E. Hála Laboratory of Thermodynamics

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals ASCR, 165 02 Praha 6 – Suchdol, Czech Republic

 

The aim of this doctoral thesis will be experimental measurement of phase equilibria of binary and multicomponent mixtures of ionic liquids and molecular solvents that may be used as reaction media in organic catalysis and biocatalysis. Their mutual solubility with industrially important compounds will be investigated using several experimental methods. Further on, other relevant thermodynamic properties will be measured: heat capacity of pure compounds, excess heat capacity and enthalpy of mixtures. The acquired data will eventually be described by several suitable thermodynamic models.

 

Required education and skills

Master degree in physical chemistry, physics, or organic chemistry;

systematic and creative approach to work;

team work ability.

 

Department of Organic Synthesis and Analytical Chemistry

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, ASCR, v.v.i.

 

The aim of the project is a detailed study of catalytic properties of fluorophilic cyclopentadienyl complexes prepared so far in our group or alternatively modification of their structure to optimize the catalytic activity. Cyclopentadienyl metal complexes are known catalysts of a number of reactions (e.g. hydrogenation, hydrosilylation, Diels-Alder reaction, cycloadition). Since several series of fluorous cyclopentadienes were made previously, the relations between the way of fluorophilization of the cyclopentadienyl ligand and catalytic activity of complexes derived from it can be examined in these reactions.

Although considerable know-how has been accumulated in our group already, concerning the synthesis of fluorous cyclopentadienes, the project includes a synthetic part since the complexes need to be resynthetized, and in several cased their synthesis optimized or modified for optimization of catalytic activity. Synthesis and characterization of prepared organic and organometallic compounds will therefore constitute an important part of the planned work.

The group has a good and versatile experimental equipment suited for the proposed project.

 

Department of organic synthesis and analytical chemistry

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, ASCR, 16502 Prague 6

 

The aim of this doctoral thesis will be preparation of suitably substituted carbo- and azahelicenes containing ethynyl chain in order to study their polymerization. The resulting polyacetylenes will be studied for their semiconductive properties. Incorporating of helicenes into a conducting polyacetylene chain could reveal so far unexplored new materials combining chirality with electrical conductivity.

The work group is equipped sufficiently. The candidate should have advanced knowledge of organic and macromolecular chemistry and the basic knowledge of spectral methods for the characterization of organic compounds and polymers is welcomed.

 

Required education and skills

Master degree in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry or organic technology

systematic and creative approach to work

team work ability

 

Environmental Process Engineering Laboratory

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the ASCR, v.v.i., 165 02 Prague 6 - Suchdol

 

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 stilbene and o-terphenyle derivatives leading to phenanthrene, triphenylene, helicene or heterohelicene derivatives.

The candidates should have an 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.

 

Environmental Process Engineering Laboratory

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the ASCR, v.v.i., 165 02 Prague 6 - Suchdol

 

The project is coupling of two scientific branches: traditional photocatalysis and microwave chemistry, when the effect of photocatalyst and microwave radiation on the photocatalytic behaviour of selected compounds is studied. UV/Vis radiation is generated quite extraordinary directly by microwave field using the electrodeless discharge lamps (EDLs) coated with a thin film of photocatalyst.

The aim of the project is a basic research of the effect of microwave and UV/Vis radiation on the course of selected photocatalytic reactions with potential application in organic synthesis or environmental chemistry. These processes can induce the desired oxidation and reduction reactions, and removing the need for expensive and dangerous solvents or chemicals.

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

Environmental Process Engineering Laboratory

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the ASCR, v.v.i., 165 02 Prague 6 – Suchdol

 

The project is coupling of two scientific branches: traditional photochemistry and rapidly expanding field of microreactors. Microreactors have several advantages such as the high surface-to-volume ratio, the small length scales of microfabricated devices, the higher illumination homogeneity and better light penetration. Together with feasible iso-thermal operation, they open new ways in photochemistry. Available micro photoreactor will be employed to find the optimal reaction conditions to study a thermal dependence of photostationary state for the selected stilbenes. The effect of temperature, light wavelength, and solvent on cis-trans stilbene photoisomerization, and photocyclization will be investigated. Project will result in formulation of a methodology for microreactor utilization in photochemistry with the direct validation with a selected reaction.

