Department of Chemical Engineering

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	prof. Dr. Ing. Juraj Kosek

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Energy decarbonisation is one of the biggest technological and social challenges of the coming decades. The ability to efficiently and safely store large amounts of electricity produced by intermittent renewable sources is an essential prerequisite for securing the increasing energy needs of our societies. Flow batteries represent a promising alternative to today's more widespread solid-state batteries based on Li-ion. However, their broader commercionalization is still obstructed by several techno-economical challanges such as low energy density, high cost of electrolytes and battery stacks. Within this dissertation student will research and develop strategies towards increase of energy and power density of flow batteries using both organic and inorganic redox active species. This will be apporached by various ways including use of electrolyte additives, suspension flow batteries and solid-state capacity boosters with redox mediation. Also the possibility of flow battery hybridization with metal deposition or gas phase electrodes will be thouroughly studied, both experimentaly and theoretically using state-of-art characterization devices and methods. The output of the doctoral thesis will be not only a series of publications, but also practical knowledge leading to the improvement of flow battery-based technologies with regard to energy density, efficiency and durability. The doctoral student will collaborate on the project not only in a team of doctoral students and post-docs at our workplace, but also with partners from several companies and universities. Info: tel. 220 44 3296, doors: B-145, e-mail jkk@vscht.cz, web http://kosekgroup.cz/en

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. František Štěpánek, Ph.D.

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Fixed dose combinations (FDC) are drug products containing two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients whose combined therapeutic effect has been proven to be superior to that of individual components. Numerous clinical studies show significantly improved life expectancy of patients using FDC compared to their individual counterparts, especially in the cardiovascular area. For large therapeutic areas, it is common to develop FDCs e.g. in the form of bi-layer tablets for the most prescribed combinations of drugs and their strengths, e.g. candesartan and amlodipine. However, smaller, or more marginal patient cohorts are not served by this approach. The aim of this project is to develop and implement novel manufacturing concepts based on the post-mixing of mass-produced single-component subunits (e.g. minitablets), and thus achieve flexibility for small batch manufacturing of FDC products with a broader range of dosage strength combinations and/or interchangeable active ingredients.

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in English language )
Supervisor:	prof. Dr. Ing. Tomáš Moucha

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The efficiency of new biotechnology and pharmaceutical products manufacture also depends on a suitable bioreactor selection. In the design of an optimal bioreactor, they key parameters are the maximum yield of a primary product and, simultaneously, the lifetime of the used microorganisms. The aim of the doctoral study is to compare the design parameters (transport characteristics such as volumetric mass transfer coefficient, gas hold-up and energy dissipation intensity) of three types of the most commonly used bioreactors. The results will be used to characterize the differences and similarities of specific types of bioreactors in terms of gas distribution, mass transfer and mixing depending on the total energy supplied to the system. Transport characteristics will be obtained experimentally for model batches, which will be designed based on physical properties of real broths. The work is intended as the cooperation of UCT Prague (supervisor's workplace) with ICPF Prague (consultant's workplace) and appropriatley complements the second PhD topic offered by the consultant. Both cooperating workplaces are equipped by necessary facilities i) mechanically stirred reactor, ii) bubble column and iii) air-lift reactor. All bioreactors are adapted to measure transport characteristics by the same methods, therefore the results will be comparable. Requirements for an 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

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. František Štěpánek, Ph.D.

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Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in high-dose tablets (e.g. metformin, ibuprofen) would benefit from as little dilution by excipients as possible to keep the tablet weight down, while maintaining processability (bulk density, flow behaviour, compressibility, etc.). Co-processing is a rapidly emerging approach that aims to combine the API with a small amount of excipient while achieving large differences in processability, usually by the modification of surface properties, particle size and morphology. The aim of this project is to explore co-processing concepts for several chosen APIs based on both dry and wet routes, and to demonstrate that co-processed APIs can be manufactured in a scalable and reproducible manner. The ultimate aim is to utilise co-processes APIs in direct compression, i.e. the manufacturing of high-dose tablets without any granulation step.

