Programme detail - PhD study at UCT Prague

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Chemistry (FCT)

Doctoral Programme, Faculty of Chemical Technology

The aim of the programme is to educate highly qualified creative workers and researchers with theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of strategy, design and practical implementation of synthesis of special inorganic and organic compounds, materials and polymers. Our aim is to deepen the chemical, physicochemical and chemical-engineering knowledge of the graduate who should be capable of independent creative activities and taking decisions in the field of research and development in chemistry as well as many related or interdisciplinary fields.

Careers

The graduate will be able to design targeted syntheses of inorganic, organic and polymeric materials and coordination compounds with predefined physical, electrochemical, catalytic and biochemical properties to be applied in pharmacy, nanotechnology, electronics and catalysis, characterize them and theoretically interpret the obtained data. In the field of macromolecular chemistry, she/he will be prepared to solve problems related to the processing, recycling and use of polymers including the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage objects. Acquired knowledge may vary according to the nature of dissertation, ranging from purely experimental-interpretation character to knowledge based on quantum mechanics, thermodynamics or other theoretical models used to describe the structure and behavior of matter. The acquired skills also include knowledge of information technologies, ability to lead a scientific team, project preparation and management as well as publishing skills.

Programme Details

Study Language	English
Standard study length	4 years
Form of study	combined , full-time
Guarantor	prof. Ing. Pavel Lhoták, CSc.
Place of study	Praha
Capacity	15 students
Programme code (national)	P0531D130018
Programme Code (internal)	AD103
Number of Ph.D. topics	43

Complete Curriculum

Application period is not open now

Ph.D. topics for study year 2024/25

Inorganic graphene analogs - sillicone, germanen and derivatives of them

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Zdeněk Sofer, Ph.D.

Annotation

Topic is focus on development o novel inorganic analogues of graphene, study of their reactivity and possibilities of derivatisation. Synthetic methods will focus on development of Zintl phase exfoliation procedures. Materials will be studied for future applications in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis as well as energy storage applications.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Inorganic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Biodegradation of bio-based polyurethanes prepared via non-isocyanate route

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS
Supervisor:	Ing. Hynek Beneš, Ph.D.

Annotation

Polyurethanes (PU)s are the fifth most demanded synthetic polymers in Europe, mainly due to their high versatility enabling production of flexible, semi-rigid and rigid foams, elastomers, sealants and coatings. Besides chemical recycling of PUs, their biological (enzymatic) degradation is considered as a promising approach. The willingness to biodegrade primarily depends on the chemical composition and structure of PU materials. The versatility of PU chemistry makes possible to prepare PU materials which, in accordance with the current trend, are designed with degradation-on-demand features. This approach can also be applied for NIPU materials (non-isocyanate PUs), which are currently highly investigated due to their environmental-friendly preparation avoid the use of toxic isocyanates. In addition, the NIPU structure can be easily adapted for accelerated biodegradation, e.g. by introduction of more polar (typically hydroxyl) groups. Another eco-friendly feature of NIPUs is their design as entirely bio-based materials. The aim of this work is to prepare novel NIPU materials with different chemical composition and supramolecular structure and to study their biodegradation with the aim of understanding the relationship between the rate of biodegradation and the NIPU structure.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS

Design and synthesis of higher calixarenes for fullerene complexation

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Pavel Lhoták, CSc.

Annotation

The aim of this work is focused on the design and synthesis of higher calixarene analogues (with five or more phenolic subunits) that could be applied as receptors for fullerene recognition. The aim of this work is to achieve selective complexation of C60 or C70 using suitably chemically modified calixarene skeletons and concave/convex principle of the interactions. Novel compounds will be used as receptors for the complexation of fullerenes and as the building blocks for construction of supramolecular self-assembly systems.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

CO2-fixation reaction - a way towards sustainable polymers

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS
Supervisor:	Ing. Hynek Beneš, Ph.D.

