PhD Study

AFCH – ANALYTICAL AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

BT – BIOTECHNOLOGY

EV – ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

FCH – PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

CH CHEMISTRY

CHPI – CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING

CHT   CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY

LB – DRUGS AND BIOMATERIALS

MB – MICROBIOLOGY

List of PhD Theses for the Academic Year 2020/2021

PhD THESIS IN ANALYTICAL AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY / CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING

How does the presence of water influence the properties of functionalized ionic liquids?

Supervisor: Ing. Magdalena Bendová, Ph.D., Dr. Manuel Maréchal (SyMMES@CNRS)
Co-supervisor: Ing. Jan Rotrekl, Ph.D.

Department of Aerosols Chemistry and Physics

Functionalization of ionic liquids has extensively been studied over the past two decades because of their application potential in various fields of chemistry. However, unequivocal knowledge of structure-property relationships for ionic liquids and a good understanding of their interactions with molecular solvents are still far from being established. In this work, mixtures of various functionalized ionic liquids with water will thus be studied in terms of their phase equilibria and intermolecular interactions. Phase equilibria will be studied both by synthetic and dynamic methods, whereas the molecular structure at ambient temperature will be investigated by a range of diffraction and spectroscopic methods.

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, chemical physics;
  • willingness to do experimental work and learn new things;
  • team work ability.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMISTRY / CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES

Microwave photochemistry and preparation of polyaromatics

Supervisor: Dr. Ing. Vladimír Církva

Department of Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesis

The project is coupling of two scientific branches: traditional photochemistry and neoteric microwave chemistry, when the effect of UV/Vis and microwave radiation on the chemical and physical properties of molecules is studied. UV radiation is generated quite extraordinary directly by microwave field using the electrodeless discharge lamps.

The aim of the project is a basic research of effect of microwave radiation on the course of cis-trans photoisomerization and photocyclization of stilbenes and o-terphenyls leading to phenanthrene, triphenylene, phenacene, and helicene derivatives, or to their N- and S-hetero analogues, which can be applied in molecular electronics.

The candidates should have a M.Sc. or equivalent degree (or thesis submitted) in organic chemistry or organic technology (or related field), a penchant for experimental work in organic synthesis.

Reference:

  1. Církva V.: Microwaves in Photochemistry and Photocatalysis. V knize: Microwaves in Organic Synthesis, 3rd Edition, kap. 14. (de la Hoz, A. and Loupy, A., Eds.), pp 563-605, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim 2012.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMISTRY

Synthesis and study of properties of receptors for anions and electron rich compounds

Supervisor: Ing. Petra Cuřínová, Ph.D.

Department of Analytic Chemistry

Anions play an important role in many biological processes and their unbalanced concentrations can stand behind serious medicinal and environmental issues. Receptors of anions and electron rich molecules possess a tool for their detection or separation form mixtures. This project targets the design and synthesis of receptors for anions and electron rich compounds with biological activity, their testing using NMR, UV-vis and HRMS spectrometry and their possible anchoring to carriers. The applicant will, except the synthetic work, get experience in the field of these spectroscopic techniques.

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in organic chemistry, analytic chemistry;
  • willingness to do experimental work and learn new things;
  • team work ability.

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PhD THESIS IN ANALYTICAL AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Silicon based nanostructures for a controlled photocatalysis

Supervisor: Vladislav Dřínek, PhD.

Department of Laser Chemistry

Catalytic efficiency of a material is determined by its surface area, morphology and composition. For this reason, it is important to study nanostructured materials having a high surface-to-volume ratio. Moreover, in case the dominant material is silicon, it is expected that the catalyst is photoactive. As it was previously verified in Laser Chemistry Group, photoreactions take place at a silicon surface in a water ambient which were initiated by a (simulated) sun radiation. Fine, simple carbonaceous compounds standardly produced and used in industry (methanol, ethanol, methane...) will be generated in an appropriate water solution. Preparation of such material and a study of its photocatalytic properties will be a main task in our group for an applicant.

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, organic technology, chemical physics, material physics or chemistry etc.;
  • willingness to do experimental work and learn new things;
  • self-reliance.