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in English language )
Supervisor:	prof. Dr. Ing. Tomáš Moucha

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CO₂ capture belongs to frequent industrial needs, both in the cases of low concentration CO₂ removal from waste gases and in the cases of main process streams, e.g., in hydrogen production, when high CO₂ amount/concentration is to be removed. Just the last example represents the process, which the PhD thesis will be focused to. In the premises of Unipetrol company, the CO₂ capture unit is presumed to be permanently optimized. In accordance with the needs of the industrial partner, the experimental research goals will involve i) durability / degradability of the solution currently used in the process, ii)absorption efficiencies and selectivities (H₂S/CO₂) of new absorbents and iii)the influence of low concentration admixtures, e.g., Fe, Ni and V metals, on the CO₂ capture efficiency. The PhD student will acquire valuable experience of industrial area life because he/she will be able independently act in the Unipetrol premises, will cooperate with industrial research department UniCRE and will find here both well-equipped laboratories and experienced consultants.

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Ondřej Kašpar, Ph.D.

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Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Denisa Lizoňová, Ph.D.

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The main objective of this Ph.D. project is to develop highly organized cell culture models of the human respiratory tract, which can be used for studying systemic drug delivery through inhalational route. Specific Objectives: 1. Development of an in vitro alveolar air-liquid interface model using alveolar cell lines to study drug absorption and particle translocation through the alveolar barrier. 2. Establishment of an in vitro tracheobronchial (TB) model using TB epithelial and goblet cell lines to investigate drug nanocrystal permeation and retention in the mucus barriers. 3. Characterization of drug absorption, translocation, and mucus penetration properties of aerosolized drug nanocrystals using the developed in vitro lung models. 4. Optimization of nanocrystal size and surface chemistry (in collaboration with other research team members) to enhance drug absorption, minimize macrophage uptake, and improve mucus penetration for efficient systemic delivery. Apart from the research itself, the student will have the opportunity to collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team and present and publish their research

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. František Štěpánek, Ph.D.

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Injectable depot systems (also called Long Acting Injectables -- LAIs) represent an increasingly popular class of drug delivery systems that offer convenience for the patients, good adherence to medication, avoidance of side effects such as gastric irritation, and theoretically 100% bioavailability. However, there are no established methods for in vitro characterisation of drug release from LAI, or for their bioequivalence testing or in vivo-in vitro correlations. Also, there is a need for accelerated in vitro models, especially for LAIs that last for several months under in vivo conditions. Drug release from LAI depots comprises several elementary steps such as particle dissolution, drug diffusion and enzymatic conversion in the surrounding tissues, drug absorption into systemic circulation, and drug elimination. The aim of this project is to develop and test a series of in vitro methods for the characterisation of LAI, which can be based e.g. on hydrogel matrices, hollow-fibre membrane modules, or 3D cell cultures (artificial muscles). The objective will be to test the reproducibility and bio relevance of such models, as well as their incorporation into a typical workflow of a pharmaceutical R&D laboratory.

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Viola Tokárová, Ph.D.

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Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Viola Tokárová, Ph.D.

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Granting Departments:	University of Palermo Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in English language )
Supervisor:	prof. Dr. Ing. Tomáš Moucha

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The volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) plays a crucial role in industrial design in the case of the process controlled by gas–liquid mass transfer. Prediction of kLa is nowadays mostly based on literature correlations. Our research goal is to establish suitable kLa correlations for different types of devices that would be based on the experimental dataset. The PhD thesis aim at the comparison of various gas-liquid contactor types from the viewpoint of their mass transfer efficiency. The suitable correlations will be developed that would be viable for mechanically agitated gas–liquid contactors and also for pneumatically agitated gas–liquid contactors such as airlift reactor.

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Ondřej Kašpar, Ph.D.

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Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Drugs and Biomaterials ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Denisa Lizoňová, Ph.D.

