GRADUATE PROJECT IN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Experimental measurements and modelling of heat capacity of ionic liquids

Supervisor: Ing. Magdalena Bendová, Ph.D.
Co-supervisor: Ing. Zdeněk Wagner, CSc.

Department of Aerosols Chemistry and Physics
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

The aim of this work is to obtain experimental data on isobaric heat capacity as a function of temperature for a comprehensive range of ionic liquids. These organic salts show a large variability in structure that significantly influences their thermophysical properties. The influence of ionic liquid structure on heat capacity will be studied in this work. The IL structures will be selected to reflect the structure-property relationship in the best way possible. The experimental data will then be critically assessed by means of methods based on mathematical gnostics and subsequently used in modelling and finding the structure-property relationships for the ionic liquid heat capacity.

Required education and skills

• Master degree in physical chemistry, physics, or organic chemistry;
• basic programming skills and experience with Linux are an advantage;
• systematic and creative approach to work;
• team work ability.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN  PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

COSMO-RS modelling of the interaction between terpenes and water aerosol

Supervisor: Ing. Magdalena Bendová, Ph.D.

Department of Aerosols Chemistry and Physics
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Terpenes are a group of chemical compounds that occur naturally in the atmosphere as a result of their release from foliage. The general aim of the present project is to understand the role of terpenes in the formation of the Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) in terms of the interaction of terpenes with water aerosol. In particular, the present thesis will address modelling of this interaction by means of the COSMO-RS methodology by means of predicting the air-water partitioning coefficients and sorption of terpenes on the surface of the water aerosol droplets.

Required education and skills

• Master degree in physical chemistry, physics, or organic chemistry;
• basic knowledge of the COSMO-RS model, programming skills and experience with Linux are an advantage;
• systematic and creative approach to work;
• team work ability.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

Electrocoagulation of microorganisms

Supervisor:prof. Ing. Tomáš Brányik¹, Ph.D.
Co-supervisor: Ing. Irena Brányiková², Ph.D.

¹Department of Biotechnology, ICT Prague, Technická 5, Prague 6
²Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Separation of the microbial biomass form the culture medium is standard down-stream process in biotechnology. In some cases, the harvest concentrations of biomass are so low, that the use of classical processes (centrifugation, filtration) is highly energy-intensive and costly. An alternative method of concentrating biomass can be electrocoagulation, which has been used up to date in the fields of water purification and supply. The aim is to use electrocoagulation to biotechnological applications, whether desired product is the biomass or culture solution with extracellular products. The study will combine the fundamental approach (measurement of surface properties of particles and modeling of their interactions) with the engineering approach (study of electrocoagulation in laboratory and bench scale facilities, cooperation on the design and testing of the flow electrofloculation device).

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

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN  ORGANIC CHEMISTRY / ORGANIC TECHNOLOGY

Microwave photochemistry and preparation of polyaromatics

Supervisor: Dr. Ing. Vladimír Církva

Department of Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesis
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 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 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.

References:

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

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING / ORGANIC TECHNOLOGY / PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Separation of enantiomers by membrane processes

Supervisor: Ing. Pavel Izák, Ph.D., DSc.
Co-supervisor: RNDr. Jana Gaálová, Ph.D.

Department of Membrane Separation Processes
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

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 L and D enantiomers have different effects and the D enantiomers may be harmful 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, particularly in the pharmaceutical, food or agrochemical industries. The doctoral candidate will be required to work out a detailed search of foreign literature on the subject (need for active English knowledge), independent measurement and results processing, and in cooperation with the supervisor and to write publications in foreign periodicals.

Required education and skills

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

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING / ORGANIC TECHNOLOGY / PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Removal of pollutants from air by membrane processes

Supervisor: Ing. Pavel Izák, Ph.D., DSc.
Co-supervisor: Ing. Michal Šyc, Ph.D.