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PhD THESIS IN ANALYTICAL AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Laser and heat-induced redox processes for deposition of novel structures for solar-light photocatalysis

Supervisor: RNDr. Radek Fajgar, CSc.

Department of Laser Chemistry

There is great ongoing interest in semiconductors including TiO2-based materials due to their potential in solar energy-to-electric conversion (solar cells) and solar energy-to-chemical energy conversion (water splitting and photo-catalyzed degradation of pollutants in atmosphere and water). Much recent attention to improve these materials for efficient solar-light catalysis is documented in the literature.

In this project we propose a novel approach to these materials based on redox paths between metal oxides, which are induced by laser excitation and conventional heat treatment. Highly non-equilibrium deposition conditions due to laser excitation are expected to affect the electronic structure and reactivity of potential reactants to form products not observed under ambient conditions.

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in inorganic / organic / physical chemistry, physics;
  • experimental skill, ability to learn spectroscopic, microscopic and diffraction techniques.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING / ANALYTICAL AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Strength and fluidity of granular media

Supervisor: Doc. Ing. Jaromír Havlica, Ph.D.
Co-supervisor: Ing. Stanislav Pařez, Ph.D.

Department of Multiphase Reactors

Mechanics of granular media (sand, clay, silt, debris, etc.) is central to many problems in geology and technology. Natural hazards such as earthquakes or landslides are triggered by mechanical instability of embedded granular gauges. On the other hand, conditions leading to good fluidity of granular media are often sought in civil engineering, pharmacy, and chemical technology. Therefore, understanding of mechanisms controlling the strength of granular media is of high importance. The student will run computer simulations of a shearing granular layer and will study conditions leading to flow. The resulting theoretical picture should enlighten mechanisms that are most effective in degrading mechanical strength. In particular, the effect of pore fluid and oscillations of boundaries will be studied in detail.

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in chemical engineering, physics, geology, physical chemistry, mathematical modeling, computer science;
  • high motivation, willingness to learn new things;
  • team spirit.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGENEERING / ANALYTICAL AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Separation of racemic mixtures by membrane processes

Supervisor: Ing. Pavel Izák, Ph.D., DSc.

Department of membrane separation processes

The aim of the doctoral thesis is the separation of racemic mixtures by membrane separation processes. The racemic mixtures contain the same amount of L and D enantiomers. The individual enantiomers have the same physicochemical properties in the achiral environment and therefore it is very difficult to separate them. However, in the human body, the L and D enantiomers have different effects and the D enantiomers may be detrimental to health. Ph.D. work will focus on the development of new membranes and separation techniques for the selective separation of enantiomers from racemic mixtures with practical applications, especially in the pharmaceutical, food or agrochemical industries.

The doctoral candidate will be required to work out a detailed search of international literature on the subject (need for active English knowledge), independent measurement and results processing, and in co-operation with the supervisor writing publications to international journals.

Requirements for applicants:

  • Higher education In chemical engineering, physical chemistry, polymer chemistry;
  • willingness to experiment and learn new things;
  • team work ability.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMISTRY

Towards new glycomaterials: Targeted hydrogen-bond manipulations in synthetic polysaccharide segments

Supervisor: Mgr. Jindřich Karban, Ph.D.

Department of Bioorganic compounds and nanocomposites

Polysaccharides are long polymers composed of monomeric carbohydrate units linked together by glycosidic linkages. Some polysaccharides, for example cellulose or chitin, function as a structural support in organisms. Unique material properties of these polysaccharides result from a dense network of hydrogen bonds and other non-covalent interactions. Targeted modifications of the hydrogen bond network can create new glycomaterials with potential in medicine and other fields. The purpose of this graduate project is to synthesize and characterize short (up to six units) segments of polysaccharides in which hydrogen bonds have been selectively disrupted by replacement of a hydroxyl with fluorine. By comparison of conformation, solubility, aggregation behaviour, optical behaviour and crystallinity between natural and fluorinated segments we will be able to establish correlation between segment structures and properties. These findings will provide guidance towards glycomaterials with defined properties.