Annotation

The increasing production of greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) and it is generally considered as the biggest waste contributed to climate change. The aim of this work is to investigate the possibilities of converting CO2 into polymer materials. The first route will be the CO2-oxirane (epoxy) coupling reaction, which leads to production of various cyclic carbonates, which are monomers for innovative polymer materials, e.g. non-isocyanate polyurethanes and epoxides. The second approach will be the direct CO2 transformation into polycarbonates. The third way will involve the ring-opening copolymerization of epoxide with CO2 leading to linear carbonate-ether copolymers. Bio-based monomers will be used to obtain fully renewable polymer materials. The important part of this PhD topic will be finding a suitable catalytic system for each synthetic path. Our preliminary experiments showed the successful CO2-epoxy cycloaddition in the presence imidazolium and metal-based ionic liquids (ILs). Due to ILs’ countless possible anion/cation combinations, they seem to be suitable candidates to catalyze the cycloaddition reaction of epoxide and CO2. As part of the doctoral project, a student's several-month internship at foreign collaborating workplace (INSA Lyon, France) is assumed.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS

Flavin anions in photoredox catalysis

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Radek Cibulka, Ph.D.

Annotation

The use of excited organic anions as photoredox catalysts offers several advantages as compared to commonly used neutral molecules, particularly in reductive chemistry. This project aims to explore the photophysical and chemical properties of anionic forms of flavin derivatives. Based on the results, new photocatalytic systems using excited flavin anions will be designed with a focus on photoreductions beyond the current scope of photoredox catalysis.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Fluorination reagents based on aza[2.2]paracyclophane

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry
Supervisor:	Ing. Markéta Rybáčková, Ph.D.

Annotation

Planar chiral [2.2]paracyclophanes featuring rigid structure and chemical stability have been widely applied e.g. in asymmetric synthesis. Aza[2.2]paracyclophanes, also known as pyridinophanes, are quite rare but intriguing compounds with interesting chiroptical properties. They have been employed as enantioselective catalysts. The aim of the work will be the synthesis of novel nucleophilic fluorination reagents bearing a chiral aza[2.2]paracyclophane unit and their application in enantioselective synthesis.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Fluorination reagents with chiral azatriptycene scaffold

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry
Supervisor:	Ing. Markéta Rybáčková, Ph.D.

Annotation

Triptycenes are intriguing organic molecules that have found applications in several scientific fields, including supramolecular and materials chemistry, due to their unique properties and rigid framework. Yet, their potential in asymmetric synthesis and catalysis remains to be unveiled. Heterotriptycenes, which contain a heteroarene ring as a part of the bicyclo[2.2.2]octane core, are quite novel class of compounds. The aim of the work will be synthesis of fluorination reagents based on chiral azatriptycene unit and their application in enantioselective synthesis.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Phosphorus heterocycles: the new frontier in redox flow battery technology

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v.v.i.
Supervisor:	Ing. Jan Storch, Ph.D.

Annotation

The transition to a low-carbon economy requires renewable energy sources and increased energy storage capacity in stationary applications. Lithium-ion batteries, despite their recent advancements, are constrained by short-term storage capacity and energy loss over multiple cycles, diminishing their lifespan. They also present safety and reliability concerns. Organic radical flow batteries (ORFBs), using organic redox-active molecules instead of traditional metal compounds, offer an alternative. This project aims to develop phosphorus heterocycles for ORFBs, ensuring stability over a broad temperature range, and providing high energy density and cyclability. The goal is to surpass the limitations of existing quinone and phenazine-based electrolytes, matching the performance of commercially used vanadium-based ORFBs. Required education: • Master's degree in Organic/Inorganic Chemistry or Organic Technology and related fields.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v.v.i.

Photochemistry and Spectroscopy of Organic Radical Ions

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.
Supervisor:	RNDr. Tomáš Slanina, Ph.D.

Annotation

Stable radical cations and anions are unique molecules that have found numerous applications in photovoltaics, organic electronics, batteries, and catalysis. While electrochemical and redox preparation of radical ions has been studied in detail, little is known about their photochemistry. The candidate will synthesize radical ions based on triarylamines, hexaarylethanes, perylene diimides, quinones, and other motives, and will study their photochemical stability and reactivity in perspective of the application in photoredox and hydrogen atom transfer catalysis. The candidate will use steady state and time-resolved spectroscopy of stable radical ions to elucidate the mechanisms of photochemical redox reactions.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.

