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Chemistry and Technology of Materials
Doctoral Programme,
Faculty of Chemical Technology
--- Careers--- Programme Details
Ph.D. topics for study year 2026/27Analysis of refractory corrosion during glass melting
AnnotationHigh-chromia (high-Cr) and other corrosion-resistant refractories are essential lining materials in both nuclear waste vitrification melters and various commercial high-temperature processes. Although designed for harsh environments, these materials still experience significant degradation under prolonged exposure to aggressive melts. This project examines key wear mechanisms—subsurface corrosion, melt-line corrosion, and thermal or mechanical spalling—across representative processing conditions. Corrosion behavior will be evaluated under static and dynamic tests to capture the influence of melt convection, and the findings will be compared with diffusion-based corrosion models. Analysis of processes occuring during batch-to-glass conversion
AnnotationThe main objective of this project is to analyze the processes occurring during the conversion of batch to glass, both in the melting of industrial glass batches and in the vitrification of nuclear waste. The work will focus on studying the kinetics of batch-to-glass conversion, the kinetics of sand dissolution, the analysis of primary foaming, and the retention of volatile components during melting. Biodegradable iron-based alloys for medical applications
AnnotationBiodegradable metallic materials represent a promising direction in modern biomedical engineering, particularly for temporary implants that do not require surgical removal once their function is fulfilled. Iron-based alloys offer high strength, good biocompatibility, and the possibility of tailoring degradation behaviour through suitable alloying and microstructural modifications. The dissertation will focus on a comprehensive investigation of Fe-based biodegradable alloys, including alloy design, microstructure control, optimisation of mechanical properties, and detailed characterisation of corrosion behaviour in environments simulating the human body. Attention will also be given to the analysis of degradation products, their biological effects, and interactions with surrounding tissues. The work aims to develop and understand materials with controllable degradation rates and safe breakdown profiles that can be utilised in vascular, orthopaedic, or tissue-engineering applications. Flexible and gel materials for long-term medical applications
AnnotationBiomaterials represent a rapidly developing field that connects materials engineering with medicine and aims to improve the safety and functionality of medical devices. This thesis will focus on the comprehensive modification and optimization of the properties of polymeric materials, particularly their surface characteristics. The research will also involve efforts to control the deposition of biological or chemical materials—either to prevent undesirable accumulation on the surface or, conversely, to enable specific, controlled adhesion where functionally required. Specifically, the work will focus on flexible polymer biomaterials for long-term contact with body fluids (such as PU) and filler biomaterials (gel and hydrogel materials). Intermetallics as binders for ceramic and diamond tools
AnnotationThe work addresses the problem of sintering and 3D printing of ceramic and diamond tools by exploiting reactions between transition metals to form intermetallics. Ceramic or diamond particles will be coated with a suitable metal, mixed with particles of a second metal and then sintered to form intermetallics. This strategy will avoid excessively high temperatures that would lead to graphitization of diamond, and at the same time will enable sintering and 3D printing on equipment suitable for processing metal powders. Corrosion-mechanical fatigue of 3D printed porous structures of Ti beta alloy
AnnotationThe work is focused on critical damage of porous structures of human implants combining mechynical cyclic stress and corrosion dissolution at the fatigue crack tip. Within the scope of experimental part will student use methods of cyclic mechanical load and electrochemical techniques. There will be estimated threshold strains for damage of passive layer. In addition, the corrosion fatigue characteristics (Woellers curves) and crack propagation rate will be observed. Finally, these characteristics will be studied for porous structures: lattice, diamond and gyroid. Glass-based quantum materials