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in organic chemistry, organic technology or related fields;
  • readiness to do advanced organic synthesis.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING

Effect of interfacial properties on dynamics of bubbles and drops

Supervisor: Sandra Orvalho, Ph.D.
Supervisor specialist: Ing. Petr Stanovský, Ph.D.

Department of Multiphase Reactors

Multiphase systems consisting of a gas phase or a liquid phase dispersed in a liquid environment, such as foams, emulsions, are omnipresent in nature and in living systems, as well as in industrial products of high added value as in pharmaceutical and cosmetical applications. The presence of surfactants (SAS) alters the behavior of many multiphase processes, and for systems in motion, the characterization of the interface only by surface tension is not enough and less conventional measurements of surface rheology and SAS adsorption/desorption characteristics are crucial. .

The aim of this work is to experimentally determine the influence of SAS on the dynamics of processes with bubbles and drops (movement, dissolution, breakup, coalescence, etc.) and to characterize selected SASs by measuring relevant physico-chemical and transport properties

The typical work will include measurements of interfacial rheology, observations of bubble/drop dynamics by high-speed camera, but also building single-purpose experimental equipment and physical interpretation of results.

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in chemical or mechanical engineering or in physical chemistry;
  • systematic and creative approach to scientific research;
  • teamwork ability.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING

Dynamics of multi-phase systems: gas-liquid-solid

Supervisor: Doc. Ing. Marek Růžička, DSc.
Co-supervisors: Ing. M. Zedníková, Ph.D., S. Orvalho Ph.D.

Department of Multiphase Reactors

Multiphase systems are all around us, in nature and in industry technologies and applications (sedimentation, fluidization, bubble columns, flotation apparatuses, etc.). Due to the complexity and applicability of these systems, it is seriously worth to study their hydrodynamic aspects. The present PhD research will focus on the experimental and theoretical description of processes controlling multiphase dispersions at microscale level (like bubble coalescence, bubble-particle collision) and their consequences on the flow regimes at the macroscale level (bubble columns, flotation apparatus, etc.). The obtained results will be valuable in many industrial applications (chemical and oil industry, food processing, metallurgy, pharmaceutical and environmental industry).

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in chemical or mechanical engineering, or physics and mathematics;
  • ability and willingness to study;
  • creative approach and team-work.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMICAL AND PROCESS INGINEERING / CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES

Enzyme-catalyzed reaction of vegetable oils in supercritical CO2

Supervisor: Ing. Marie Sajfrtová, Ph.D.
Co-supervisor: Ing. Helena Sovová, CSc.

Department of Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesis

Enzymatic reactions in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2), combining advantages of enzyme specificity, fast diffusion in supercritical fluids, and non-toxic scCO2, are a relatively new and promising field of research. In the present project, they are applied to enrich the products of vegetable oil reactions with omega-3 a omega-6 polyunsaturated (essential) fatty acids, necessary in nutrition. The reactions catalyzed by a regiospecific enzyme and methods for separation of the fraction enriched in essential fatty acids from reaction mixture will be studied. The aim is to propose a “green” way to prepare enriched vegetable oils, which will integrate the extraction of oil from seeds, its reaction, and fractionation of reaction mixture and will be based on the application of scCO2.

Required education and skills:

  • University degree (Ing., Mgr., MSc.) in chemical engineering or organic technology and/or food engineering;
  • positive and systematic approach to work duties, motivated, reliable.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES / CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING

Supercritical solvent impregnation of natural extracts in polymers

Supervisor: Ing. Marie Sajfrtová, Ph.D.

Department of Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesis

Active substances are incorporated into polymers by various impregnation techniques. The disadvantages of conventional impregnation methods, such as low diffusivity, long contact time, high solvent and additive consumption, or high operating temperature, can be overcome by using supercritical CO2 (scCO2) as a solvent. In addition to being environmentally friendly, it easily penetrates various matrices due to its high diffusivity, low viscosity and near zero surface tension. Another advantage is that CO2 is gaseous at room temperature and pressure which provides solvent-free polymeric matrices. Supercritical impregnation with carbon dioxide as the solvent will be used to incorporate the health-promoting natural substances in the polymeric matrix. The influence of operational conditions (pressure, temperature, extract: CO2 mass ratio, and impregnation time) on impregnation efficiency will be tested.