Hybrid metal and (car)borane clusters

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry Institute of Inorganic Chemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.
Supervisor:	Mgr. Tomáš Baše, Ph.D.

Annotation

Atomically precise metal clusters represent a developing area with materials properties of which are effected by their size and can be regarded as transient from an atomic level to bulk. Recently, we have reported the first few examples of hybrid metal and car(borane) clusters and demonstrated their exceptional thermal stability. This PhD theme will focus on new stable hybrid metal (car)borane cluster species of different nuclearity as well as on the synthesis of suitable (car)borane clusters terminated with different functional groups to open up the hybrid clusters to new chemistries. This topic covers numerous challenges that are of synthetic, analytical, or computational origin, and all of them relate to the huge size of the new hybrid clusters consisting of hundreds or thousands of atoms. This project is a part of multidiciplinary international cooperation.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Inorganic Chemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.

Chemical recycling of polyolefins and development of degradable polymers

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers
Supervisor:	Stella De Almeida Gonsales, Ph.D.

Annotation

Environmental pollution as a consequence of the rapid growth in plastic production and single-use plastic consumption is a major and pressing global concern. In this context, polyolefins deserve particular attention. With difficult degradation, these materials present significant challenges to the environment. Among the solutions for the growing amounts of plastic waste are the continuing development of degradable polymers and the development of strategies for chemically recycling such products. The PhD topic will focus on targeting these important issues by designing and synthesizing new catalysts, recycling strategies, and materials with improved properties.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Polymers, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Chemistry of inorganic analogues of graphene - nanostructures based on pnictogens

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Zdeněk Sofer, Ph.D.

Annotation

The thesis is focused on the covalent and non-covalent interactions of layered pnictogens in order to improve their long-term stability. Mono- and multi-layer materials will be prepared by optimized mechanical exfoliation processes. For non-covalent interactions, substituted delocalized organic systems will be tested and their effect on material transport properties will be studied. The covalent functionalization will be performed using radical reactions. Finally, preparation of functional microelectronic devices based on FET transistors and photodetectors will be studied and optimized.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Inorganic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Methyltransferase inhibitors

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.
Supervisor:	Mgr. Radim Nencka, Ph.D.

Annotation

The thesis will focus on the research of new inhibitors of methyltransferases. These enzymes play an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases and are essential for the life cycle of many infectious pathogens. In this thesis, the student will investigate the rational design and synthesis of novel methyltransferase inhibitors that use S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as the methyl group donor. Both SAM derivatives and compounds obtained by screening will be studied. The student will use computational methods to design and optimize new derivatives.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.

Catalytic Stereoselective Synthesis of Elusive Atropisomers for Drug Discovery

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.
Supervisor:	Dr. Paulo Paioti

Annotation

Atropisomers are conformational isomers arising from restricted rotation around a single bond. Our main goal is inducing conformational restriction to create pharmaceutical leads by developing catalytic stereoselective synthesis toward difficult-to-access drug-like atropisomers. Atropisomers are chiral, giving rise to two or more isomers that have different pharmacological properties. These attributes relate to a poorly understood fundamental question of how conformational changes, from achiral and flexible to chiral and more rigid impact a molecule’s ability to interact with biological receptors. But to study such concepts, one must first of all create and then synthesize this challenging class of compounds. The main challenge is that atropisomers are intrinsically sterically hindered and potentially configurationally unstable. Accordingly, we will develop new catalytic synthesis methods and strategies, hoping to deliver more efficient, practical and (atropo)selective methods.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.