AnnotationThe quantum technologies, standing behind the development of quantum computers, require intensive development of new quantum optical materials. These materials are necessary for the realization of the basic unit Qubit, which must be highly stable and with a very low noise fraction. The high concentration of these quantum information elements will enable the practical realization of quantum calculations with very high controlled interference. This will provide very high computational and simulation performance that is also necessary for the further reasonable development of AI. Very promising materials in this area are primarily amorphous materials with a controlled degree of disorder, such as special optical glasses. The work will focus on the development and optimization of new suitable glass materials and subsequent testing of their use in the field of quantum technologies. Mechanisms of hydrogen-induced degradation of 3D printed metallic materials
AnnotationHydrogen-based technologies have been increasingly developed in last years in context with current ecological trends in human society. However, it has been known for a long time that hydrogen deteriorates mechanical properties of some groups of metallic materials. Hydrogen embrittlement, i.e. reduction of plasticity and toughness of components caused by hydrogen, sometimes leading to catastrophic failures, was observed for titanium alloys, high-strength steels and other materials. However, it was reported recently that 3D printed materials are more sensitive to H-embrittlement due to specific structural features (refined structure, high interface area, internal stress etc.) than materials fabricated by common metallurgical routes. In the dissertation, the influence of hydrogen on mechanical properties of 3D printed materials will be explored. 3D printed materials will be exposed to H-containing environments, and resulting properties like fractures, strength, toughness, embrittlement, fatigue etc. will be explored. By using advanced techniques, like LM, SEM, TEM, XRD, AFM, FA, Kelvine probe and other, new knowledge on H-metal interactions will be obtained which will help to better design the energy/chemical devices and/or advanced hydrogen fuelled systems. Surface modifications and electrochemical behaviour of metallic biomaterials
AnnotationMetallic biomaterials still play an irreplaceable role in medicine. The surface state significantly influences the properties and behaviour of biomaterials. This is especially the interaction on the metal-electrolyte phase boundary, i.e. biocompatibility and corrosion behaviour, although mechanical properties can also be affected. In the course of the work, the surfaces of metallic biomaterials will be modified in order to increase their utility properties. The modified surfaces will then be evaluated using standard material, electrochemical and spectroscopic methods. Cold sintering process of ceramics and model systems
AnnotationCold sintering is a novel densification method that enables achieving high density in specific ceramic materials at low temperatures (≤400 °C) and high pressures (~400 MPa). A key factor is the presence of a transient liquid phase, which partially dissolves the material being sintered and subsequently allows its precipitation in regions of free surface. During this process, the liquid phase gradually evaporates and ideally completely departs from the system. The aim of this work is to prepare ceramic materials using the cold sintering method and study its principles in model systems, including a study of the influence of the liquid-phase composition, temperature, applied load, and dwell time at the maximum temperature, on the sintering behavior. The work also includes characterization of the materials in terms of their microstructure and mechanical and thermal properties. Recent publications suggest that the sintering mechanism differs for oxides, halides, and sulfides; therefore, this work aims to explore the specific features of the sintering mechanism in all of these systems, and for silicates. In addition to experimental skills, the student is expected to possess basic knowledge in the fields of sintering and the physical chemistry of dissolution processes. Novel glass materials for fiber lasers
AnnotationFiber lasers are in focus of intense research thanks to their high efficiency, beam quality, high average power, compactness and other advantages that are beneficial for increasing scope of applications including space ones. Silica optical fibers doped with rare-earth ions represent hearts of these lasers. Knowledge of stability of their optical properties including their behavior under extreme space conditions is important for wide employment of fiber lasers. Attention will be focused on investigation of glassy materials of various matrices doped with thulium or holmium emitting at 2 um spectral region and co-doped with other elements or oxides aiming at enhancement of radiation resistivity of these materials.Glassforming, refractive index, spectroscopic, mechanical properties and radiation resistivity of the prepared materials will be studied. The achieved results leading to forecast of suitable materials in form of radiation resistive optical fibers together with methods of their preparation will be verified later by testing in fiber lasers. New steel grades for hydrogen production, transport and storage