Required education and skills:

  • University degree (Ing., Mgr., MSc.) in organic technology or chemical engineering;
  • positive and systematic approach to work duties, motivated, reliable.

PhD THESIS IN ANALYTICAL AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY / CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING

Development of new composite materials for efficient adsorption and gas separation

Supervisor: Ing. Kateřina Setničková, Ph.D.

Department of Bioorganic Compounds and Nanocomposites

High greenhouse gas production has a negative impact on the environment. Therefore, the development of new separation technologies with enhanced efficiency and low capital cost is an emerging demand in the near future. Separation, adsorption and storage of greenhouse gases, in particular CO2 and the recovery of H2 or CH4 as energy sources are of paramount importance for the further development of society.

The project is focused on the preparation, characterization and use of advanced materials for the capture and separation of gases, mainly CO2. One possibility is to use dendrimers, a class of synthetic macromolecules with a regular and highly branched structure, characterized by a large interior space and a large number of functional groups on the surface. These properties of dendrimer can lead to an increase in the adsorption capacity and selectivity of the new material. The work includes experimental determination of adsorption capacity and separation efficiency of newly prepared materials for selected gases.

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry; environmental sciences;
  • systematic and creative approach to work;
  • both independence and team work ability.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES / ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Vertical gradients of atmospheric aerosols

Supervisor: Ing. Jaroslav Schwarz, CSc.
Co-supervisors: RNDr. Naděžda Zíková PhD, Ing. Petr. Vodička PhD

Department of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics

The composition of atmospheric aerosols generally differs with the height above the Earth's surface. The composition at higher altitude is more representative for aerosols transported over long distances. The 250 m high atmospheric tower at the Kosetice National Atmospheric Observatory presents a unique opportunity to study this gradient over extended periods, as opposed to on-off measurements using various airborne platforms. The aim of this doctoral thesis is to obtain data on the chemical composition of aerosols at two heights using aerosol mass spectrometry methods and to evaluate them using meteorological parameters of the atmosphere during these on-line measurements.

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in chemistry, environmental studies or meteorology;
  • systematic and creative approach to work;
  • both independence and team work ability.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES / ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Suger like substances in urban and rural aerosols

Supervisor: Ing. Jaroslav Schwarz, CSc.

Department of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics

Sugar substances (sugars, sugar anhydrides and sugar alcohols) form a notable part of the mass of atmospheric aerosols. Depending on their origin they are bound to particles of different sizes, just as the particle size itself is tied to its origin. At the same time, these substances represent some of the so-called tracers, which are emitted into the atmosphere by specific sources. Characterization of the content of these substances in dependence on particle size and determination of their sources in combination with other analytical techniques at different stations in the Czech Republic will be the main content of the proposed dissertation. Rereceptor modeling methods (especially PMF) will be used to distinguish sources.

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in chemistry, environmental studies or meteorology;
  • systematic and creative approach to work;
  • both independence and team work ability.

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PhD THESIS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Metals in the atmosphere

Supervisor: Ing. Jaroslav Schwarz, CSc.

Co-supervisors: RNDr. Petra Pokorná, Ph.D., Ing. Petr. Vodička, Ph.D.

Department of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics

To make decisions about emissions abatement, individual source influences must be known. Certain metals are important markers of various atmospheric aerosol sources. The aim of this work will be the study of seasonal trends of individul metals at the Czech National Atmospheric Observatory Košetice. For this purpose, a new aerosol particle analyzer with X-ray fluorescence will be used for continuous long-term measurement in high time resolution. Such measurement has not been performed in the Czech Republic yet. In addition to the study of seasonal and daily trends depending on various meteorological parameters, a unique infrastructure in the form of a 250 m tall tower will be used to investigate the vertical profile of these markers.

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in chemistry, environmental studies or meteorology;
  • systematic and creative approach to work;
  • both independence and team work ability.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES

Preparation of electrospun nanofibrous carriers for deposition of catalyst nanoparticles and immobilization of living cells

Supervisor: Ing. Karel Soukup, Ph.D.