Microwave photochemistry and preparation of polyaromatic compounds

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v.v.i.
Supervisor:	Dr. Ing. Vladimír Církva

Annotation

Proposal is based on the connection of two scientific disciplines: traditional photochemistry and recently developed microwave chemistry, when the effect of UV/Vis and microwave radiation on the chemical and physical properties of molecules is studied. The required radiation is generated completely atypically directly by the microwave field using so-called electrodeless discharge lamps. The aim of the project is basic research and optimization into the influence of microwave radiation on the course of cis-trans photoisomerization and photocyclization of stilbene and o-terphenyl derivatives, leading to phenanthrene, triphenylene, phenacene, helicene analogues or their N- and S-hetero derivatives, which may find application in molecular electronics. Required education and skills: • master degree in organic technology, • experimental skill and practical knowledge of reaction optimization, • team work ability.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v.v.i.

Modified nucleotides for selection of functional nucleic acids and labelled probes for chemical biology

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Michal Hocek, DSc.

Annotation

We will design and synthesize modified nucleoside triphosphates bearing diverse functional groups for enzymatic synthesis of modified oligonucleotides which will be applied in selection and construction of new functional nucleic acids, e.g. aptamers or aptazymes and for the construction of fluorescent or redox probes for applications in chemical biology. References: 1. Hocek, M.: "Enzymatic Synthesis of Base-Functionalized Nucleic Acids for Sensing, Cross-linking, and Modulation of Protein–DNA Binding and Transcription" Acc. Chem. Res. 2019, 52, 1730-1737. 2. Micura, R.; Höbartner, C. Fundamental studies of functional nucleic acids: aptamers, riboswitches, ribozymes and DNAzymes. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2020, 49, 7331–7353.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.

Multiphotochromic Molecular Machines

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.
Supervisor:	Mgr. Jiří Kaleta, Ph.D.

Annotation

The multiphotochromic systems are made by interconnection of two or more photoswitches (molecules, whose geometry can be reversibly switched using light). Individual parts (photoswitches and unidirectional molecular motors) of these molecules will be selectively activated/switched by action of a light of defined wavelength. The goal of this Ph.D. project is design, synthesis and study of these unique molecules and their possible utilization for construction of first prototypes of molecular machines of this kind. Special attention will be dedicated to various combinations of individual photoswithes as well as the type of their mutual interconnection (orthogonal vs. non-orthogonal).

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.

Multicomponent reactions catalyzed by transition metal complexes

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry
Supervisor:	doc. Ing. Tomáš Tobrman, Ph.D.

Annotation

: Currently, most multicomponent reactions make use of three or four components. In both cases, the reactions can be catalyzed by transition metal complexes. However, transition-metal-catalyzed multicomponent reactions that use five or more components are rare. Therefore, the aim of this project is to develop new five- and six-component reactions catalyzed by transition metal complexes. The core components will be disubstituted, trisubstituted, and tetrasubstituted alkenes.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Computer aided design and synthesis of novel transcription factors modulators

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry
Supervisor:	Ing. Petra Cuřínová, Ph.D.

Annotation

Transcription facrots are involved in all cellular processes. They represent a very interesting group of therapeutic targets. This project will be focused on the application of computational techniques to design new transcription factor modulators. The most promising structures will be then synthesised, purified and characterized before being biologically evaluated by our international colaborators.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Non-traditional methods of devulcanization and reclaiming of waste rubber crumb

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers
Supervisor:	doc. Ing. Zdeněk Hrdlička, Ph.D.

Annotation

Increasing the share of waste rubber recycling is, in accordance with the principles of the circular economy, one of the current topics of the rubber industry. Recycling rubber is not easy, as it is an insoluble and infusible material. A perspective form of recycling appears to be the grinding of rubber waste followed by partial or complete reclaiming or devulcanization of rubber particles. These reactions can be caused by chemical agents, elevated temperature or shearing, or less traditionally, by ultrasound, microwave radiation or microorganisms. The work will study the influence of conditions on the course of devulcanization / reclaiming of rubber, the efficiency of this transformation and its nature, i.e. whether devulcanization (splitting of crosslinks) or regeneration (splitting of crosslinks and main rubber chains) takes place. The properties of rubber compounds and vulcanizates containing the obtained recycled rubber will also be studied.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Polymers, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

New cytostatic nucleosides and nucleotides with new mechanisms of action

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Michal Hocek, DSc.

