting group to prevent the interpenetration and, thus, the preparation of highly porous materials.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
Development of reversible photoinduced electron transfer
AnnotationPhotoinduced electron transfer and charge separation is one of the most important phenomena in Universe. It plays an important role in processes essential for life, such as photosynthesis, respiration, protein folding and biocatalysis. It is also highly relevant for solar cells, batteries, molecular electronics and smart materials. The thesis will focus on development of systems for reversible charge transfer between two redox-active centres. The transfer of charge will be in both directions controlled by photoinduced electron transfer and both states will be stabilized by follow-up chemical reaction (intramolecular cyclization, protonation and others). Reversible photoinduced electron transfer will be used for dipole reorientation, control of charges and counterions and regulation of electrostatic interactions. These unique properties will be further used in design of novel materials and devices in molecular electronics. The candidate will perform synthesis and characterization of organic redox-active molecules and will study their properties. Highly motivated and skilful candidate will have the opportunity to extend his/her graduate training in physical and organic chemistry by learning electrochemical, photochemical and advanced spectroscopic methods.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
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Updated: 21.1.2022 15:24, Author: Jan Kříž