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This PhD project will focus on the design, preparation, and optimization of an aerosol drug nanocrystal fabrication process as a promising strategy for systemic delivery of poorly soluble low molecular weight drugs via the inhalation route. With a primary focus on nanocrystal preparation and aerosolization, the research aims to develop efficient techniques for the production of inhalable drug nanocrystals. The study will investigate different methods of nanocrystal preparation (wet milling, continuous precipitation) and evaluate their effectiveness in producing stable monodisperse nanocrystals that allow for better drug dissolution and thus higher bioavailability. In addition, the research will focus on the development and validation of aerosolization devices to ensure optimal drug delivery of nanocrystals. Through this research, the thesis aims to contribute to the development of non-invasive drug delivery methods, which will ultimately facilitate the introduction of new therapeutic agents into clinical practice. The student will learn techniques for the preparation and characterization of nanocrystals, the preparation and characterization of aerosols, and other methods necessary for the research project. In addition, the student will have the opportunity to collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team and present and publish their research.

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Viola Tokárová, Ph.D.

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Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. František Štěpánek, Ph.D.

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Permeation of small molecules across lipid bilayer lies at the essence of physiological processes such as cell homeostasis or application processes such as drug delivery. For a long-time, pemeation has been considered a unary property of the permeant, but recent experimental evidence suggests that non-trivial interactions can occur during the co-permeation of multiple solutes simultaneously. Both acceleration and retardation of permetaion has been observed, and the equilibrium water-lipid partitioning coefficient has been affected as well. The aim of this project is to understand the underlying mechanisms that govern solute interaction during co-permeation across lipidic bilayers using computational methods. Using a combination of Molecular Dynamics and appropriate mean-field based approaches, hypothesis regardding co-permeation and co-partitioning will be tested. Specifically, the “crowding out” and “crowding in” hypotheses of co-permeation will be explored computatinoally. The knowledge gained in the simulations will be used for the rational design of co-permeants, for the explanation of potential drug interactinos, and for establishing engineering principles of liposomal formulations.

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. František Štěpánek, Ph.D.

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Liposomes are spherical vesicles composed of a phospholipid bilayer surrounding an aqueous cavity. Liposomes can be used as drug carrier systems, but their capacity is limited by the thermodynamic solubility of the encapsulated substance in the aqueous phase and its partitioning into the lipidic membrane. For this reason, the practical applications of liposomes are not as numerous as they could be. The aim of this project is to develop and demonstrate a method of substantially increasing the drug carrying capacity of liposomes and make it independent of thermodynamic solubility of the compound. Strategies for achieving these goals will include simultaneous liposome formation and substance crystallisation from a supersaturated solution either by cooling or by solvent evaporation or building the liposomes around a concentrated nanosuspension of the drug, or hydration of a solid dispersion of the drug in a lipidic matrix. Once such high-load liposomes are formed, they will be tested for bioavailability enhancement of poorly soluble or enzymatically degradable drugs, for side effect elimination of drugs that irritate the GI tract, or for drug application by injection. Furthermore, such liposomes will be used as miniature reservoirs that make it possible to control chemical reaction kinetics in an ON/OFF manner thanks to the reversible phase transition of the membrane.

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in English language )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Michal Přibyl, Ph.D.

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Microfluidic devices are characterized by a large surface-to-volume ratio. This can be used in the efficient separation of special chemicals using extraction, membrane and other processes. The separation of optically active substances, important pharmaceutical products or circular economy intermediates is a challenge for contemporary chemical engineering. Mathematical modeling can lead to a better understanding of the complex reaction-transport phenomena in such devices and to the design of efficiently operating microfluidic reactors and separators. The main goals of the proposed PhD project are: description of the kinetics of reactions catalyzed by free and/or immobilized enzymes in microreactors, development of a mathematical-physical description of mass and momentum transport in microseparators with an imposed electric and/or magnetic field, optimization of modular microreactors-separators in order to achieve a high degree of conversion and high separation efficiencies. The models will be studied using approximate analytical techniques and numerically using the COMSOL program. Our laboratory is equipped with powerfull workstations and PCs. It is assumed that the doctoral student will be involved in grant projects and active participate at international scientific conferences.