The candidates should have an M.Sc. or equivalent degree (or thesis submitted) in organic chemistry or organic technology (or related field), a penchant for experimental work, and the ability to learn the knowledge of microfluidics.

 

 

Department of Separation Processes

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals – ICPF, ASCR, v.v.i., 165 02 Prague 6

Laboratory of Membrane Separations

Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague (ICT), 166 28 Prague 6

 

Social efforts to protect the environment raise increasing demands on the limits that must be met by energetic sources. Carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulphur dioxide (residual SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_X) remain among the prevalent pollutants that occur e.g. during the combustion process in the production of electric energy. A fundamental part of the project lies in the laboratory verification of the membrane gas separation principle in case of gases generated e.g. during combustion. The subject of the doctoral thesis will be the determination of permeation properties of selected systems on the apparatuses at the ICPF or at ICT. On the basis of the results the most economically promising system will be chosen and it will be further developed for the commercial utilization in the industry. The candidate of the doctoral thesis will be required to elaborate a detailed literature search of foreign literature on the issue and to measure as well as to analyze the results independently. In the cooperation with the supervisor and the supervisor specialist he or she will also write articles for the foreign periodic. Excellent work and personal motivation may possibly be financially rewarded from the grant.

 

 

Department of Separation Processes

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals – ICPF, ASCR, v.v.i., 165 02 Prague 6

 

Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague (ICT), 166 28 Prague 6

 

Drug stereochemistry has become an issue for the pharmaceutical industry and the regulatory authorities, because each of the enantiomers frequently shows different impacts to living organisms. The goal of the project is to develop new membrane separation techniques for successful resolution of racemic mixtures allowing optimization of the therapeutic value of enantiomeric drugs and avoiding their adverse effects. The key objective is to separate enantiomers by a new membrane separation method, based on the proposed “supported chiral room temperature ionic liquid membrane”, that has never been studied yet. The candidate of the doctoral thesis will be required to elaborate a detailed literature search of foreign literature on the issue and to measure as well as to analyze the results independently. In the cooperation with the supervisor and the supervisor specialist he or she will also write articles for the foreign periodic. Excellent work and personal motivation may possibly be financially rewarded from the grant.

 

Environmental Process Engineering Laboratory

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, ASCR, 16502 Prague 6

 

Purity of the fuel gas from gasification of coal and biomass plays an important role in its applications. Low content of sulfur compounds is one of the basic requirements for application of the gas in catalytic processes and in efficient production of electricity in high temperature fuel cells (SOFC). The study in the frame of Ph.D. program will have four basic goals:

Development of reliable gas sampling for analyses for sulfur compounds in fuel gas.

Determination of overall concentration of sulfur and sulfur compounds in fuel gas from gasification processes with medium or low concentrations of sulfur.

Study of basic effects of fuel (coal, biomass, plastic waste) and conditions of gasification on the overall content of sulfur, speciation of sulfur compounds and on the minimization of COS and organic sulfur compounds formation.

Suggestion of suitable conditions for gasification and suitable method for removal of low concentrations of sulfur compounds from producer gas.

 

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, ASCR, 16502 Prague 6

 

The aim of this PhD work is focused on the complex study of stereoselective chemical reactions in liquid phase carried out in special experimental arrangement involving hydrogenation microreactor. These reactions are substantially important for production of pharmaceuticals. Important parts of the research will be detailed chemical engineering analysis of the reaction system, its optimisation, and a profound kinetic evaluation of the obtained data. Alternatively ionic liquids will be used as reaction solvents. The catalysts will be represented by Ru and Rh BINAP organometallic complexes.

 

What is required:

University degree (Ing., Mgr.) in physical chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, pharmacology, environmental chemistry, etc.;

Positive approach to work duties;

Team work ability.

 

Department of Organic Synthesis and Analytical Chemistry

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the ASCR, v.v.i., Prague

 

Improvement of quality and economy of pharmaceutical and food industry just as control of stock products need monitoring of chemical composition. Sampling and chemical analysis in laboratory might be substituted by cheaper and faster analysis by sensors. Optical biosensor is an analytical instrument that combines biological material with optical transducer. Biosensor applicability is limited by resistance of biological part against physical and chemical fluctuations of environment. The work will be focused on preparation and tests of sensitive layers with immobilized biological material with aim to increase their resilience and reliability. The work will be connected with international project MATINOES (Novel Organic-Inorganic Materials in Opto-Electronic Systems for the Monitoring and Control of Bio-Processes) that resulted in construction of optical sensor for on-line monitoring of glucose in bioreactors.

