Available research topics
Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and Electrochemistry (RCh-1)
Subject of research work
Description of the research work with contact details of the supervisor
Removal of antimony from aqueous solutions by electrodialysis
Description: Electrodialysis is a water purification technique based on the migration of ions through membranes placed in an electric field. For such migration to occur, the substance that we want to remove from water must be dissociated. Antimony, depending on pH, can occur in various forms in aqueous solutions, both dissociated (e.g. [Sb(OH)6]-, [Sb(OH)4]-, [Sb(OH)2]+) and undissociated (Sb(OH)3, Sb(OH)5). The work will consist in examining the dependence of Sb transport through ion exchange membranes on the solution pH. During the work, the student will become familiar with:
1. Modeling the speciation of elements in aqueous solutions,
2. Membrane techniques for water and wastewater purification,
3. Analysis of elements by UV/VIS spectroscopy.
Additional requirements: at least one semester of general or inorganic chemistry laboratory classes completed
Main supervisor of research work:
PhD eng. Krzysztof Mitko
Contact to the supervisor of research work:
PhD eng. Krzysztof Mitko: krzysztof.mitko@polsl.pl, room 234/N2
Plasma electrolytic oxidation of Zn-Al alloy
Description: The aim of the work will be to produce a protective oxide coating on a Zn-Al casting alloy using the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) method. The work will focus on determining the parameters of this process, which will allow for the production of good quality coatings. As part of this work, microscopic and corrosion tests are planned to be carried out.
Additional requirements: commitment, interest in electrochemistry and materials engineering, first and second year students of first cycle studies are welcome
Research Group: Electrochemistry Group
Main supervisor of research work:
PhD eng. Artur Maciej
Contact to the supervisor of research work:
PhD eng. Artur Maciej: artur.maciej@polsl.pl, room 138/N2; phone: +48 32 237 18 46
Department of Organic Chemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry and Biotechnology (RCh-2)
Subject of research work
Description of the research work with contact details of the supervisor
Application of Suzuki-Miyaura Coupling Methods to Synthesis and Modification of Conjugated Polymers for Selective Isolation of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Organic Solvents
Description: Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) exhibit unique properties dependent on their chirality (structure), which opens the way to their applications, e.g. in photonics or electronics. The key, however, is their separation into monochiral fractions. Conjugated polymer extraction (CPE) is a promising method, but its potential is limited by the small number of known selective polymers. The research work will focus on the synthesis of new conjugated polymers, using, among others, Suzuki-Miyaura coupling methods. The aim will be to investigate the influence of the chemical structure of the polymer (type of monomers used) and its macromolecular characteristics (molecular weight, dispersity) on the selectivity and efficiency of the isolation process of specific SWCNT chiralities. Understanding these relationships is crucial for designing "tailor-made" polymers for efficient nanotube sorting and full use of the potential of the CPE technique. The work includes organic synthesis, polymer characterization and their use in the SWCNT extraction process.
Additional requirements: willingness to increase your knowledge, at least basic skills related to organic chemistry and laboratory work (so that you can conduct research in a safe way for yourself and your environment). We do not require detailed knowledge in the above areas, the research work is to expand the scope of students' knowledge, detailed knowledge of organic chemistry, polymer chemistry and nanomaterials is optional.
Research group: Functional Nanomaterial Group - FNano (www.fnano.eu)
Supervisor of research work:
PhD Andrzej Dzienia
Contact to the supervisor of research work:
PhD Andrzej Dzienia: andrzej.dzienia@polsl.pl, room 5/N1
Synthesis of small-molecule radical sources, including study of the process of chemical, covalent modification of single-walled carbon nanotubes
Description: Covalent modification of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) allows for precise adjustment of their unique optical and electronic properties to specific applications, e.g. in photonics. Despite progress, the mechanisms of these modifications and the effect of reaction conditions on the final properties of the nanomaterial are not fully understood. The research work will focus on the organic synthesis of various small-molecule radical precursors (e.g. aroyl, alkyl radicals, peroxyester derivatives) and the study of their use in the process of covalent functionalization of SWCNTs. The aim will be to understand how the chemical structure of the generated radical affects the course of the functionalization process and the optical properties (fluorescence) of the obtained nanotubes. It is planned to compare different methods of generating radicals, such as conventional heating, microwave heating or radiation activation, as well as to study the effect of the reaction environment. A better understanding of these processes will enable the controlled introduction of defects and functional groups to the surface of SWCNTs, opening the way to the design of nanomaterials with precisely defined characteristics.