Department of Membrane Separation Processes
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Social efforts to protect the environment raise increasing demands on the limits that must be met by energetic sources. This trend will continue and it will gradually prevail on global scale. Carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulphur (residual SO₂) and nitrogen oxide (NO_x) remain among the prevalent pollutants that occur e.g. during the combustion process in the production of electric energy. The aim of the project is the employment of the condensing-liquid membrane (developed by the team of scientists from the group of P. Izák) in significant limitation of the main air-pollutants The candidate of the doctoral thesis will be required to elaborate a detailed literature search of foreign literature on the issue (active knowledge of the English language necessary) 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.

Required education and skills:

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

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Synthesis of fluorinated oligosaccharides and the study of their conformation and protein interaction by NMR

Supervisor: Mgr. Jindřich Karban, Ph.D.

Department of Bioorganic Chemistry and Nanocomposites
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Enormous structural diversity of carbohydrates renders them ideal for encoding biological information. This information is decoded and translated into a wide variety of fundamental intra- and intercellular processes by non-covalent interaction with carbohydrate-binding proteins. ¹⁹F NMR has emerged as a versatile and powerful tool to detect and characterize carbohydrate-protein binding events due to particularly favorable properties of ¹⁹F nucleus. The subject of this doctoral thesis is the synthesis of natural and fluorinated analogues of selected biomedically relevant oligosaccharides, the study of their conformation in solution, and the analysis of their interaction with the cognate proteins by monitoring changes in ¹⁹F NMR resonances. The students is expected to conduct a large amount of synthetic chemistry, master advanced NMR techniques and learn fundamentals of glycobiology.

Required education and skills

• Master degree in organic chemistry or organic technology;
• interest in organic synthesis and glycoscience.

References:

1. Matei, E. et al. Chem. Eur. J. 2013, 19, 5364.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Thermodynamics and structure of racemic mixtures: A molecular study

Supervisor:Prof. RNDr. Ivo Nezbeda, DrSc.

Department of Membrane Separation Processes
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Most bioorganic molecules are chiral and in nature they exist only in one enantiomeric form. However, these molecules are produced by pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries as racemic mixtures (equimolar mixture of two chiral forms) and methods of their separation are therefore of extreme importance.

One of the separation methods is by means of porous materials or membranes. A large number of experimental data has been collected but molecular studies of chiral adsorption are scarce. Consequently, full molecular understanding of the separation process is missing and its design is therefore based primarily on trial-and-error.

The topic of the Ph.D. thesis is a study of thermodynamic and structural properties of solutions of chiral molecules using molecular and numerical modeling. The goal of the project is to cast light on molecular mechanisms behind preferential affinities of chiral molecules toward various potential adsorbents and the role of different intermolecular interactions.

Required education and skills

• M.Sc. in physical chemistry, physics, or chemical engineering;
• basic programing skill;
• interest in research.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Effect of interfacial properties on dynamics of bubbles and drops

Supervisor: Sandra Orvalho, Ph.D.
Co-supervisor: Ing. Petr Stanovský, Ph.D.

Department of Multiphase Reactors
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

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 a high-speed camera, processing the acquired data using Matlab, but also building single-purpose experimental equipment and physical interpretation of results.

The applicant should have a master degree in chemical or mechanical engineering or in physical chemistry and should be systematic and have a creative approach to research.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Nucleation, desaturation, foams

Supervisor: Doc. Ing. Marek Růžička, CSc., DSc.
Co-supervisors: Ing. Petr Stanovský Ph.D., Ing. Mária Zedníková, Ph.D.

Department of Multiphase Reactors
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

The goal of this PhD course is to study the dynamics of foam formation using nontraditional technique. Inspiration of this work are remarkable features of biologically formed surfactants intensively investigated in food industry nowadays. After pressure drop, the gas-saturated liquid desaturates via heterogeneous bubble nucleation, growth and rise. The bubbles accumulate at the surface and generate a foam layer, due to presence of a surfactant. Experiment with high-speed camera will be combined with characterization of surfactant properties and with physically based mathematical modelling (using e.g. Matlab).

Required education and skills

• Master degree in engineering, chemistry, physics, mathematics;
• ability and willingness to learn and team-work.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

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

Supervisor: Doc. Ing. Marek Růžička, CSc., DSc.
Co-supervisors: Ing. Mária Zedníková, Ph.D., Sandra Orvalho Ph.D.

