GRADUATE PROJECT IN Physical Chemistry

Phase equilibria in mixtures of ionic liquids with molecular solvents from the viewpoint of their structure and application potential

Supervisor: Ing. Magdalena Bendová, Ph.D.

E. Hála Laboratory of Separation Processes

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

The aim of this doctoral thesis will be to study the influence of the structure of ionic liquids (ILs) on phase equilibria in general and on liquid-liquid equilibria in particular in their mixtures with common molecular solvents (water, acetonitrile, alcohols). Systems of new still noncharacterized ionic liquids with comparable cation structure will be studied. Phase equilibria measurements will be completed with the characterization of the pure ionic liquids in terms of their thermophysical properties. In this way, the influence of the cation structure on these macroscopic properties will be evaluated. On the molecular level, SAFT equation of state will be used to assess the influence of ILs structure by modeling of phase equilibria. These basic data will also serve to assess the application potential of the studied ionic liquids, not only as solvents, but also as energy-storage materials.

Required education and skills

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

·      systematic and creative approach to work;

·      team work ability.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Organic Chemistry / Organic Technology

Preparation of polyaromatic derivatives using the microwave photochemistry

Supervisor: Dr. Ing. Vladimír Církva

Environmental Process Engineering Laboratory

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

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 hetero analogues.

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.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Organic Technology

Utilization of the micro photoreactor on the selected photochemical reactions

Supervisor: Dr. Ing. Vladimír Církva

Environmental Process Engineering Laboratory

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

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 resul in formulation of a methodology for microreactor utilization in photochemictry with the direct validation with a selected reaction.

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, and the ability to learn the knowledge of microfluidics.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Organic Chemistry

Catalysis by cyclopentadienyl metal complexes in fluorous media

Supervisor: doc. Ing. Jan Čermák, CSc.

Department of Organic Synthesis and Analytical Chemistry

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

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.

There is good and versatile experimental equipment available and suitable for the proposed project.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Chemical Engineering

Characterization of microdevices and their selection for research and industrial applications

Supervisor: Ing. Vladimír Jiřičný, CSc.

Expert Supervisor: Ing. Jiří Křišťál, Ph.D.

E. Hala Laboratory of Separation Processes

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

The aim of the project is the characterization of microreactors with the mass and heat transfer models and the formulation of the microdevice selection methodology for the research and industrial application. High active surface-to-volume ratio of microdevices allows for the accurate control of local process conditions necessary for the optimal reaction performance. Therefore, high conversion and selectivity can be achieve in a single pass of the reaction system through the microreactor. Project will focus on the one and two-phase systems with different material properties and will be linked to the research carried out in the EU projects IMPULSE and F3 Factory. The Modular Micro Reaction System (Ehrfeld) and microfludic chip reactors Labtrix (Chemtrix) are available for the experimental part of the project.

Requirements:

·       University degree (Ing., Mgr.) in chemical engineering, chemical technology, etc.

·       Positive relation to programming and experimental work

·       Systematic approach to work duties and creativity

·       Team work ability

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Chemical Engineering / Physical Chemistry

Molecular and mesoscale simulations of complex chemical systems

Supervisor: Doc. Ing. Martin Lísal, DSc.

Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

Molecular and mesoscale simulations provide a complementary approach to laboratory experiments. The art of molecular and mesoscale simulations includes the development of force fields required as input into simulations at both length scales, and the application of techniques such as Monte Carlo, molecular dynamics, and dissipative particle dynamics simulations. Molecular simulations are currently able to access length scales of nanometers and time scales of nanoseconds, while mesoscale simulations can deal with length and time scales up to micrometers and up to microseconds, respectively. A candidate is invited to apply simulation approaches to study one of the following problems: (i) the interaction of fluids with ionic-liquid interfaces, (ii) fluid behaviour in nanoconfinement such as carbon nanoslits or carbon nanotubes, (iii) the self-assembly of polymeric systems, and (iv) nucleation. The focus will be on gaining an understanding of how chemical composition and structure controls thermodynamic and transport properties of fluids and solids.

Requirements:

·      University degree (MSc) in chemical engineering or physical chemistry

·      Basic programming skills

·      Positive approach to work duties

·      Ability to work in a team environment

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Chemistry and Technology of Fuels and Environment / Chemical Processing of Fuels and Energetics

Modern methods of flue gas cleaning for waste-to-energy plants

Supervisor: Ing. Michael Pohořelý, Ph.D.¹

Expert Supervisor: Ing. Michal Šyc, Ph.D.²

¹ICT Prague, Technická 3, Prague 6

² Environmental Process Engineering Laboratory

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

The thesis is aimed on development and optimization of selected steps of flue gases cleaning in modern waste-to-energy technology, as selective non-catalytic reduction of NOx with low ammonia slip, catalytic destruction of organic compounds and gas de-dusting on catalytic filter, dry methods for capture of mercury and acid components from the gas. The work will include monitoring of interference between subsequent cleaning steps and development of integrated flue gas cleaning steps.