Annotation

We will design and synthesize new modified nucleosides and nucleotides as potential cytostatic agents with new mechanisms of action which includes modulation of receptors or activation of cytostatic proteins. Selected active compounds will be further optimized in order to identify preclinical drug candidates. References: 1. Jordheim, L. P.; Durantel, D.; Zoulim, F.; Dumontet, C. Advances in the development of nucleoside and nucleotide analogues for cancer and viral diseases. Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 2013, 12, 447–464. 2. Perlíková, P.; Hocek, M. Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine (7-deazapurine) as a privileged scaffold in design of antitumor and antiviral nucleosides. Med. Res. Rev. 2017, 37, 1429–1460.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.

Novel inhibitors of nucleotide salvage pathway enzymes with potential anticancer properties

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.
Supervisor:	Ing. Zlatko Janeba, Ph.D.

Annotation

The project aims to design and synthesize novel inhibitors of nucleotide salvage pathway enzymes (phosphoribosyltransferase, phosphorylases) and evaluate their biological properties (in collaboration with biochemistry groups). Such inhibitors have the potential to treat various types of cancer.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.

"On-line" evaluation of the processability of sustainable polymer materials

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers
Supervisor:	Ing. Drahomír Čadek, Ph.D.

Annotation

The dissertation will focus on the processing of sustainable materials (such as starch or PBS) mainly through injection molding. This most widespread processing technique uses a range of common synthetic plastics, while when using sustainable materials, there is often a different material flow (if we also consider natural fillers, the mixture flow is even more complicated) and the injection machine settings need to be adjusted accordingly. The goal of the thesis is the use of "intelligent forms" and advanced assessment of the processability of materials. This is primarily an "online" assessment of viscosity through suitable sensors (pressure, temperature, etc.), which will be able to immediately evaluate the machine settings. Combining this technology with sustainable materials will achieve sustainability throughout the production process.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Polymers, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Interface control in polymer composites – rheology and processing

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS
Supervisor:	Ing. Zdeněk Starý, Ph.D.

Annotation

Polymer composites are materials with a high application potential in advanced technologies. The topic concerns with a control of polymer-filler interface by surface modification of filler particles and its effect on rheological properties of composites with a particular attention to their elasticity in the molten state. Although the effects induced by the presence of filler particles on melt elasticity are reported in literature, understanding of their origins and mechanisms is still lacking. Systematic study of the influence of particle size, concentration and surface modification on melts elasticity in linear and non-linear viscoelastic range will be performed. Moreover, processing properties of the composites including flow instabilities analysis will be studied. The composites will be studied experimentally by different rheological techniques (oscillatory shear, capillary rheometry). Structure of the composites will be visualized by electron microscopy.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS

Polymeric materials and composites for 3D printing

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS
Supervisor:	Ing. Zdeněk Starý, Ph.D.

Annotation

Nowadays new applications and processing technologies place new and bigger demands on polymeric materials. Materials for 3D printing or electrically conductive polymer composites can serve as typical examples. In most cases these systems have a heterogeneous phase structure, which influences the end-use properties of the final material to a large extent. The aim of the work is to develop novel high-performance polymer materials and composites for 3D printing technologies and discover the relationships between structure and properties of materials relevant for practical applications. Work activities include a synthesis of novel multifunctional nanomaterials, preparation of polymeric materials and chemical and structural investigations by means of different advanced characterization techniques. Furthermore, mechanical and flow behaviour of prepared materials will be studied in detail.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS

Preparation and applications of charged heterodienes in bioorthogonal reactions

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.
Supervisor:	Ing. Milan Vrábel, Ph.D.

Annotation

Our group recently described the development and first applications of N1-alkyl-1,2,4-triazinium salts in bioorthogonal reactions (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2023, e202306828). In this project, we want to explore the chemistry of these charged heterodienes in more detail. In addition, we want to apply the developed reagents in applications ranging from selective modification of biomolecules to cellular applications (e.g. bioimaging). The project combines synthetic organic chemistry, reaction kinetics and stability studies with biological experiments that will be performed mainly in collaboration with biologists in the group.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.

Synthesis and study of boranylium salts as molecular sensors or catalysts

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry Institute of Inorganic Chemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.
Supervisor:	RNDr. Karel Škoch, Ph.D.