Department of Multiphase Reactors
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

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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GRADUATE PROJECT IN ORGANIC TECHNOLOGY

Formation of microparticles from natural extracts using supercritical CO₂

Supervisor: Ing. Marie Sajfrtová, Ph.D.

Department of Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesis
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Natural extracts are marketed in the form of liquid, viscous preparations or as powders resulting from the drying of the liquid extract. Formation of powdered extracts helps to decrease the storage costs and increase the concentration and stability of active substances. However, conventional drying methods (spray drying, lyophilization etc.) have several disadvantages, such as the degradation of the product, contamination with organic solvents, and the production of large sized particles. More gentle technic for precipitation and particle formation is a supercritical antisolvent process (SAS). In the SAS process, a liquid solution of a solvent and a bioactive substance is injected into a supercritical fluid, which acts as antisolvent. This leads to supersaturation of the solute, which is compensated by nucleation and particle growth. The aim of the thesis is to evaluate the effects of pressure, temperature, solute concentration etc., on the properties of the particles produced by SAS from particular plant extract. The student will participate also on the development of the SAS apparatus.

Required education and skills

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

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN ORGANIC TECHNOLOGY / ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Chemical composition of atmospheric nanoparticles and its dynamics

Supervisor: Ing. Jaroslav Schwarz, CSc.

Department of Aerosols Chemistry and Physics
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Nanoparticles (particles bellow 100 nm) form most of total particle number in the atmosphere, but only a small part of their mass. At the same time, they carry the richest information about their origin. However, this information is lost in common analysis of all particles because larger particles form most of the mass. Nanoparticles originate in high temperature processes (primary aerosol) or they are formed directly in the atmosphere by chemical reactions followed by condensation of products with a lower volatility. The aim of this thesis will be in getting information about nanoparticles’ chemical composition by combination of on-line and off-line analytical methods (AMS – aerosol mass spectrometry, IC, LC-MS). The obtained results will be used to determine sources of nanoparticles in the atmosphere using receptor modelling (mainly PMF).

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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GRADUATE PROJECT IN ORGANIC TECHNOLOGY / ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

About ambient organic aerosol origin in CR

Supervisor: Ing. Jaroslav Schwarz, CSc.

Department of Aerosols Chemistry and Physics
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Organic compounds are among the main components of atmospheric aerosols ("poisonous dust"). The development of analytical methods in recent years has allowed us to move from lengthy off-line methods to on-line measurements. This dissertation will exploit the possibilities of on-line aerosol mass spectrometry in combination with on-line measurement of light absorption on aerosols and its dependence on light wavelength to determine the proportion of their sources and their dynamics. To this end, the methods of factor analysis will be used. For example, the results of these analyzes can determine whether the transition to biomass combustion for domestic heating or biofuel in cars actually helps to improve air quality. Besides Prague, work on sampling will take place mainly at the Kosetice station in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, analyzes at the ICPF laboratories.

Required education and skills

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

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN ORGANIC TECHNOLOGY / ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Are the aerosols sweet? (About the origin of sugar substances in the atmosphere)

Supervisor: Ing. Jaroslav Schwarz, CSc.

Department of Aerosols Chemistry and Physics
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

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 their 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;
• ssystematic and creative approach to work;
• both independence and team work ability.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN ORGANIC TECHNOLOGY

Preparation of nanofibrous catalysts by electrospinning technique

Supervisor: Ing. Karel Soukup, Ph.D.
Co-supervisor: Ing. Pavel Topka, Ph.D.

Department of Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

The main aim of the proposed project is focused on assessment of the specific properties of the novel polymeric nanofibrous materials prepared by electrospinning in applications as effective catalyst supports. Other targets of this project will be specifically addressed to the optimization of the electrospinning process parameters with respect to properties of the prepared supports, deposition of the catalytically active centers or catalyst precursors and assessment of the effect of support microstructure on the phenomenological kinetics of model reactions. Studied model reactions will involve both reaction in gas-phase (total oxidation of volatile organic compounds) and liquid-phase (hydrogenation). Additionally, it will be investigated the possible influence of differences between polymer surface nature of nanofibers and conventional polymeric catalyst supports on catalytic properties.