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in English language )
Supervisor:	prof. Dr. Ing. Tomáš Moucha

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In biotechnologies, batch processes are often used, in which living cultures/biomass are used. Metabolites produced by culture are often poisonous and can damage the culture itself, as an example of which can serve ethanol fermentation. In periodic processes, the initial periods including sterilizing, nutrient dosing, etc., used to be time consuming, financially burdening. Therefore, it is desirable to dedicate an effort to develope continuous performance of such processes. One of the operations ensuring the process continualization can be membrane separation. This case brings the necessity of two membranes modules: i) microfiltration to separate solid particles-biomass and ii) pervaporation to separate primary product of fermentation, e.g., ethanol, as mentioned above. The goal of this work is to experimentally develop two step membarne separation technique, including microfiltration and pervaporation, to be prepared for an interconnection with a fermenter. THe development will be conducted from the viewpoint of chemical engineering. The reached separation parameters (selectivity, permeability) will be investigated in dependency on the process parameters (pressure, flowrate, temperature, feed composition). Chemical engineering quantities (membrain polarization module, mass transfer coefficient,...) will be used to describe these dependencies. At the workplace the new membrane modules are available, which were purchased for the purpose of this development. The PhD student will get familier both with industrial membrane module and with the custom made one. In addition to being familiar with modern technologies introduced in industry, the PhD student will also work in the team of students and academic staff who are experienced in industrial cooperation. PhD study will prepare the student to obtain either qualified working position in industry or to be able systematically conduct further research from the viewpoint of qualified chemical engineer. Further information Assoc. Prof. Tomáš Moucha, UCT Prague, building B, room T02, email: tomas.mooucha@vscht.cz

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	doc. Ing. Jitka Čejková, Ph.D.

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Microbial communication pathways play a crucial role in various ecological and biotechnological processes. However, studying these pathways can be challenging, particularly when signals are unknown or consist of unstable mixtures. Traditional methods necessitate prior knowledge of the signaling substance, which may not always be available. To address this limitation, this dissertation proposes a novel approach: encapsulating small populations of microorganisms within semi-permeable microcapsules. These capsules serve as miniature vivaria, enabling live microbial cultures to communicate via chemical signals while preventing physical escape or overgrowth by competing microbes. The capsules, designed with core-shell structures and embedded magnetic particles, offer remote manipulation and recovery capabilities. By controlling the permeability of the shell, the dissertation systematically investigates the role of individual chemical species in microbial communication. This innovative approach offers unprecedented capabilities, including the ability to emit or absorb multiple chemical signals, analyze signal concentration gradients, pre-condition microorganisms, and maintain host status while sensing microbial presence. Moreover, it facilitates the study of multispecies interactions within complex environments. Overall, the dissertation demonstrates that microcapsule vivaria represent a promising tool for uncovering the mysteries of microbial communication pathways, with implications for ecology, biotechnology, and beyond.

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Alexandr Zubov, Ph.D.

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Dnešní doba klade stále větší nároky na technologie pro vysokokapacitní mobilní úložiště elektrické energie, jež jsou nezbytná pro lepší využití obnovitelných zdrojů energie, budování chytrých elektrických sítí a rozšíření elektromobility. V úložištích energie se na různích úrovních projevuje důležitost heterofázové morfologie. Příkladem může být vnitřní porézní struktura membrán a elektrod, či dendrity vznikající u jejich povrchu. Tato práce se zabývá ději ovlivněnými morfologií v rámci úložišť energie. Příkladem takového jevů může být právě růst dendritů – útvarů o rozličné morfologii vznikajících elektrodepozicí kovu na povrchu elektrod. Dendritické útvary snižují životnost i kapacitu baterie a mohou vyústit v přehřívání a zkrat článku. Práce je teoretického charakteru, bude tedy realizována primárně skrze nástroje matematického modelování.