Annotation

Catalysis with transition metal complexes represents well established approach to perform chemical transformations both efficiently and economically. Even though remarkable progress was achieved in this field, there are some disadvantages are associated with transition metal complexes such as high price, toxicity and environmental and strategic issues. Therefore, there is a steady demand for finding a new and alternate approaches towards catalysis using abundant main group elements. Boranylium salts represents a group of positively charged trivalent boron compounds. Their electrophilicity is enhanced by positive charge located at the boron, they are extraordinary strong Lewis acids. Advantageous is their synthetic availability and high reactivity, which makes them attractive for discovering new synthetic avenues, reagents and catalysts. The aim of the work will be preparation of boranylium salts stabilized by carbenes (and other donors), explore relations between their structure and reactivity mainly in regard of utilization as photophysical sensors or catalysts for C-H bond activation or CO2 fixation. Applicant will adopt advanced synthetic techniques on the borderline between organic and inorganic synthesis including Schlenk techniques and glovebox.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Inorganic Chemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.

Preparation of phospha-nanographenes

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v.v.i.
Supervisor:	Ing. Jan Storch, Ph.D.

Annotation

π-Conjugated organophosphorus systems have become the subject of intensive research in recent years, primarily due to their applications in materials chemistry. The presence of the phosphorus atom in these molecules facilitates further derivatization, effectively altering some key characteristics of the target molecules and their intended applications. A special place in this class of substances is occupied by six-membered phosphacycles. Although considerable progress has been made recently in synthesizing these substances, polyaromatic compounds incorporating a phosphinine ring remain rare. This study will investigate synthetic routes for introducing the phosphinine core into nanographene structures. The properties of these novel compounds will also be extensively studied. Required education: • Master's degree in Organic/Inorganic Chemistry or Organic Technology and related fields.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v.v.i.

Synthesis of inhibitors of the Arp2/3 complex

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry
Supervisor:	Mgr. et Mgr. Pavla Perlíková, Ph.D.

Annotation

Migrastics represent a new approach to cancer treatment. Their aim is to prevent metastasis of cancer cells. One suitable target for the development of migrastatics is the Arp2/3 protein complex, which initiates actin polymerization at microfilament branching sites. In this work, inhibitors of the Arp2/3 complex will be prepared based on virtual screening data. The relationship between their structure and activity will be studied and their pharmacological properties will be further optimized.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Synthesis of inhibitors of transcription factors involved in metabolic diseases

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry
Supervisor:	Mgr. et Mgr. Pavla Perlíková, Ph.D.

Annotation

Transcription factors play an important role in the regulation of gene expression. Deregulation of key protein synthesis leads to a variety of metabolic diseases. The aim of this work is to use rational drug design to prepare suitable inhibitors of selected transcription factors and to further investigate the structure-activity relationship.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Self-healing and recyclable polymer materials prepared from bio-based itaconic acid

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS
Supervisor:	Ing. Hynek Beneš, Ph.D.

Annotation

Itaconic acid is renewable unsaturated dicarboxylic acid and one of the most important biomass-derived compounds that can be transformed into a wide range of valuable chemicals and polymer materials. The aim of this PhD topic is preparation and characterization of poly(itaconic acid) materials and nanocomposites containing 2D layered nanoparticles. The prepared materials will be dynamically crosslinked via reversible covalent linkages and non-covalent interactions (H-bonding, metal-ligand coordination, host–guest complexation or electrostatic/ionic interactions, thereby introducing self-healing and recyclable properties into the materials. As part of the doctoral project, a student's several-month internship at foreign collaborating workplace (Cracow University of Technology, Poland) is expected. The candidates should have good communication skills in English (both in speaking and writing), should be able to work both in a team and independently. Active participation on foreign internships, trainings and scientific conferences is expected.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS

Sequence-specific enzymatic synthesis of base-modified RNA

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Michal Hocek, DSc.