Requirements:

·      university degree (Ing., Mgr.) in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, environmental chemistry, etc.,

·      positive approach to work duties,

·      team work ability.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Organic technology

Phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge

Supervisor: Ing. Miroslav Punčochář, DSc.

Environmental Process Engineering Laboratory

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

This work will be aimed on a comprehensive study and development of methods for phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge, which will include both raw sludge and ash from sludge thermal treatment. The methods should enable an efficient separation of nutrients, especially phosphorus, and toxic components of sludge or ash (organic compounds, heavy metals, etc.). The work will include evaluation of phosphorus product with regard to its further utilization (chemical speciation, bioavailability, etc.) and comparison of phosphorus recovery rate from different methods.

Requirements:

·      university degree (Ing., Mgr., MSc.) in environmental engineering, environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, etc.,

·      positive approach to work duties,

·      team work ability.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Organic technology

Preparation of nanostructured materials by using supercritical and pressurized fluids

Supervisor: Ing. Marie Sajfrtová, Ph.D.¹

Expert Supervisor: Ing. Lenka Matějová, Ph.D.²

¹ E. Hála Laboratory of Separation Processes,

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

²VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 15/2172, 708 33 Ostrava – Poruba

The aim of the PhD work is focused on the preparation of nanostructured metal oxides in various macroscopic forms by using supercritical and pressurized fluids. Using a suitable combination of fluids and extraction conditions the metal oxides possessing significantly improved textural and structural properties can be synthesize than using a conventional calcination. Various macroscopic forms of metal oxides will be prepared by sol-gel techniques or thermal hydrolysis, and a special attention will be dedicated to development and optimization of extraction approach leading to oxide total purification and direct crystallization. Besides the influence of individual extraction conditions on metal oxide microstructure, their photocatalytic activity and toxicity will be also assessed.

Requirements:

·      University degree (Ing., Mgr., MSc.) in organic technology, physical chemistry, material engineering, condensed matter chemistry and physics, organic chemistry, chemical engineering or environmental engineering.

·      Positive and systematic approach to work duties, motivated, reliable

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Organic technology

Homogeneous catalysis in supercritical carbon dioxide

Supervisor: Ing. Marie Sajfrtová, Ph.D.

Expert Supervisor: Ing. Tomáš Strašák, Ph.D. 

E. Hála Laboratory of Separation Processes

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

The use of supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO₂) as a solvent in homogeneous catalysis follows new trends in the so-called "green chemistry", because it reduces the consumption of toxic organic solvents. However, most conventional homogeneous catalysts are insoluble in this medium. One possibility to achieve an increase in affinity for sc-CO₂ is the introduction of polyfluorinated chains in structure of the catalyst molecule. The aim of this PhD thesis proposal will be the synthesis of fluorinated analogues of homogeneous catalysts and its implementation. Attention will be focused primarily on selected cyclopentadienyl complexes of transition metals. These compounds will be tested as catalysts in the environment of sc-CO₂. The study will also include detailed structural characterization (X-ray, NMR, MS, IR, elemental analysis) of prepared compounds.

Requirements:

·      University degree (Ing., Mgr.) in organic technology or organic chemistry

·      Positive and systematic approach to work duties, motivated, reliable

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Organic Chemistry / Organic Technology / Physical Chemistry

Air quality effect on degradation of cellulose

Supervisor: Ing. Jiří Smolík, CSc.,

Expert supervisor: Ing. Michal Ďurovič, Dr.

Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

Recent results of study of indoor air quality effect on library and archival collections indicate a strong influence of submicron aerosol particulate matter on degradation of cellulose. These particles are very complex in composition and contain predominantly, ammonium sulphate and nitrate, organic matter emmited from traffic and vegetation, soot, heavy metals and also inorganic acids, adsorbed on their surface. Due to acidic nature and catalytic effect of metals these particles can contribute to degradation of cellulose by hydrolysis or oxidation. The aim of the project is to identify possible mechanisms of degradation of cellulose caused by deposited particulate matter and to contribute to preservation of cultural heritage. The degree of degradation will be studied by means of value of average degree of polymerisation, chemical composition of particles will be determined by a combination of several analytical methods (HPLC, ion chromatography, PIXE, H-NMR and others).

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

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Organic Chemistry / Inorganic Chemistry / Organic technology

Photochemical synthesis of azahelicenes

Supervisor: Ing. Jan Storch, Ph.D.