The candidates should have a M.Sc. or equivalent degree (or thesis submitted) in biotechnology, analytical chemistry (or related field), a penchant for experimental work and the ability to learn necessary knowledge from optics, spectroscopy, electronics, and analytical chemistry.

 

http://www.icpf.cas.cz/cs/matinoes

http://www.icpf.cas.cz/cs/vital-fluour

Kuncová G.: Optický biosenzor pro reaktory. Vesmír 90(6), 345 (2011).

Scully P.J., Betancor L., Bolyó J., Dzyadevych S., Guisan J.M., Fernández-Lafuente R., Jaffrezic-Renault N., Kuncová G., Matějec V., O´Kennedy B., Podrazký O., Rose K.: Optical Fibre Biosensors Using Enzymatic Transducers to Monitor Glucose. Measur. Sci. Technol. 18(10), 3177-3186 (2007).

 

Department of Organic Synthesis and Analytical Chemistry

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the ASCR, v.v.i., Prague

 

The aim of the project is a research of genetically modified microorganisms with lux genes that might serve as optical sensors of early detection of environmental pollution. These microorganisms – bioluminescent bioreporters – were genetically modified to be capable to produce bioluminescence selectively in presence of specific compounds. The topic of experimental work will be a study of selectivity of production of bioluminescence and reproducibility of analytical response of immobilized bioreporters. The project will involve collaborative research with Centre of Environmental Biotechnology University of Tennessee in Knoxville, USA.

The candidates should have a M.Sc. or equivalent degree (or thesis submitted) in biotechnology or microbiology (or related field), a penchant for experimental work and the ability to learn necessary knowledge from optics, spectroscopy, electronics, polymer and analytical chemistry.

 

D. M. Close, S. Ripp and G. S. Sayler: Reporter Proteins in Whole-Cell Optical Bioreporter Detection Systems, Biosensor Integrations, and Biosensing Applications. Sensors 2009, 9, 9147-9174.

J. Trögl, G. Kuncová, L. Kubicová, P. Pařík, J. Hálová, K. Demnerová, S. Ripp and G. S. Sayler:Response of the bioluminescent bioreporter Pseudomonas fluorescens HK44 to analogs of naphthalene and salicylic acid. Folia Microbiologica 2007, 52, 3-14.

Kuncová G., Pazlarová J., Hlavatá A., Ripp S., Sayler G.S.: Bioluminescent Bioreporter Pseudomonas putida TVA8 as a Detector of Water Pollution. Operational Conditions and Selectivity of Free Cells Sensor. (Eng) Ecol. Indic. 11(3), 882-887 (2011).

 

Department of Organic Synthesis and Analytical Chemistry

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the ASCR, v.v.i., Prague

 

The aim of the project is preparation of hierarchically structured biocatalysts consisting of organic compounds, enzymes or microorganisms, immobilized into organic-inorganic nanomaterials.

The topics of experimental work will be preparation and study of properties of solid biocatalysts with inorganic skeleton for application in micro-reactors and optical sensors.

The candidates should have a M.Sc. or equivalent degree (or thesis submitted) in chemical engineering, biotechnology (microbiology, biochemistry and related field) or inorganic chemistry (chemistry of silicates, material engineering and related fields), a penchant for experimental work and the ability to learn necessary knowledge from optics, spectroscopy, electronics, polymer chemistry and analytical chemistry.

 

Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics

Institute of Chemical process Fundamentals of the ASCR, v.v.i., 165 02 Prague 6-Suchdol

 

During inhalation of nano-sized particles (NSP) they are transported into blood vessels and distributed throughout the body to organs. Extra pulmonary translocation is highly dependent on particle size and particle surface characteristics/chemistry. NSP of non-biogenic elements (Pb, Cd) or their oxides, which belongs to important pollutants of the environment, will be synthesized for this study.