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	prof. Dr. Ing. Juraj Kosek

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Agglomeration and fouling of particles are the undesired phenomena in many polymerization reactors, e.g., in emulsion, suspension, slurry and gas-dispersion processes. These undesired phenomena negatively affect the quality of products and can even cause shut-down of polymerization processes due to fouling of heat transfer surfaces and loss of fluidization. This PhD thesis will focus primarily on catalytic polymerization of olefins in liquid-dispersion (slurry) and gas-dispersion (fluidized or stirred-bed) reactors. Qualitative theoretical explanation of phenomena causing or affecting the agglomeration/fouling is available, but this explanation is scattered in various branches of science. Therefore the first goal of PhD thesis will be the systematic organization of physico-chemical picture involving particle-particle, particle-wall and particle-fluid interactions. The considered description will involve van der Waals interactions, chain entanglement dynamics, effect of swelling on elastic modulus and particle collision dynamics, electrostatic charging of particles, osmotic stabilization of dispersions, lubrication forces, turbulent mixing conditions, effect of particle size distribution and particle surface texture, heat transfer effect, liquid bridges and thermodynamics of species sorption. For the quantitative understanding of agglomeration and fouling processes, we need the conduct series of well-designed systematic experiments aiming at: (i) measuring the dynamics of agglomeration / fouling in reactors, (ii) characterization of particle and dispersion mixture properties, and (iii) characterization of particle-particle, particle-wall and particle-fluid interactions. In this respect, the laboratory is equipped with all the required equipment involving mixed reactor, AFM, micro-CT, DSC, TD-NMR, rheometry, sorption/diffusion/swelling measurements, digital image processing etc. This PhD project is primary experimental, but the student will conduct also limited DEM (discrete element method) modeling enabling the testing of various hypotheses. The outcomes of PhD thesis will have a broad impact both to fundamental science (experimental studies and systematic data are scarce) and to practical applications (mitigation strategies suppressing unwanted phenomena in agglomeration and fouling). Prospective PhD student is expected to spend a term in some European laboratory with similar research interests and to take some responsibility for the contractual industrial research. Info: phone 220 44 3296, office B-145, e-mailjkk@vscht.cz, webhttp://kosekgroup.cz

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. František Štěpánek, Ph.D.

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Injectable depot formulations represent a rapidly emerging class of drug delivery systems that offer convenience for the patients, good adherence to medication, avoidance of side effects such as gastric irritation, and theoretically 100% bioavailability. Depot systems often have the form of a suspension of drug of prodrug particles in an aqueous vehicle that also includes stabilisers, viscosity modifiers, tonicity agents and other components. The drug release from intramuscular depots is a non-trivial process that includes particle surface dissolution, diffusion within the depot and the surrounding tissue, enzymatic conversion of the prodrug to the parental drug, absorption into systemic circulation, and eventually biodistribution and elimination from the body. There is an acute need for robust and physiologically relevant mathematical models of drug release from depot systems to enable rational formulation decisions such the effect of particle size distribution or the overall applied dose on the time-dependence of drug plasma concentration in the patient. The aim of this project is to develop, validate and apply such models in collaboration with an industrial partner.

Granting Departments:	KU Leuven, Belgium Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language , Double Degree )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Petr Kočí, Ph.D. prof. Ivo Vankelecom

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Membrane-based gas separation technology has contributed significantly to the development of energy-efficient systems for natural gas purification. Also CO2 removal from biogas, with CO2 contents exceeding 40% has more recently known rapid growth and development. Major challenge of polymer membranes for gas separation is related to their susceptibility to plasticization at high CO2 partial pressures. CO2 excessively swells the polymer and eases the permeation of CH4, thus reducing the selectivity. Membrane crosslinking is one of the best ways to prevent the plasticization. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), consisting of fillers homogeneously dispersed in a polymeric matrix aim at combining the processibility of polymers and the superior separation properties of the porous fillers. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are such materials which have attracted considerable attention due to their tailorable functionality, well-defined pore size, pore tunability and breathing effects. MMMs for biogas upgrading will be prepared with increased permeabilities by choosing proper MOF/polymer combinations and modifying the thermal treatment, employing core-shell MOF materials with high bulk porosity and a selective shell layer.

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. František Štěpánek, Ph.D.

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Adsorbents are porous materials with a high internal surface that are capable of reversible and selective accumulation of solutes in their pores. Adsorbents are typically used for industrial separation or purification processes, but they can also be applied as sensors to accumulate an analyte, or as drug delivery systems to release a previously loaded bioactive substance. One limitation of adsorbents is that being based on weak non-covalent interactions, the solutes can spontaneously desorb when the adsorbent passes through an environment with lower bulk concertation of the solute, or when competing solutes are present. The aim of this project is to develop adsorbents coated by a phospholipid membrane that will act as a gating mechanism to allow temperature controlled ON/OFF diffusion depending on the phase transition of the lipid bilayer. To enable manipulation with such adsorbents, they will also contain magnetic nanoparticles, which can simultaneously act as susceptors for radiofrequency heating. Thus, solute accumulation or release from the adsorbents can be temporally and spatially controlled from a remote source. Such nano-devices will be used for collecting solutes from complex microenvironments such as biological tissues of biofilms, and for drug delivery and controlled release to such environments.