Department of Analytical and Material Chemistry

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

The aim of this doctoral thesis will be the preparation of imine precursors and their photocyclization studies leading to various azahelicenes (scheme 1). The prepared molecules will be further studied from molecular functional layers preparation, self-assembly properties and coordination chemistry point of view.

The candidate should have an advanced knowledge of organic chemistry together with a basic knowledge of inorganic chemistry and spectral techniques (NMR). Our requirements:

·    Master degree in organic/inorganic chemistry or organic technology

·    systematic and creative approach to work;

·    team work ability.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Organic Chemistry / Inorganic Chemistry / Organic technology

Synthesis of pseudohelicenes and their complexes with transition metals for OLED technologies

Supervisor: Ing. Jan Storch, Ph.D.

Department of Analytical and Material Chemistry

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

The aim of this doctoral thesis will be the synthesis of so called pseudohelicenes that will be further functionalized and/or complexed with transition metals for exploitation thin-film functional layers. Synthesis and the study of these new materials are directed towards new OLED systems with a prolonged lifetime and higher efficiency.

The candidate should have an advanced knowledge of organic chemistry together with a basic knowledge of inorganic chemistry and the basics of spectral techniques. We require:

·    Master degree in organic/inorganic chemistry or organic technology;

·    systematic and creative approach to work; team work ability

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Chemistry and Technology of Fuels and Environment / Physicochemical Processes in Power Engineering

Deep removal of sulphur compounds from producer gases by means of combinations of primary and secondary measures

Supervisor: Ing. Siarhei Skoblja, Ph.D.

Expert Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Karel Svoboda, Ph.D.

Environmental Process Engineering Laboratory

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

Purity of the fuel gas from gasification of coal, biomass and waste 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:

1.   Development of reliable gas sampling and analytical methods for complex analyses of sulfur compounds in fuel gas containing small concentrations of HCl and NH₃.

2.   Removal/capture of H₂S and thiophene from model gases by means of chosen sorbent or a combination of catalyst and sorbent.

3.   Study of  basic effects of fuel (coal, biomass, 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.

4.   Suggestion of suitable conditions for gasification and suitable method for deep removal of sulfur compounds from producer gas by means of chosen combination of catalyst and sorbent.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Chemistry and Technology of Fuels and Enviroment / Physicochemical Processes in Power Engineering / Inorganic Technology

Ashes as a source of critical commodities

Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Karel Svoboda, Ph.D.

Environmental Process Engineering Laboratory

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

The project is aimed at the evaluation of the potential of solid residuals from coal-combustion plants and waste-to-energy plants with respect to the content of supercritical chemical elements commodities (rare earth elements, precious metals, etc.) and other valuable elements (non-ferrous metals, phosphorus etc.). Within the project, the influence of combustion conditions and plant type (including flue gases de-dusting devices) and the influence of ash particle size and other ash characteristics on the distribution of these commodities will be studied. The project is targeted also on finding suitable methods for the recovery of these elements by thermo- and/or hydro-metallurgical processes.

Requirements:

·      university degree (Ing., Mgr., MSc.) in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, environmental chemistry, etc.,

·      positive and creative approach to work duties,

·      team work ability

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Analytical Chemistry

Identification of biologically active compounds in natural extracts

Supervisor: Doc. Ing. Bohumil Dolenský, Ph.D.¹

Expert Supervisor: Ing. Jan Sýkora, Ph.D.²

¹ Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague

² Department of Analytical and Material Chemistry,

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

The aim of this doctoral thesis will be the development of analytical procedure for separation and identification of biologically active compounds in various natural extracts. In the latest stage, the work will lead toward isolation of the most active compounds.

The work group is sufficiently equipped instrumentally (HPLC, GC, MS, NMR and hyphenations of these techniques; LC-MS and LC-NMR). The sufficient suplly of the material and testing of biological activity will be provided on collaboration basis.

The candidate should have advanced knowledge of spectral methods for the characterization of organic compounds. The basic knowledge of organic chemistry or chemistry of natural compouns is welcomed.

Required education and skills

·      Master degree in analytical, organic chemistry or chemistry of natural compounds

·      Basic knowledge of oganic compound analysis

·      systematic and creative approach to work

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Analytical Chemistry

NMR analysis of aerosol particles

Supervisor: Doc. Ing. Bohumil Dolenský, Ph.D.¹

Expert Supervisor: Ing. Jan Sýkora, Ph.D.²

¹ Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague

² Department of Analytical and Material Chemistry,

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

The topic of this doctoral thesis will be analysis of organic compound contained in aerosol particles by NMR spectroscopy. In the first stage, samples from typical sources of aerosol particles will be studied. The major component will be identified the 1H NMR spectra of these coumpound will be collected at defined conditions. These spectra will serve for construction of spatra database or library, which will serve for the analysis of real aerosol particles in very end of the project. The NMR metabolomic procedure will serve for this purpose.