Annotation

We will design and synthesize modified ribonucleoside triphosphates bearing diverse functional groups at nucleobase. These nucleotides will be used for sequence-specific enzymatic synthesis of oligoribonucleotides (RNA) bearing labels or modifications at specific positions using engineered DNA polymerases. The applications will include tRNA, mRNA, sgRNA etc. References: 1. Micura, R.; Höbartner, C. Fundamental studies of functional nucleic acids: aptamers, riboswitches, ribozymes and DNAzymes. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2020, 49, 7331–7353. 2. Milisavljevic, N.; Perlíková, P.; Pohl, R.; Hocek, M. Enzymatic synthesis of base-modified RNA by T7 RNA polymerase. A systematic study and comparison of 5-substituted pyrimidine and 7-substituted 7-deazapurine nucleoside triphosphates as substrates. Org. Biomol. Chem. 2018, 16, 5800-5807.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.

Stereolithographic 3D printing of biocompatible hydrogels

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS
Supervisor:	Dr. Ing. Miroslava Dušková

Annotation

The principle of stereolithographic 3D printing is the curing of reactive molecules: various oligomers and polymers by mutual reaction of their chemical groups, usually by the mechanism of photopolymerization. The project aim is to use stereolithographic printing in the preparation of biocompatible hydrogels, which e.g. provide excellent media for cell cultivation or are developed as materials for diagnostics, drug carriers and implantation. In these applications, a well-defined 3D gel structure and architecture of pores must be achieved: the goal is to produce a body consisting of interconnected gel domains interwoven with communication channels while maintaining mechanical strength and integrity (bicontinuous structure). The candidate will develop the advanced method of printing of gel objects, which includes a deeper study of the mechanism of gel formation and polymer network formation during the printing process, the development of new reactive mixtures suitable for printing including monomers from natural sources, and the use of the knowledge gained to extend stereolithographic 3D printing to the precision fabrication of hydrogels for biomedical applications. The study will comprise development of novel printing compounds providing biocompatible hydrogels, eventually to be used to produce macroporous hydrogel substrates. The candidate's knowledge of materials chemistry, macromolecular or organic chemistry is a prerequisite. Knowledge of printable shape design software is an advantage.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS

Synthesis and supramolecular applications of thiapillar[n]arenes and their analogues

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Pavel Lhoták, CSc.

Annotation

Pillar[n]arenes can be considered relatively new members of the family of phenolic macrocycles. Due to their unique cylindrical shape and electron-rich cavity with adjustable size, pillar[n]arenes have already found many applications in contemporary supramolecular chemistry. To name at least a few such applications, the sensing of various analytes, supramolecular self-assemblies, stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymers and model systems to study various noncovalent interactions can be mentioned. It is well known from the chemistry of calixarenes that the introduction of sulfur instead of common methylene bridges leads to dramatic changes in chemical and supramolecular behaviour of such systems. The aim of this project is the construction of pillararenes and their analogues bearing sulfur as the bridging units and the investigation of these new macrocycles including their characterization, derivatization and the study of supramolecular applications.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Synthesis of glycomimetic organometallic inhibitors of galectins

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v.v.i.
Supervisor:	Mgr. Jindřich Karban, Ph.D.

Annotation

Galectins are a class of lectins (carbohydrate-binding proteins other than enzymes and antibodies) characterized by affinity to some galactosides and sequence homology. Non-covalent interactions of galectins with oligosaccharides are involved in many fundamental biological events. Inhibition of these interactions by synthetic analogs of saccharides (glycomimetics) is of principal significance in their study as well as in drug development. The main goal of this PhD project is the synthesis and evaluation of hybrid glycomimetic galectin inhibitors based on the combination of carbohydrate and organometallic structural motifs. Installation of an organometallic moiety into the structure of a glycomimetic inhibitor can not only result in higher affinity or selectivity of inhibition, but also enable to study the interactions with galectins by means of electrochemical methods. Required education and skills • Master degree in chemistry. • The willingness to acquire and apply advanced methods of organic synthesis.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v.v.i.

Synthesis of mono- and multivalent inhibitors of tandem galectins

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v.v.i.
Supervisor:	Mgr. Jindřich Karban, Ph.D.