Additional requirements: willingness to increase your knowledge, at least basic skills related to organic chemistry and laboratory work (so that you can conduct research in a safe way for yourself and your environment). We do not require detailed knowledge in the above areas, the research work is to expand the scope of students' knowledge, detailed knowledge of organic chemistry, polymer chemistry and nanomaterials is optional.
Research group: Functional Nanomaterial Group - FNano (www.fnano.eu)
Supervisor of research work:
PhD Andrzej Dzienia
Contact to the supervisor of research work:
PhD Andrzej Dzienia: andrzej.dzienia@polsl.pl, room 5/N1
Department of Chemical Engineering and Process Design (RCh-3)
Subject of research work
Description of the research work with contact details of the supervisor
Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers (RCh-4)
Subject of research work
Description of the research work with contact details of the supervisor
Synthesis and characterisation of drug carriers based on amphiphilic polymers based on ionic liquids.
Description: Synthesis of drug carriers based on amphiphilic choline-containing ionic liquid copolymers with different topologies, transporting biologically active compounds. Fundamental characterisation of the carriers based, inter alia, on 1H NMR analysis, FT-IR, measurements of wetting angles, study of self-organisation by determining the critical micellization concentration. Drug release studies by Uv-Vis method.
Additional requirements: Experience in laboratory work, past organic chemistry course, basic preparative knowledge, basic knowledge of polymer chemistry.
Supervisors of research work:
Main supervisor: prof. Dorota Neugebauer
Assistant supervisors: PhD Katarzyna Niesyto, MSc eng. Aleksy Mazur
Contact to the supervisor of research work:
prof. Dorota Neugebauer: dorota.neugebauer@polsl.pl. room 105/C, phone: +48 32 237 19 73
PhD Katarzyna Niesyto: katarzyna.niesyto@polsl.pl; lab. 210,213/C; phone: +48 32 237 19 81
MSc eng. Aleksy Mazur: aleksy.mazur@polsl.pl; lab. 16 (during renovation of lab. 210,213/C); phone: +48 32 237 19 81
Design of collagen carriers for a multifunctional drug combination in brain tumour therapy
Description: The aim of the work is to assess the possibility of using selected nanomaterials (gold and silver nanoparticles) to design ultrasensitive devices for electrochemical detection of selected cancer biomarkers. As part of the work, students will learn about methods of electrochemical surface modification, methods of synthesis of metal nanoparticles and immobilization of selected biologically active compounds (antibodies) on the surface of biosensors. The research work is part of the NCN Polonez bis GraphSense project (https://www.polsl.pl/rjo22-cone/en/graphsense/).
First and year undergraduate students welcome.
Research Group: Centre for Organic and Nanohybrid Electronics (CONE)
Supervisors of research work:
Main supervisor: prof. Katarzyna Krukiewicz
Assistant supervisor: PhD Jincymol Kappen
Contact to the supervisor of research work:
prof. Katarzyna Krukiewicz: kkrukiewicz@polsl.pl, 307/CNT
PhD Jincymol Kappen: jkappen@polsl.pl, 123/CNT
Photoactive Organic Layers: Preparation and Characterization
Description: The aim of this project is to obtain and characterize organic layers capable of producing singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species. Such layers can be used, among others, as light-activated antimicrobial coatings. Within the project, selected organic photosensitizers will be immobilized on the surfaces of selected/model materials, and the obtained layers will be characterized using spectroscopic (IR, Raman, XPS, UV-Vis), electrochemical and/or microscopic (SEM, AFM) techniques.
Additional requirements: minimum 2 years of studies
Supervisor of research work:
prof. Agata Blacha-Grzechnik
Contact to the supervisor of research work:
prof. Agata Blacha-Grzechnik: agata.blacha@polsl.pl, room 107a/C
Development of materials made of sodium alginate with the addition of alginate hydrogels to improve hydrophilic properties
Description: The aim of the work is to improve the hydrophilic properties of biodegradable materials made of sodium alginate by introducing an additive in the form of hydrogels.They will be obtained by the solution casting method and then analyzed for hydrophilicity, mechanical properties and water vapor barrier properties. The evaluation will include the measurement of the wetting angle, strength tests (tensile, elastic) and water vapor permeability coefficient. The results will allow to determine the potential of these materials as biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics in the packaging and food industry.