AnnotationHydrogen will become an important part of the energy mix in next decades. Until 2030, some 60 billion € is expected to be invested into the hydrogen infrastructure, R&D and new production facilities along the value chain, including component suppliers, specialized materials, and end use applications, such as the development of fuel cell vehicles and retrofitting of industry heat equipment. Stainless steel is considered as an optimal material for e.g., electrolyser proton exchange membranes (PEMs), liquid hydrogen transport and storage of compressed hydrogen. Low- and medium-alloyed steels have multiple applications mainly for hydrogen storage and transport. Still, these materials may suffer from hydrogen embrittlement (HE), welding issues, high production cost and dependency on raw materials imports. Therefore, within the European project HYSTORY, innovative Mn austenitic stainless and non stainless steels are developed for hydrogen production, cryo-compressed hydrogen storage and compressed hydrogen transport. The study will focus on their susceptibility to HE and the interaction between hydrogen and the steel composition and microstructure. Deep understanding into the effect of steel composition and microstructure on mechanical properties, hydrogen entry and interaction will be sought using numerous advanced techniques available in the hydrogen laboratory of Technopark Kralupy and at international partner institutions. New method for processing deep sea nodules using hydrogen reduction
AnnotationThe dissertation will focus on studying the changes in the chemical and mineralogical composition of deep-sea nodules during hydrogen reduction roasting, and on the effect of these changes on the subsequent extraction of target metals—particularly Ni, Cu, Co, and Mn—from the roasted nodules. The outcome of the work will be a new method for their efficient processing. Optimization of Nuclear Waste Vitrification Processes
AnnotationThis doctoral thesis will focus on improving the efficiency of nuclear waste vitrification by critically evaluating selected compositional and processing constraints imposed on nuclear waste glasses. Current vitrification strategies apply conservative limits on glass properties—such as crystallinity, sulfate solubility, and foaming behavior—to ensure robust melter operation, often at the expense of waste loading and processing efficiency. The proposed research will investigate whether certain constraints can be safely relaxed without adverse effects on melter feed conversion and melter lifetime. The results are expected to provide a scientific basis for optimizing glass formulations and operating windows, enabling higher waste loadings and more efficient vitrification of nuclear waste. Solid-state batteries based on gradient nanostructured composites
AnnotationResearch and development of all-solid-state batteries is important for the successful advance of electric vehicles, trains, plains, and energy storage. These batteries have the liquid electrolyte replaced by a solid electrolyte, and thus gain the ability to achieve several important advantages over batteries with a liquid electrolyte that are used in current electric vehicles. The main advantages are higher safety and higher energy density enabling a longer driving range and faster charging. The technology of their production should be less expensive, and the batteries should be easier to recycle, and therefore less of a burden on the environment. To achieve these parameters, the research of all-solid-state batteries with nanostructured materials having a high surface-to-volume ratio is important. These materials can be used to form the mass for the cathode, anode, or solid electrolyte. They are based on inorganic glass nanofibers with high flexibility and the necessary electrochemical properties. These nanofibers should exhibit a high mobility of Li+ or Na+ ions, and the related high ionic or electronic conductivity in a wide range of temperatures. Furthermore, sufficient stability against metallic lithium and resistance to high temperatures. These nanofibers are prepared by the method of electrospinning and electrospraying. Emphasis will be placed on battery recycling and the use of recycled materials to construct new battery cells. Advanced bactericidal coatings with long-lasting effect
AnnotationScientific task focused on the optimization of immobilization of metal nanoparticles on polymeric supports for the preparation of a new generation of antimicrobial surfaces. Nanoparticle immobilization will be acomplished by physical methods based on the interaction of prepared particles with laser radiation. Antibacterial effects and biocompatibility of developed surfaces will be evaluated in cooperation with the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology UCT Prague and Institute of Physiology CAS. Advanced chiral materials for photo and electrochemical catalysis