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. František Štěpánek, Ph.D.

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Dried nanocrystalline suspensions of poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) have been shown to be superior to amorphous solid dispersions in terms of dissolution rate enhancement, stability, excipient dilution, and manufacturing simplicity. The formation of aqueous nanosuspension can be achieved in wet stirred media mills that can be operated in a batch mode during process development and then scaled up to flow-through arrangement either in recirculation or single-pass mode. The suspension can then be easily dried to obtain granular material suitable for direct capsule filling or direct tabletting. The aim of this project is to develop and validate a robust scale-up methodology for the manufacturing of nanocrystal suspensions by flow-though wet milling at the highest possible concentration, subsequent spray during or fluid-bed drying, and processing into a final dosage form (tablets, capsules). For a chosen API, the entire process from raw API to finished products will be demonstrates and the product pharmaceutical performance (stability, in vitro dissolution, in vivo bioavailability) will be evaluated.

Granting Departments:	KU Leuven, Belgium Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language , Double Degree )
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Petr Kočí, Ph.D. prof. Ivo Vankelecom

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Membrane-based separations currently offer the best strategy to decrease energy requirements and environmental footprint through newly developed solvent resistant nanofiltration (SRNF) or solvent-tolerant nanofiltration (STNF). So-called solvent activation of polymeric membranes involves treatment of an existing membrane by contacting it with solvents or solvent mixtures, which is hypothesized to restructure the membrane polymer through solvatation, increase polymer chain flexibility and organization into suitable structures. This will be verified by systematically treating membranes with different solvents and testing them for the separation of synthetic liquid streams. A high-throughput set-up will be used. Fundamental physico-chemical characterisations of the membranes before and after the treatments will provide insight in the changes at molecular level. The characterization techniques include gas and liquid uptake experiments (diffusivity), PALS (positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, to determine free volume element distributions), ERD (elastic recoil scattering, providing elemental analysis in membrane depth profiles), solid state NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) and DSC (differential scanning calorimetry).

Granting Departments:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemical and Process Engineering ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	prof. Dr. Ing. Juraj Kosek

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Recycling is the most beneficial and eco-friendly way to treat large amount of plastic waste. However, conversely to a public belief, the majority of plastic waste is burned in incineration plants or stored in landfills instead of being recycled. The bottleneck of the plastic waste treatment originates in the pre-separation, as only precisely separated waste can be recycled. Even the incineration process requires the pre-separation of plastics, mainly the removal of polymers containing halogens that could otherwise form harmful gases during combustion. Current methods like manual separation, IR spectroscopy or methods based on density differences aren’t sufficiently effective. The new promising technique, triboelectric separation, is based on the idea that each plastic material reaches different electrostatic charge by tribocharging (charging by friction) and therefore charged plastic mixtures can be separated in electric field. The objective of this Ph.D. project is the establishment of experimental bases (systematic series of data) related to charging and discharging dynamics in powders, which will provide integrated description of these phenomena. The student will also investigate opportunities for control of surface charge and subsequent separation of dielectrics in electric field. The student shall challenge several open problems: (i) relation between ESC and mechanical/chemical properties of materials, (ii) electric charge dissipation, (iii) charging of powders under the conditions simulating real industrial production of industrially important powders, (iv) the effect of charge on fouling, (v) charging for separation and recycling of plastic materials. The project is a pioneering work which is desperately needed and is sufficiently challenging for a student with interest in physico-chemical fundamentals of previously described processes. The student will work with highly qualified Ph. D. students and postdocs in our research group and will also cooperate with our European partners. Our laboratory is well prepared for the research of electrostatic processes (Faraday cup, corona charging, high-voltage separator) and characterization of powder texture and material properties (micro-tomography, atomic force microscopy – AFM). Info: phone 220 44 3296, office B-145, e-mailjkk@vscht.cz, web http://kosekgroup.cz