The work group is sufficiently equipped instrumentally (HPLC, GC, MS, NMR and hyphenations of these techniques; LC-MS and LC-NMR). The sufficient suplly of the material will be provided on collaboration basis.

The candidate should have advanced knowledge of spectral methods for the characterization of organic compounds. The basic knowledge of organic chemistry is welcomed.

Required education and skills

·      Master degree in analytical or organic chemistry

·      Basic knowledge of oganic compound analysis

·      systematic and creative approach to work

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Chemical Engineering

Diagnostics of two-phase flows in channels with complex geometries

Supervisor: Ing. Jaroslav Tihon, CSc.

Department of Multiphase Reactors

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

The aim of this project is an experimental investigation of the character of two-phase flow (gas/liquid) in small channels. 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 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.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Physical Chemistry

Transport of condensable vapor in pores of inorganic membranes

Supervisor: Ing. Petr Uchytil, CSc.

E. Hála Laboratory of Separation Processes

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

The aim of this doctoral thesis will be to study vapor and gas separation by inorganic porous membranes. If a separated mixture contains condensable gas in certain pressure conditions condensation in small pores could occurred. In this case great change of separation efficiency could be expected. The condensate will restrict the transport of noncondensable substance. It could be seen from this short description that the gas transport in small pores is complicated but interesting process which has considerable particle significance.

Experiments will be done on Vycor (silica) and alumina membranes. Nitrogen, hydrogen (noncondensable gases) and butane, freon (condensable gases) will be used. The great area is open to the mathematical modeling of the gas transport in small pores of inorganic membranes.

The advantage - a M.Sc. degree in physical chemistry or in chemical engineering.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Physical Chemistry

Mass transport in polymer membranes

Supervisor: Ing. Petr Uchytil, CSc.

E. Hála Laboratory of Separation Processes

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

The project is focused on the mass transport description of permeating substances in thin liquid films. At first the flux of pure components will be measured. After that, the permeation of binary mixtures will be studied, namely systems with carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is the most important greenhouse gas; therefore its removal from gas streams containing air or methane falls within the most encountered separation task in practical industries.

Mutual influence of both permeated substances will be evaluated. New apparatus with TCD detector or mass spectrometer detector will be used for the experiments.

The candidate should have a M.Sc. degree in physical chemistry or in chemical engineering.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Chemical Engineering

Effect of surfactants on the break-up of bubbles/drops in a turbulent flow

Supervisor: Ing. Jiří Vejražka, Ph.D.

Department of Multiphase Reactors

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

Surface-active agents (surfactants) are compounds, which strongly modifies 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 deliver 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.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Physical Chemistry

High-pressure vapour-liquid equilibrium in systems containing ionic liquids suitable for carbon dioxide capture and storage

Supervisor: Ing. Zdeněk Wagner, CSc.

E. Hála Laboratory of Separation Processes

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

The aim of this doctoral thesis will be to study solubility of carbon dioxide in ionic liquids at high pressure. Newly synthetized, so far uncharacterized ionic liquids with similar cation structure and different anions will be studied. The output of the study will be not only experimental determination of phase equilibrium data but also characterization of these novel ionic liquids. The influence of the cation and anion structure on the macroscopic thermodynamic properties will be studied. This influence will be examined by modelling the phase equilibria using the SAFT equation of state which will bring insight into the interactions at the molecular level. The results of the work will allow us to examine how the cation and anion structure influences the intermolecular forces and the polarity of the molecule. It will make possible to test application potential of these newly synthesized ionic liquids for carbon dioxide capture and storage as well as for other industrial processes.

Required education and skills

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

·      systematic and creative approach to work;

·      team work ability.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN Physical Chemistry

Transformations of aerosol particles due to changes in gaseous environment

Supervisor: Ing. Vladimír Ždímal Dr.

Expert Supervisor: Ing. Jaroslav Schwarz, CSc.

Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, AS CR, 16502 Prague 6

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 particle 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 done using a newly developed system of laminar flow reactors enabling to control ambient conditions of particle neigbourhood. The doctoral student is supposed to study these phenomena using advanced methods of aerosol instrumentation including on-line chemical and physical characterisation of particles by aerosol mass spectrometry.

Required education and skills

·      Master degree in physics, chemical engeneering, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, meteorology chemical physic or similar

·      systematic and creative approach to work;

·      team work ability.

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