AnnotationChirální (nano)materiály představují nové paradigma ve fotochemii a elektrochemii. Na rozdíl od konvenčních a dobře známých (nechirálních) nanomateriálů tyto materiály umožňují chemické reakce použit spinově-polarizovaný elektronový proud. Spinová polarizace zase ovlivňuje jak průběh reakce (tvorbu meziproduktů), tak i konečné produkty (například jejich poměr nebo celkový výtěžek). Použití chirálních nanomateriálů ve fotochemii nebo elektrochemii (nebo jejich kombinaci – foto-elektrochemie) umožňuje řízení selektivity i účinnosti reakce. Tento koncept se teprve začíná zkoumat a lze jej aplikovat jak v organické chemii, tak v klasických reakcích anorganické chemii (štěpení vody, redukce CO2, produkce amoniaku atd.). Advanced metallic materials manufactured by the 3D printing technology
Annotation3D printing technologies are prospective methods for the manufacture of complex structural parts and medical implants because of the ability to produce very complex shapes, highly porous structures etc. In the work, microstructures, mechanical, corrosion and biological properties of advanced Al-based, Ti-based alloys, stainless steels, high-stregth steels, biodegradable iron and magnesium alloys will be studied. The alloys will be prepared by SLM, DED and WAAM processes will be investigated. In addition, the relationships between parameters of the SLM and DED process and characteristics of resulting products will be evaluated. Results of the study will propose process parameters the most suitable for obtaining desirable products. Advanced materials for nitrogen to ammonia conversion
AnnotationČpavek je nezbytnou součásti výroby hnojiv a taky je povazován za účinný prostředek přenosu energie. Ovšem současna výroba čpavku je velmi náročná z hlediska energetické spotřeby a taky je založena z velké míry na použiti fosilních paliv, tzn. neobnovitelných materiálových zdrojů. Proto se hledají alternativní moznosti přípravy čpavku z běžných materiálových zdrojů jako jsou atmosféricky dusík a voda. Ideálně tato příprava by mela byt méně energeticky náročná než konvenční. Tato práce je zaměřena na studium a inovativních hybridních materiálů schopných aktivovat dusík a zajistit jeho chemické proměny na čpavek. Jedna se o výzkum v oblasti elektrochemicky nebo foto-elektrochemicky aktivních materiálu, mezi kterými patří cela rada sloučenin na bázi boridu, sulfidu, kovových slitin a tak dále. Hlavním cílem práci bude vyvinout katalyzátor, v respektive radu katalyzátorů, které zaručí možnost dosáhnout vysoké Faradayové a kvantové účinnosti v reakci aktivaci dusíku a výroby čpavku. Advanced Materials for Green Hydrogen Production
AnnotationPráce je zaměřena na vývoj nových materiálů zaměřených na řešení klíčových problémů v oblasti štěpení vody. Zejména mluvíme o štěpení mořské vody (pomocí lokální kontroly pH v blízkostí elektrody), elektrolýze při vysokých proudových hustotách, přímém či nepřímém zapojení sluneční energie. Jako materiály bude studována celá řada nových sloučenin, jako jsou vysoko entropické kompozity, mono-atomické katalyzátory, stabilizované klastry atd. Advanced high-entropy alloys with tunable properties reinforced by transition-metal carbides
AnnotationHigh entropy alloys belong to a relatively new group of materials which are characterized by the preferential formation of solid solutions instead of intermetallic compounds. These materials exhibit several excellent properties, foremostly high strengths while maintaining sufficient ductility, good corrosion resistance and others. By suitable processing of these alloys, it is possible to achieve further substantial improvement of these already very good properties. The work will be focused on the preparation of new advanced high-entropy alloys combining significantly higher strengths while maintaining sufficient plasticity. These alloys will be further reinforced with transition-metal carbides produced from waste products of organic-material pyrolysis or directly via reactive plasma pyrolysis. Polymer composites with EGaIn
AnnotationThis work will focus on the preparation of polymer composites with eutectic gallium and indium (EGaIn) and the study of their stability and properties. These materials are generally considered non-toxic, and belong to a new generation of smart materials potentially interesting for applications in the field of bioelectronics. The main goal of the work will be the preparation of homogeneous polymer composites or homogeneous coverage of the polymer surface with EGaIn particles. Polymers with EGaIn particles either in the form of a simple foil or with an induced linear or hexagonal shape will be tested with regard to their use as special thermal or pressure sensors. The antibacterial properties of the composites against selected strains of bacteria will also be determined. Switchable supercapacitors for intelligent energy harvesting