Department of Catalysis and Reaction Engineering

The main aim of the proposed PhD project is focused on assessment of the specific properties of the novel polymeric nanofibrous materials prepared by electrospinning technique in applications as effective catalyst supports and promising scaffolds for living cells. Other targets of this project will be specifically addressed to the optimization of the electrospinning process parameters with respect to properties of the prepared supports, deposition of the catalytically active centers or living cells. Additionally, assessment of the effect of support microstructure on the phenomenological kinetics of model reactions and adhesion of the cells will be performed as well. Studied model reactions will involve both reaction in gas-phase (the total oxidation of volatile organic compounds) and liquid-phase (selective hydrogenation of organic unsaturated compounds).

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in chemical technologies, chemical engineering or biotechnology;
  • methodical and creative approach to work;
  • willingness to perform experimental work and learn new issues.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMISTRY / CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES

Modification of metal surfaces by helicenes for molecular sensing

Supervisor: Ing. Jan Storch, Ph.D.
Co-supervisor: RNDr. Jaroslav Žádný, Ph.D.

Department of Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesis

The aim of this Ph.D. thesis will be the synthesis, characterization and chiral resolution of appropriate helicene derivatives for use in hybrid plasmonic nanostructures with a strong chiral response. Such systems serve in detection of small chiral molecules for direct determination of their absolute configuration or ee% in enantiomerically enriched mixtures[1].

Requirements and conditions:

  • Master degree in organic chemistry or technology;
  • systematic and creative approach to work;
  • team work ability;
  • employment contract at ICPF.

Reference:

  1. Kalachyova, Y.; Guselnikova, O.; Elashnikov, R.; Panov, I.; Žádný, J.; Církva, V.; Storch, J.; Sykora, J.; Zaruba, K.; Švorčík, V.; et al. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2019, 11 (1), 1555–1562.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMISTRY / CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES

Synthesis of chiral helicene-based polymers

Supervisor: Ing. Jan Storch, Ph.D.
Co-supervisor: Mgr. Illia Panov, Ph.D.

Department of Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesi

The aim of this Ph.D. thesis will be the synthesis, characterization and chiral resolution of appropriate helicene derivatives for preparation of new chiral polymeric materials and the study of their polymerization: via chemical way; via electrosynthetic approach or via coordination with transition metals (MOFs). Simultaneously, chiroptical properties of newly prepared materials will be intensively studied.

Requirements and conditions:

  • Master degree in organic chemistry or technology;
  • systematic and creative approach to work;
  • team work ability;
  • employment contract at ICPF.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMISTRY / CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES

Development of polyaromatics-based sensors of polar molecules

Supervisor: Ing. Jan Storch, Ph.D.
Co-supervisor: RNDr. Jaroslav Žádný, Ph.D.

Department of Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesis

The aim of this Ph.D. thesis will be the synthesis and characterization of appropriate helicene/phenacene derivatives for preparation of electrochemical detectors [1] for polar molecules sensing. Such systems can serve in humidity detection, for example, in automotive; geological research or in specialized medicinal applications.

Requirements and conditions:

  • Master degree in organic chemistry or technology;
  • systematic and creative approach to work;
  • team work ability;
  • employment contract at ICPF.

Reference:

  1. Storch, J.; Zadny, J.; Strasak, T.; Kubala, M.; Sykora, J.; Dusek, M.; Cirkva, V.; Matejka, P.; Krbal, M.; Vacek, J. Chem. - A Eur. J. 2015, 21 (6), 2343–2347.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMISTRY / CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES

Synthesis of extended polyaromatic systems for optoelectronics

Supervisor: Ing. Jan Sýkora, Ph.D.
Co-supervisor: Mgr. Illia Panov, Ph.D.

Department of Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesis

The aim of this Ph.D. thesis will be the development of synthesis, structural characterization and a study of properties of extended polyaromatic [n]helicenes 1, 3 and [n]phenacenes 2 (n > 16). Synthetized molecules will be used for preparation of functional layers, in the case of helicenes with the emphasis on their unique optical properties (CPL OLED, CPL OFET). Simultaneously, electrochemical properties and self-assembling on substrates (metals) will be intensively studied.