Supervisors of research work:
Main supervisor: prof. Gabriela Dudek
Assistant supervisor: MSc eng. Justyna Jakubska
Contact to the supervisor of research work:
prof. Gabriela Dudek: gabriela.maria.dudek@polsl.pl
Membrane-based production of anhydrous bioethanol – fuels of the future: Preparation and characterization of magnetic membranes prepared in an external magnetic field in the process of pervaporative ethanol dehydration
Description: The topic of the thesis responds to the growing importance of bioethanol as a fuel component in the European Union, supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The research will focus on the development of polymer magnetic membranes used for pervaporative dehydration of ethanol, a key process for applications in the transport industry. The membranes will be prepared in the presence of an external magnetic field, which will allow for the modification of their structure and properties. The thesis will include the preparation of magnetic membranes, their use in pervaporation processes and a comprehensive characterization and analysis of the effect of the applied magnetic field on the efficiency of the process.
Supervisors of research work:
Main supervisor: prof. Gabriela Dudek
Assistant supervisor: MSc eng. Łukasz Jakubski
Contact to the supervisor of research work:
prof. Gabriela Dudek: gabriela.maria.dudek@polsl.pl
Determination of redox potentials of selected doped organic semiconductors
Description: The research will determine the oxidation and reduction potentials of redox reactions for selected coordination and organic compounds. The research aims to select compounds with reversible redox systems to be tested as dopants for new organic semiconductors. The primary research technique will be cyclic voltammetry.
Additional requirements: willingness to work in a laboratory
Supervisors of research work:
Main supervisor: prof. Przemysław Ledwoń
Assistant supervisor: MSc Ammara Aslam
Contact to the supervisor of research work:
prof. Przemysław Ledwoń: przemyslaw.ledwon@polsl.pl; room 212/C
Pyrotechnic sound compositions as a breakthrough research topic in the context of state defense
Description: As part of the research, pyrotechnic sound compositions will be prepared. A "trackman" device will be created to measure harmonic oscillations generated by the combustion of pyrotechnic sound compositions. The parameters of sound emission of pyrotechnic sound compositions will be examined, as well as the effect of selected additives on the combustion process of pyrotechnic sound compositions and the ability of pyrotechnic sound compositions to emit an acoustic signal.
Additional requirements: experience in laboratory work, no criminal record
Research Group: High-energy and Electroactive Materials Team
Supervisors of research work:
Main supervisor: PhD Klaudia Pawlus
Assistant supervisor: MSc Kinga Janowska
Contact to the supervisors of research work:
PhD Klaudia Pawlus: klaudia.pawlus@polsl.pl; room 204/s; phone: 32 237 29 65
MSc Kinga Janowska: kinga.janowska@polsl.pl; room 204/s; phone: 32 237 29 65
Synthesis of New Organic Semiconductor Compounds for Infrared Light Detector Technology
Description: The subject of the work is the preparation and physicochemical characterization of new organic dyes, adapted to work in hybrid silicon-dye photodetectors, operating in the near infrared range. Due to the construction of such a photoactive heterojunction, the object of interest are organic compounds with low electron affinity, the value of which can be modified by chemical functionalization of the dye molecule. A class of dyes with promising electron-acceptor properties are indigo derivatives, whose benzene ring can be substituted with various functional groups, changing the electronic structure of the molecule. The research topic includes the chemical synthesis of various indigo derivatives, additionally modified to improve their solubility in traditional organic solvents, and detailed studies of electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties, aimed at determining the electronic structure scheme of the obtained compounds. The tasks of the student involved in the topic will include conducting, under the supervision of a scientific supervisor, synthetic work aimed at obtaining the assumed chemical compounds from the indigo family. After obtaining, purifying and determining the chemical structure using instrumental techniques, the student will also participate in electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies of the obtained compounds, which will allow him to learn selected methods of instrumental analysis of the physicochemical properties of organic compounds. This topic should interest people interested in practical work in an organic chemistry laboratory, and in deeper understanding of the properties of compounds obtained with their participation.