AnnotationVývoj společnosti vede k odchodu od nenahraditelných zdrojů energie a přechodu k obnovitelným alternativám. Vzhledem k tomu, že obnovitelná energie obvykle prochází fází „konzervace“ ve formě elektřiny, vyvstává otázka, jak elektřinu skladovat. Tento problém lze vyřešit pomocí struktur, jako jsou superkondenzátory, které jsou schopny ukládat a uvolňovat relativně velké množství elektřiny a nevyžadují „přístupy“ na bázi lithia (na rozdíl od baterií). Použití superkondenzátorů je však omezeno jejich neřízenou rychlostí vybíjení. Tato práce je zaměřena konkrétně na tvorbu chytrých materiálů a struktur, které umožní řídit vybíjení superkondenzátorů. Jako základ pro takové materiály budou použity chytré hydrogely dopované uhlíkovými nanostruktury s velkým měrným povrchem. Uhlíkové nanostruktury budou zodpovědné za celkové množství náboje uskládaného superkondenzátorem. Přepínání stavu chytrého hydrogelu umožní regulovat rychlost vybíjení superkondenzátoru – dosáhnout pulzních hodnot výstupní energie nebo naopak konstantního vybíjení bez poklesu výstupního napětí. Jako typické aplikace takových materiálových struktur mohou být uvedeny ostrý záblesk fotoaparátu nebo nepřetržitý provoz mobilního telefonu „do posledního procenta nabití“, realizované v rámci jednoho zásobníku energie bez zavádění dalších jednotek elektroniky. Preparation and Characterization Metallic Composites
AnnotationComposite materials are composed of at least two components - matrix and reinforcement. The resulting properties of the composite are therefore influenced by three factors, namely the properties of the matrix, the properties of the reinforcement and the synergistic effect of their interaction. In this work, materials with titanium reinforcement will be prepared by additive technologies as well as powder metallurgy methods. Subsequently, the reinforcement will be infiltrated with a matrix of biodegradable metals and alloys. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the prepared materials will be described. Preparation and properties of nanocrystalline aluminium alloys with transition metals
AnnotationThis work is devoted to preparation of nanocrystalline aluminium alloys with transition metals and description of their microstructure. The alloys will be prepared by rapid solidification techniques and also by mechanical alloying. Prepared alloys will be compacted by spark plasma sintering. Microstructure and properties of compact materials will be descibed. The aim of this work is do describe the influence of alloying elements on microstructure and properties of alloys and to find optimal conditions for their compaction. CO₂ Sequestration Using Waste Materials for Construction in the 21st Century
AnnotationThis dissertation thesis focuses on the potential for carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration using waste materials originating from various sources, primarily thermal processes, industrial production, and the construction sector. The aim of the research is to study CO₂ sequestration technologies and to identify and modify suitable waste materials for this process. The study will include not only an analysis of the chemical and physical properties of the selected waste materials but also the optimization of sequestration processes and the assessment of their environmental and economic benefits. This dissertation thesis addresses the current challenges of the 21st century in the field of sustainable development and climate protection, with the ambition to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while promoting a circular economy in construction. Spectroscopy of rare-earth doped glass materials for applications in scintillators
AnnotationScintillators are materials capable of detecting hazardous high-energy radiation, such as X-ray or gamma radiation, and converting it into more easily detectable radiation in the visible or infrared region. In recent years, interest has been growing in scintillators in the form of optical fibers, which are able to detect radiation and transmit the signal over long distances. For the construction of devices based on optical fibers, silicate glasses remain the most suitable materials, and for signal transmission through optical fibers the infrared region is particularly advantageous. This work focuses on the design, preparation, and characterization of new compositions of silicate glasses and, if applicable, glass-ceramics doped with rare-earth ions that provide emission in the infrared region, such as neodymium, ytterbium, or erbium. The main objective of the work will be the analysis of scintillation properties as a function of the composition and preparation of the glasses or glass-ceramics, and their optimization. Drawing of specialty optical fibers for fiber lasers