Required education and skills

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

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING / INORGANIC TECHNOLOGY

Application of a meandering channel microreactor for study of gas phase reactions on the heterogeneous catalyst

Supervisor: Ing. Petr Stavárek, Ph.D.

Department of Multiphase Reactors
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Microreactors presents perspective devices that find many applications for their advantageous features is chemical processes. This thesis proposal aims at the study of catalytic oxidation reactions with use of a new microreactor prototype with a meandering channel, developed by ICPF. The reaction space of this compact microreactor has a geometry of a meandering channel that is more than 3 meters long. In contrast to conventional laboratory reactors, such a particular geometry of the microreactor permits to conduct a reaction study or catalyst testing under the mass and heat transport conditions that are in fact identical to conditions prevailing in industrial reactors. The work will consist in the performing of experimental reaction tests with an innovative microreactor and collecting and evaluating of experimental data.

The candidate should have a good knowledge of chemical and reaction engineering, organic chemistry and has good computer skills to work with data acquisition and evaluation systems as well as with mathematical modelling software. To complete the delegated tasks, the personal abilities such as independence, creativity and team work ability will be required.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY / ORGANIC TECHNOLOGY

New selectors for chiral stationary phases

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

Department of Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesis
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Racemic mixtures resolution plays an important role not only in pharmaceutical industry, but also in the field of material chemistry. Although there is a plenty of commercially available stationary phases, their selectors are overwhelmingly based on saccharide derivatives. New chiral selectors based on natural compounds or on so far unused helically chiral molecules (see the fig.) will be studied within this ambitious postgradual project. This project will be focused on not only design and synthesis of selectors, but also on preparation of stationary phases, fabrication of functional prototypes of HPLC columns and testing their efficiency on selected model substrates in cooperation with industrial partner.

Required education and skills

• Master degree (MSc.) in organic chemistry or organic technology;
• systematic, creative and independent approach to work;
• team work ability.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY / ORGANIC TECHNOLOGY

Polyaromatics-based functional layers

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

Department of Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesis
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons, especially [n]helicenes and [n]phenacenes, exhibit a number of interesting physico-chemical properties. Thanks to them, they can find applications in a wide range of research disciplines, especially in optoelectronics and sensor design. Here, new helices/phenacenes-based materials are applied in the form of thin films. The easy immobilization of these molecules by coating techniques or electropolymerization opens a wide range of potential applications, for example in the construction of optoelectronic devices such as (CPL)-OLEDs/OFETs, or the construction of sensors for biomolecules sensing (see Fig.). Within this ambitious project, new molecules and their layers with the desired properties will be designed, synthesized and later characterized.

Required education and skills

• Master degree (MSc.) in organic chemistry/technology;
• systematic, creative and independent approach to work;
• team work ability.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY / ORGANIC TECHNOLOGY

The development of laboratory production of semi-synthetic cannabinoids

Supervisor: Ing. Jan Storch, Ph.D.
Co-supervisor: Ing. Jan Sýkora, Ph.D.

Department of Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesis
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

The biological activity of cannabinoids found in cannabis varieties is expressed by interaction with the endocannabinoid receptor system, predominantly CB1 and CB2. The endocannabinoid system has a wide range of effects in the CNS and peripheral tissues. Currently the most utilized cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD), to a lesser extent cannabigerol (CBG). In near future, other cannabinoids will play a significant role, whose production is not yet developed. This project aims to develop the laboratory production of semi-synthetic cannabinoids, starting from CBD and CBG, found in cannabis plants, but in a very low concentration. Their extraction is therefore economically inefficient.

Required education and skills

• Master degree (MSc.) in organic chemistry/technology;
• systematic, creative and independent approach to work;
• team work ability.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY / ORGANIC TECHNOLOGY

Modular synthesis of silane dendritic materials

Supervisor: Ing. Tomáš Strašák, Ph.D.