Supervisor of research work:
Prof. Wojciech Domagała
Contact to the supervisor of research work:
Prof. Wojciech Domagała: wojciech.domagala@polsl.pl; room 111c/C; phone: 32 237 1305
π-electron interactions in symmetric and asymmetric model donor-acceptor systems with different electron affinities
Description: The object of the research are organic compounds built from electron-donating and electron-accepting fragments, connected by a delocalized π-conjugated bond. Such compounds reveal interesting semiconductor properties related to their electronic structure, which allows for relatively easy oxidation or reduction. These processes lead to obtaining colored ion-radical forms, endowed with magnetic properties. Physicochemical studies using electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques allow for explaining the relationship between the chemical structure and the electronic structure of such chemical compounds. The compounds under consideration are currently recognized as photoelectroactive materials in devices such as organic electroluminescent diodes and polymer photovoltaic cells. After initial training and work under the supervision of a scientific supervisor, the student's tasks will include research on model compounds using electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical techniques, and then processing and mathematical analysis of the obtained results. This topic should be of interest to people who enjoy working with instrumental measurement equipment, combined with the processing of obtained results using specialist mathematical and graphic programs, and who are comfortable with iterative work, which involves making decisions about further research steps based on the results of consecutively conducted experiments.
Supervisors of research work:
Main supervisor: Prof. Wojciech Domagała
Assistant supervisor: MSc Andualem Tullu
Contact to the supervisor of research work:
Prof. Wojciech Domagała: wojciech.domagala@polsl.pl; room 111c/C; phone: 32 237 1305
Soluble polymers with tailored break of π-conjugated bond as solution-processable materials with tuneable conductive properties
Description: A special feature of organic compounds with an extended π bonding system is their ability to undergo electron transfer (redox) reactions, corresponding to possible electron transitions taking place between energy levels in electrically charged and inert compounds, which, in turn, depend on their chemical structure and the conjugation length of the π-conjugated bond. For large macromolecular π-conjugated systems, the way to exercise control over both variables is to select small-molecule π-conjugated units, having the desired electrical properties, and copolymerise them with saturated spacers to obtain macromolecules equipped with regular π-unsaturated bond breaks. Functionalisation of the spacers themselves opens additional possibilities for shaping the properties of those copolymers, including their solubility or amorphousness, providing tools for tailoring their macroscopic physicochemical features, which, in turn, are important from the point of view of processing them into ordered thin-film structures used as active layers in electrochromic devices, like electrochromic filters, electroluminescent cells or diodes and photovoltaic cells.
Research tasks of the student involved in this topic will involve laboratory organic synthesis of target π-conjugated structures equipped with selected saturated spacers. Work will be carried out in direct cooperation with the doctoral student scientific assistant. This research topic should appeal to all interested in synthesis of organic compounds and their subsequent chemical modification on a preparative laboratory scale.
Supervisors of research work:
Main supervisor: Prof. Wojciech Domagała
Assistant supervisor: MSc Andualem Tullu
Contact to the supervisor of research work:
Prof. Wojciech Domagała: wojciech.domagala@polsl.pl; room 111c/C; phone: 32 237 1305
Department of Chemical Organic Technology and Petrochemistry (RCh-5)
Subject of research work
Description of the research work with contact details of the supervisor
Phase Change Materials for Renewable Energy Storage
Description: The subject of the research work will be the development of phase change materials based on renewable raw materials, whose phase change temperature is in the range of 100–220°C, which makes them suitable for storing renewable energy. The project will combine organic synthesis with thermal analysis of materials using differential scanning calorimetry.
Additional requirements: interview with the candidate
Research Group: Chrobok Group
Supervisor of research work:
PhD eng. Alina Brzęczek-Szafran
Contact to the supervisor of research work:
PhD eng. Alina Brzęczek-Szafran: alina.brzeczek-szafran@polsl.pl
Organic salts with luminescent properties for optoelectronic applications
Description: The subject of the work will be the preparation of a series of small-molecule luminophores of ionic character and an expanded pi-electron system. In addition to organic synthesis, the work will include electrochemical and spectroscopic characterization of the obtained materials with mixed ionic-electronic conductivity.
Additional requirements: completed organic chemistry course, interview with the candidate
Research Group: Chrobok Group
Supervisors of research work:
PhD eng. Alina Brzęczek-Szafran
Contact to the supervisor of research work:
PhD eng. Alina Brzęczek-Szafran: alina.brzeczek-szafran@polsl.pl