AnnotationFiber lasers are in focus of intense research thanks to their high efficiency, beam quality, high average power, compactness and other advantages that are beneficial for increasing scope of applications. Optical fibers doped with rare-earth ions represent hearts of these lasers. Attention will be focused on investigation of optical fiber drawing prepared mainly by the so-called stack-and-draw method. This method allows to create fibers with different regions, for example structured doped and undoped regions. The influence of drawing parameters on the resulting properties of the fibers, their refractive index, spectroscopic and mechanical properties will be studied. New findings leading to the selection of appropriate composite fiber geometry and methods of its preparation will be subsequently verified in fiber lasers with the use of the prepared fibers. Effect of silicon on protection by Zn-Al-Mg coatings
AnnotationZn-Al-Mg coatings show more than two-times longer service life compared to unalloyed zinc and demonstrate excellent results in the corrosion protection of steel car bodies, roofing, and building components. The aim of the study is to determine systematically the effect of silicon addition and describe the mechanism by which this element influences the corrosion behavior of coatings and steel protection. Using advanced electrochemical, imaging, and analytical techniques, the initial stages of the corrosion process and the chemistry of the electrolyte surface layer, the development of the composition of corrosion products and their protective effects in further stages of corrosion degradation, and the degree of cathodic protection of the steel substrate will be described. The output will be a comprehensive description of the corrosion and protection mechanism, which will enable the optimization of the microstructure and amount of silicon in the coating structure. The study is a part of the European Quazcoat project, which will enable the doctoral student to collaborate with leading foreign institutions in France, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Finland, and Belgium. Development of advanced tools for early stage detection of degradation of organic coatings produced by environmentally friendly technologies
AnnotationA critical barrier for full commercialization of organic coatings cured using environmentally friendly technologies is the length and complexity of testing required to prove their long-term durability. European industry therefore continues to use thermal cured coatings that have been proven over decades, even though modern UV or electron beam (EB) cured coatings have the potential to reduce energy consumption by 60-95% and volatile organic compound emissions by up to 90%. The aim of this study is to understand the mechanism of microstructural degradation and physicochemical changes in organic coatings in the early stages of exposure to corrosive environments and to find methods for detecting the first signs of their degradation. The introduction of new characterization techniques capable of revealing the kinetics of degradation at the molecular level will shorten the time needed to bring radiation cured UV/EB coating systems to market. In particular, the potential of electrochemical techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning Kelvin probe, and new techniques for detecting small amounts of hydrogen generated during corrosion processes will be tested. The study is a part of the European SustCoat project, which will enable the doctoral student to collaborate with leading foreign institutions in Finland, Austria, and Belgium. Development of a system for monitoring of corrosion under insulation
AnnotationCorrosion under insulation poses a serious risk to the chemical and petrochemical industry from a safety, environmental and ultimately economic point of view. Corrosion monitoring with early warning functions would be an effective tool to ensure operational safety. This work focuses on the development of a new device for corrosion monitoring under insulation. The principle of the technique based on the electrical resistance method will be inovated. New corrosion sensors, electronics, software and data transfer and treatment will developed as well. 3D-printed high-entropy alloys with tunable properties for use in extreme conditions
AnnotationThe work focuses on the development of 3D-printed high-entropy alloys whose mechanical and functional properties can be tuned as needed for use in extreme conditions. These alloys can be further reinforced with a range of additional particles to enhance their overall performance. The aim is to create materials with exceptional strength, thermal stability, and resistance to degradation, thereby expanding the capabilities of additive manufacturing technologies in demanding industrial applications. |
Updated: 20.1.2022 16:26, Author: Jan Kříž