Annotation

Galectins are a class of lectins (carbohydrate-binding proteins other than enzymes and antibodies) characterized by affinity to galactosides and sequence homology. The so-called tandem galectins comprise two related but non-identical carbohydrate-binding domains (CRD) with a partially different substrate specificity. The inhibition of tandem galectins by synthetic analogs of saccharides (glycomimetics) is of principal significance in fundamental research as well as in drug development. Attachment of monovalent domain-specific inhibitors to suitable carriers will give rise to multivalent inhibitors that can inhibit both domains within the tandem galectin simultaneously and very effectively if the right topology is achieved. The main goal of this PhD project is the synthesis and evaluation of glycomimetic inhibitors of individual domains and verification of the hypothesis that an appropriate spatial arrangement of domain-specific inhibitors on a multivalent carrier can lead to high affinity inhibitors of tandem galectins due to a multivalent effect. Required education and skills • Master degree in chemistry. • The willingness to learn and apply advanced methods of organic synthesis.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, v.v.i.

Synthesis of novel protein degraders as antiviral agents

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry
Supervisor:	prof. Andrea Brancale, Ph.D.

Annotation

Protein degraders, as PROTACs and molecular glues, have emerged as a very powerful strategy in the development of novel therapeutic agents. This project will explore the application of this approach in the design of novel, innovative, antiviral agents.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Synthesis of layered transition metal dichalcogenides by vapor transport growth and CVD methods.

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Zdeněk Sofer, Ph.D.

Annotation

Research work is focus on development of novel procedures for vapor transport growth of layered transition metal dichalcogenides with focus on control of composition and reduction of defect density. Further the work focus on development of CVD deposition methods for large are growth and heterostructure preparation of layered chalcogenides.More details can be fund on web page of project: https://itn-2exciting.chm.tu-dresden.de/positions/vscht/.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Inorganic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Synthesis of 2D nanomaterials by "bottom-up" processes

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Zdeněk Sofer, Ph.D.

Annotation

2D nanomaterials based on MoS2 and related substances exhibit unique properties. These materials will be prepared by hydrothermal synthesis from various precursors. The synthesis will be optimized in order to obtain nanostructures with defined number of layers. Prepared materials will be characterized by advanced techniques such as AFM, Raman spectroscopy and measurement of photoluminescence spectra.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Inorganic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Total Syntheses of Complex Indoloterpene Alkaloids and Their Analogs

Granting Departments:	Department of Organic Chemistry Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.
Supervisor:	Dr. habil. Ullrich Jahn

Annotation

With the project, synthetic approaches to complex indoloterpene and their analogs displaying wide-ranging biological activity will be developed.

Contact supervisor Study place: Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, v. v. i.

Layered forms of silicon and germanium and their optical properties and applications

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Zdeněk Sofer, Ph.D.

Annotation

The fast-growing family of layered materials based on silicon and germanium possess unique optical properties which are strongly dependent on their surface functionalization. This work will be focused on chemical modifications of the surface of silicon and germanium layers and the influence of introduced functional groups on their luminescent properties. The optimized materials will be tested for electronic applications with a focus on hybrid LEDs and solar cells. Further, student will investigate a compatibility of synthesized 2D nanomaterials with organic semiconductors for a preparation of the hybrid optoelectronic heterostructures.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Inorganic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Layered chalcogenides for energy storage applications

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Zdeněk Sofer, Ph.D.

Annotation

This thesis is focused on the exploration of layered chalcogenides and their applications in energy storage and electrocatalysis.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Inorganic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

2D materials for photo-electrochemical decomposition of water

Granting Departments:	Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Supervisor:	prof. Ing. Zdeněk Sofer, Ph.D.

Annotation

This thesis is focused on the use of 2D nanomaterials based on layered chalcogenides and their composites for photo-electrochemical water splitting. Student will work on tailoring of their properties by doping, surface functionalization and composition optimization in order to reduce overpotential for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and optimize the response of materials to different wavelengths of light in the visible and ultraviolet region.

Contact supervisor Study place: Department of Inorganic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha

Updated: 20.1.2022 16:26, Author: Jan Kříž