The aim of the project is: i) synthesis of NPS of Pb, Cd (elements, oxides) by aerosol process, ii) study of the influence of experimental conditions on dynamics of particle formation and their characteristics, iii) particle characterization by electron microscopy (morphology), electron or X-ray diffraction (crystallinity) and EDS and/or XPS (composition), iv) put the apparatus into service on the external workplace for long term inhalation experiments with laboratory animals.

Project will be realised with financial support of GA CR P503/11/2315 and in co-operation with IAC AS CR (grant holder) and IAPG AS CR.

Candidate should have ability to experimental work as well as to data analysis and interpretation, favourably master degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry or physics.

 

E.Hála Thermodynamic Laboratory

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the ASCR, v.v.i., 165 02 Praha 6 – Suchdol

 

The description of the vapour-liquid phase equilibria at normal and lower pressure in the systems without chemical reaction is quite well understood both from the theoretical and the experimental point of view. The situation is different in systems with chemical reaction, especially from experimental point of view.

The aim of this project is experimental determination and following description of the equilibrium data in selected model systems with well defined equilibrium chemical reaction, i.e. the esterification. In the case of classical phase equilibrium the basic state variables – temperature, pressure, composition – are measured; in this case we need also kinetic and equilibrium data for given reaction. Top quality instrumental equipment is used to determine basic state variables. Responsible technical approach is necessary for this work. Programming skills are also integral part of this work because of continual improvement of existing software.

The candidates should have

·      an M.Sc. or equivalent degree in science (chemistry, chemical engineering or – most preferable - physical chemistry)

·      a penchant for experimental work is essential.

 

Environmental Process Engineering Laboratory

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, ASCR, 16502 Prague 6

 

Waste materials withhold in themselves a relevant power potential. By the use of its power contents in combination with a fossil fuel, it is possible to partially replace primary power raw materials and at the same time to reduce the fraction of unemployed and landfilled wastes.

Envisaged alternative fuels suited for the co-combustion with coal in the fluidized-bed combustors will include particularly different sorts of commercially produced RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel), sorted combustible wastes, nonfermented wood waste biomass, sewage sludge, etc. By proper choice and combination of the respective sorts of waste materials present in the fuel mixture (in lump or particulate form), it will be possible to influence the qualitative characteristics of the mixed fuel (heating value, sulfur content, emissions, etc.), trouble-free function of the whole unit, and overall efficiency of the process.

The main aim of the work will be to explore the possibility of partial replacement of brown coal with other solid (alternative) fuel. The work will result in a collection of relevant data indicating a maximum feasible addition of secondary waste material to the primary fuel.

 

Department of Aerosol and Laser Sudies

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the ASCR, v.v.i.

 

About one half of atmospheric aerosol mass is formed by organic compounds. Their water-soluble part greatly affects aerosol behavior and is often the key to source identification and to understanding the aerosol fate.

The project aims to refine our concept of formation and transformation of secondary organic aerosols produced in the atmosphere from gaseous precursors of both biogenic and anthropogenic origin. Chemical composition of atmospheric aerosol particles will be determined by a combination of several analytical methods (HPLC, ion chromatography, the aerosol mass spectrometer AMS, H-NMR and others). These advanced methods will be applied to complex matrices of atmospheric aerosols.

The candidate should be a graduate or have a strong foundation in analytical chemistry of organic compounds. He/she should be independent, enthusiastic for experimental work and highly motivated.

 

 

Department of Separation Processes

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the ASCR, v.v.i.

 

The project is focused on the extraction of valuable plant components and further processing of extracts for their application in cosmetic products and food supplements. The solvent used is CO₂, which enables selective extraction in the region above critical pressure and temperature and a controlled condensation of extract forming solid particles after a fast decrease in pressure. The extraction and condensation conditions (pressure, temperature and solvent composition) will be optimised on the basis of study of phase equilibrium of valuable substances extracted from selected plants.

The candidate should have a M.Sc. or equivalent degree (or thesis submitted) in the field of organic technology, natural substances, or other related fields. He/she should be interested in both experimental work and application of theory in experimental design and in experimental data evaluation, and should extend his/her knowledge of vegetable substances, analytical chemistry, and new separation techniques during the study.

 

Department of Separation Processes

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the ASCR, v.v.i.