Requirements and conditions:

  • Master degree in organic chemistry or technology;
  • systematic and creative approach to work;
  • team work ability;
  • employment contract at ICPF.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING

Study of bubble and drop interactions with a turbulent vortex

Supervisor: Ing. Jaroslav Tihon, CSc.
Co-supervisor: Ing. Mária Zedníková, Ph.D.

Department of Multiphase Reactors

Gas-liquid or liquid-liquid dispersions are encountered in numerous technological and biotechnological processes. The fluid particles (bubbles or droplets) break in the turbulent liquid flow and form a complex multiphase system. Understanding the particle breakup mechanism at turbulent flow conditions is important because theoretical models describing this mechanism are essential for the numerical modeling of complex multiphase systems.

The postgraduate project will be focused on the experimental study of dynamic behavior of bubbles and drops after their interaction with a turbulent vortex in order to determine the breakup rate of original particles and the size distribution of newly formed particles. The breakage mechanism will be studied in dependence on various hydrodynamic and physico-chemical conditions of the studied system. Department is well equipped for the study of bubble/drop breakup in turbulent flow. Cells for controlled generation of bubble, toroidal vortices and intense turbulent flow are available, as well as all the control and evaluation software.

Requirements for the applicant: master degree in chemical or mechanical engineering; ability to teamwork; systematic and creative approach to scientific problems; interest in experimental work.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING

Hydrogels and their nanocomposites

Supervisor: Ing. Jaroslav Tihon, CSc.
Co-supervisor: Ing. Věra Pěnkavová, PhD.

Department of Multiphase Reactors

Hydrogels are cross-linked polymers containing a large amount of water. They can be used, for instance, in medicine (contact lens, wound dressing materials, tissue engineering), and in vaste water treatment (they exhibit high adsorption ability for organic dyes). When suitable nanoparticles (mostly anorganic) are incorporated into a hydrogel structure, hydrogel nanocomposites are formed. They often exhibit even better physicaly-chemical properties than original hydrogels – typically their rigidity increases, and water swelling, pollutants adsorption or drug releasing ability changes.

In this project, the preparation of novel hydrogel nanocomposites, their physicaly-chemical properties and potential using in the field of medicine and environmental engineering will be studied.

The candidate should have a M.Sc. degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, or in a similar applied science field. Some experimental skill is appreciated. However, the enthusiasm for scientific work is only the principal requirement.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING

Diagnostics of two-phase flows in microchannels

Supervisor: Ing. Jaroslav Tihon, CSc.

Department of Multiphase Reactors

The aim of this project is an experimental investigation of the character of two-phase flow (gas/liquid) in microchannels. The mapping of different flow regimes will be carried out for various microchannel configurations (e.g. channel crossing, T-junction, sudden expansion) and different model liquids (Newtonian, viscoelastic, pseudoplastic). The electrodiffusion method, an original experimental technique developed in our department, will be used to determine the near-wall flow and to detect the characteristics of translating bubbles. The visualization experiments using a top-level high-speed camera (Redlake) and the velocity field measurements by ?PIV technique (Dantec) will bring additional information on the flow structure in microchannels.

The candidate should have a M.Sc. degree in chemical engineering or in a similar applied science field. He/she should possess experimental skill for a laboratory work and some basic knowledge of hydrodynamics. However, the enthusiasm for independent scientific work is the first principal requirement. The candidate will surely profit from our long-time experience in experimental (computer-controlled measurements with subsequent data processing in LabView) and theoretical (solving the complex hydrodynamic problems in MatLab or Mathematica) fluid mechanics.

Reference:

  1. Tabeling P.: Introduction to Microfluidics. Oxford University Press (2005).

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING

Study of transport characteristics in various types of bioreactors

Supervisor: Dr. Ing. Tomáš Moucha1
Co-supervisor: Ing. Mária Zedníková2, Ph.D.