Department of Bioorganic Compounds and Nanocomposite
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Precisely built molecular architecture represents the main precondition for the functionality of a material. Therefore, a development of processes facilitating the synthesis of well-defined macromolecular compounds is recently intensively investigated. A subject of the project comprises an application of modular synthesis principles for the preparation of new dendritic materials with favorable properties for medicinal applications (mainly for theranostics). A library of modular units, which is already available, will be further extended for the synthesis of new compounds or for the functionalization of the already prepared ones. Using these modules, novel dendritic multifunctional materials with desired properties will be constructed by properly devised methods. Regarding the applications of these materials, we will take advantage of our long-standing cooperation with external departments. The project comprises a detailed analysis of products using convenient analytical techniques (NMR, HRMS, GPC, etc.).

Required education and skills

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

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN CHEMICAL PROCESSING OF FUELS AND ENERGETICS

Efficiency of mercury removal from model gases by means of selected and adjusted inorganic sorbents

Supervisor: Prof. Ing. Karel Svoboda, CSc.

Department of Environmental Engineering
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

In near future we expect higher attention devoted to mercury emissions and to possibilities of their removal mainly in combustion processes. The mercury emissions are characterized by generally three forms of mercury (vapors of elemental Hg and chemical compounds of Hg and mercury adsorbed on dust particles). Processes for reduction of Hg-emissions rely on various sorbents (e.g. active carbon) or absorption processes for Hg-compounds soluble in water. The study will be focused on model laboratory experiments with sorption of mercury from model gases containing N₂, O₂, CO₂, water vapor, HCl, SO₂, NO and vapors of Hg and/or HgCl₂. Chosen inorganic sorbents and their modifications will be studied by means of selected phys-chem. methods (XRD, XRF, SEM-EDX, TA methods, etc.). The study should contribute to suggestion/selection of suitable sorbents and their modifications for efficient removal of mercury from flue gas.

Required education and skills

• Master degree in chemical engineering, environmental technology, chemical technology, analytical chemistry, and similar;
• Ability to do experimental work, ability to read relevant literature in English.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN ORGANIC TECHNOLOGY

Preparation of sorption nanomaterials with specific properties

Supervisor: Ing. Olga Šolcová, DSc.

Department of Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

This doctoral thesis will be focused on the preparation of nanomaterials suitable for selective sorption of the diverse liquid compounds. The influence of the various type of modification on structural as well as on functional properties of the material, e.g. the surface hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity, will be studied. The modification of the prepared sorbents will take place primarily in order to increase the sorption capacity and to improve the selectivity. Sorbents prepared in the form of powder or thin layers will be further characterized by a series of analyzes and using the special sorption experiments. In particular, completely new sorbents will be studied, so called marsmellow type, capable of total separation of oil and water, which are applicable in environmental processes.

Required education and skills

• Master degree in organic technology, physical chemistry or organic chemistry;
• holistic and creative approach to work;
• individual and responsible approach
• team work ability.

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GRADUATE PROJECT INCHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY OF FUELS AND ENVIRONMENT

Advanced treatment methods for bottom ash from waste-to-energy plants

Supervisor: Ing. Michal Šyc, Ph.D.

Department of Environmental Engineering
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Bottom ash from waste-to-energy plants contains a lot of valuable components, e.g. ferrous and non-ferrous metals, rare earth elements, glass and minerals. The project will be focused on research of suitable methods for processing and utilization of bottom ash with respect to the recycling of valuable components and application of non-recyclable parts in construction industry. The core of the research will focus on technological aspects of the recovery with the aim to improve its efficiency. The project will be realized in cooperation with waste-to-energy plant operators in the Czech Republic and abroad.

Required education and skills

• University degree (Ing., Mgr., MSc.) in environmental engineering, environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, etc.;
• positive approach to work duties, teamwork skills.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Wall slip effect at the flow of complex fluids

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

Department of Multiphase Reactors
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

It becomes quite often in fluid mechanics, that a classical boundary condition of full adhesion of flowing liquids to the wall is not fulfilled. A wall slip of common liquids is observed especially at extremely smooth and hydrophobic surfaces. In the case of complex fluids, e.g. microdisperse liquids, polymer solutions or nanofluids, an apparent wall slip often appears as a consequence of the formation a thin near-wall layer of fluid depleted of particles. Both the slip and flow material function can be determined from viscometry measurements provided with sensors of different geometries.