 

The aim of the project is to design a procedure of complex exploitation of plants or other resources of natural products rich in biologically active substances, using the technique of accelerated solvent extraction. This method is very efficient but its selectivity is low; therefore it will be combined with supercritical fluid extraction and eventually other separation methods. A part of the project is a study of separation processes, their mathematical description, application and optimisation.

The candidate should have an M.Sc. or equivalent degree (or thesis submitted) in the field chemical engineering, organic technology, physical chemistry, or other related fields. He/she should be interested in both experimental work and application of theory in experimental design and in experimental data evaluation, and should learn methods of mathematical modelling of processes during the study.

 

Department of organic synthesis and analytical chemistry

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, ASCR, 16502 Prague 6

 

The aim of this doctoral thesis will be preparation of suitably substituted carbo- and heterohelicenes as chiral selectors for applications in chiral HPLC and membrane processes. Stationary HPLC phases and inorganic membranes will be modified in order to separate racemic mixtures of helicenes and pharmaceutical substances. Ionic liquids containing helicenes will be prepared and exploited in making polymeric membranes for pertraction experiments. Membrane processes will be conducted in close relation with our membrane specialists. The work group is equipped sufficiently (NMR 300 and 500MHz including LC/NMR interface, GC/MS, analytical, preparative, chiral HPLC. The candidate should have advanced knowledge of organic chemistry and the basic knowledge of spectral methods for the characterization of organic compounds is welcomed.

 

Required education and skills

Master degree in organic chemistry or organic technology

systematic and creative approach to work

team work ability

Department of Multiphase Reactors

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the ASCR, v.v.i.

 

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). 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. A new type of microsensors will be prepared for this purpose by the application of photo-lithography. The visualization experiments using a top-level high-speed camera (Redlake) and the velocity field measurements by mPIV technique (Dantec) will bring additional information on the flow structure in microchannels.

The candidate should have an 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:        Tabeling P.: Introduction to Microfluidics. Oxford University Press (2005)

Department of Multiphase Reactors

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the ASCR, v.v.i., 165 02 Prague, Czech Republic

 

Surface-active agents (surfactants) are compounds, which strongly modify the properties of liquid-gas or liquid-liquid interfaces. Surfactants are commonly present in many systems, either intentionally added or as impurities. The addition of even a trace amount of surfactants strongly modifies the behavior of multiphase flows; e.g. the rise velocity of bubbles can decrease to less than half of the value found in pure liquid, although the change of common physical properties (densities, viscosities and interfacial tension) might not be measureable.

When designing industrial units, the multiphase flows (e.g. the flow of water-crude oil mixture) are often simulated by using population balance modeling (PBM) methods, which compute the evolution of bubble/drop size distribution. A required input of the PBM method is a model, which predicts the amount of bubbles/drops, which will be broken up into smaller particles. The break-up process is strongly influenced by the eventual presence of surfactants.

The project aim is to deliever experimental data on the break-up of bubbles and drops in the turbulent flow with a focus on the effect of surfactants. The applicant is will characterize the turbulent flow within an existing experimental setup (PIV method) and to follow the bubble/drop break-up by the use of computer processing of high-speed movies. A predictive model for the conditions, under which the break-up occurs, should be the output of the thesis. The applicant (preferably chemical or mechanical engineer) should not be afraid of experimental rigs, computers or simple programming.

 

Department of Aerosol and Laser Studies

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the ASCR, v.v.i.

 

Secondary aerosols represent about one half of the mass of the fine aerosol fraction. According to our current knowledge, this fraction is expected to cause most of the adverse health effects of atmospheric aerosols. Secondary aerosols are formed from gaseous precursors and our understanding of their formation and fate is often a key to introduce sensible measures reducing their environmental impact.

The project aims to better understand formation of secondary aerosols, especially nitrates, and their behavior in the atmosphere, depending on atmospheric conditions (especially its temperature and relative humidity) and concentrations of other components in the gaseous and liquid phases. Chemical composition of secondary aerosols will be determined using a state-of-the-art aerosol instrumentation with high time resolution. The candidate should be able to work independently with advanced on-line analytical methods and process large amounts of data.

The candidate should be a graduate or have a strong foundation in physical chemistry. The project is designed for a motivated student with enthusiasm for experimental work.