1Department of Chemical Engineering, UCT Prague, Technická 5, CZ-166 28 Prague 6
2Department of Multiphase Reactors

The production of new biotechnology and pharmaceutical products is based on a bioreactor design. The choice of a suitable type of bioreactor is crucial with respect to maximum yield, but it is also limited by the lifetime of the microorganisms present. The aim of the doctoral study is to compare design parameters (transport characteristics) of three types of the most commonly used bioreactors. The results will be used to characterize the differences and similarities of specific types of bioreactors in terms of gas distribution, mass transfer and mixing depending on the total energy supplied to the system. Transport characteristics will be obtained experimentally for model batches, which will be designed based on physical properties of real broths.

Requirements for applicant: master degree in chemical or mechanical engineering, organic technology, biotechnology etc.; ability for teamwork; systematic and creative approach to scientific problems; interest in experimental work.

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PhD THESIS IN CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGENEERING / ANALYTICAL AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Transformations of aerosol particles due to changes in gaseous environment

Supervisor: Ing. Vladimír Ždímal, Dr.
Co-supervisors: Ing. Jaroslav Schwarz, CSc., Ing. Jakub Ondráček, Ph.D.

Department of Aerosols Chemistry and Physics

The aerosol particles are omnipresent in the atmosphere, influencing many processes on the Earth starting from the global warming to health effects. They tend to be both in physical and chemical equilibrium with their gaseous environment, but due to dynamic changes in the atmosphere or during their transport to human lungs, the particles change during their lifetime. Therefore, it is necessary to study their answers to these changes to be able to predict their fate and effects after their release to or formation in the atmosphere. The study will be carried out using a newly developed system of laminar flow reactors enabling to control ambient conditions of particle neighborhood. The doctoral student is supposed to study these phenomena using advanced methods of aerosol instrumentation including on-line chemical and physical characterization of particles by aerosol mass spectrometry.

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, organic technology, chemical physics, meteorology ...
  • willingness to do experimental work and learn new things;
  • team work ability.

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PhD THESIS IN ANALYTICAL AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Study on transformations of organic aerosols

Supervisor: Ing. Vladimír Ždímal, Dr.
Co-supervisors: Ing. Tereza Trávníčková, Ph.D., Ing. Jaroslav Schwarz, CSc.

Department of Aerosols Chemistry and Physics

Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) as important components of atmospheric aerosols influence Earth’s climate, human health and life expectancy. They are produced by atmospheric photooxidations of anthropogenic and biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) via gas-to-particle conversion. Terpenes and isoprenes belong to the most abundant chemical species detected in BVOC emissions. They can be oxidized to form semi- and low-volatile carbonyls, acids, and other products, transitioning between gas and particulate phase. To correctly describe these transformations by mathematical models, knowledge of thermodynamic and transport properties of these compounds is needed. The doctoral student will study these phenomena using advanced aerosol instrumentation including on-line chemical and physical characterization of particles by mass spectrometry.

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in chemical engeneering, physical chemistry, organic technology, chemical physics, meteorology ... ;
  • willingness to do experimental work and learn new things;
  • team work ability.

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PhD THESIS IN ANALYTICAL AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY / ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Hygroscopicity of aerosol particles

Supervisor: Ing. Vladimír Ždímal, Dr.
Co-supervisors: Behnaz Assadzadeh, MSc., Ph.D., Ing. Jaroslav Schwarz, CSc.

Department of Aerosols Chemistry and Physics

Hygroscopicity of aerosol particles is their ability to bind air humidity. This changes their shape, size and phase behavior. Hygroscopicity affects the ability of particles to become cloud condensation nuclei, their optical properties, global climate change, and human health.

The aim of the project is to study hygroscopicity of aerosol particles in the laboratory and in the atmosphere. In the laboratory, aerosol particles composed of substances commonly found in atmospheric aerosols will be generated and their hygroscopicity studied using HTDMA spectrometer. At the National Atmospheric Observatory Kosetice, atmospheric aerosol will be sampled using spectrometers HTDMA, SMPS, APS and AMS. Moreover, samples on filters and impactors will be analyzed in the laboratory. Experimental results will be compared with model predictions.

Required education and skills:

  • Master degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, organic technology, chemical physics, meteorology, environmental sciences;
  • willingness to do experimental work, learn new things and work in a team.

Reference:

  1. Seinfeld J. H., Pandis S. N.: Atmos. Chemistry and Physics, J. Wiley, NY, 1998.

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