The goal of this work is to investigate the wall slip phenomena for various complex fluids and different wetted surfaces (materials and roughnesses). Experiments will be carried out using an original methodology developed in our laboratory (including novel viscometry sensors and in-house software). The work will include the preparation of microdispersions, viscometry experiments, data treatment and analysis, and possible improvement of the actual software.

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

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Thermodynamic study of the role of terpenes on formation of secondary organic aerosols

Supervisor: Ing. Zdeněk Wagner, CSc.

Department of Aerosols Chemistry and Physics
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Terpenes originating from foliage by natural processes together with products of their photooxidation and ozonolysis play an important role in secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. The mechanism is not yet explained because the experimental values of physico-chemical properties are not available in the literature. The aim of the work is thus experimental determination of physico-chemical properties that are needed for understanding of the SOA formation, namely saturated vapour pressures, densities, UV-Vis absorption and surface tension of terpenes and their water solutions. The properties will also be described by relevant thermodynamic relationships.

Required education and skills

• Master degree in physical chemistry, physics, or organic chemistry;
• basic programming skills and experience with Linux are an advantage;
• systematic and creative approach to work;
• team work ability.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN CHEMICAL 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, Prague 6
²Department of Multiphase Reactors, Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Nowadays, the design of new complex technologies is often based on results of numerical simulations. However, these methods require reliable physical models based on reliable experimental data. Fermentation, in which the contact of gas and liquid occurs, is one of these complex biotechnologies and the choice of an appropriate bioreactor design is crucial for the lifetime of the microorganisms present. The purpose of the postgraduate project is to obtain experimental design parameters (transport characteristics) for various types of bioreactors. These parameters will verify the reliability of the physical models and thus, the results of numerical simulations. Such validated computational simulations will be advantageous by their versatility for various types of bioreactors and also by the possibility of extrapolating the design parameters beyond the range of measurable operating conditions.

Both co-operating departments are well equipped and have three types of bioreactors suitable for measurement of the transport characteristics: i) stirred tank reactor; ii) bubble column; and iii) air-lift reactor.

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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GRADUATE PROJECT IN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY / CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Transformations of aerosol particles due to changes in gaseous environment

Supervisor: Ing. Vladimír Ždímal, Dr.
Co-supervisor: Ing. Jaroslav Schwarz, CSc.

Department of Aerosols Chemistry and Physics
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 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 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 done 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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GRADUATE PROJECT IN DRUGS AND BIOMATERIALS / CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Aerosol behavior after inhalation—an experimental study

Supervisor: Ing. Vladimír Ždímal, Dr.
Co-supervisor: Ing. Jakub Ondráček, Ph.D.

Department of Aerosols Chemistry and Physics
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

Project deals with experimental investigations on real aerosol changes due to changing temperature and relative humidity. The topic is closely tied with two hot issues of recent aerosol research: health effects and global climate changes. Two types of experiments will be carried out. In laboratory experiments, model aerosol systems will be used representing various subgroups of atmospheric aerosols. Samples of atmospheric aerosols will be taken to observe hygroscopic behavior depending on particles origin: transport, biomass combustion, etc. Another case study will be performed on aerosol inhalers and behavior of generated particles upon their entrance to the human respiratory tract.

The project is commendable to highly motivated students capable of self-reliant work with world-class instrumentation. The student is assumed to function as a member of a team consisting of graduate students and postdocs, having frequent contacts with the international scientific community during European projects and international conferences and workshops. The laboratory is equipped by top aerosol instrumentation with a capacity to built/modify instruments for specific applications.

References

1. Harrison R. M., van Grieken R.E.: Atmospheric Particles, John Wiley, New York, 1998.
2. Seinfeld J. H., Pandis S. N.: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, John Wiley, New York, 1998.

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GRADUATE PROJECT IN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY / CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Study on transformations of organic aerosols

Supervisor: Ing. Vladimír Ždímal, Dr.
Co-supervisor: Ing. Tereza Trávníčková, Ph.D.

Department of Aerosols Chemistry and Physics
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v. v. i., CZ-165 02 Prague 6

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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