Department of Chemical Engineering

Membrane separation processes are studied by the Research Group of Membrane Separations, which has long been addressing the challenges of gas mixture separation, e.g., the purification of biogas or industrial waste gases, especially the removal of CO₂ and SO₂. Our research focuses on polymer membranes with functional modifications (using ionic liquids, hierarchically porous particles, and polymers with internal microporosity) or intensification of separation processes in composite membranes and membrane modules. At the same time, we investigate the separation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air and focus on predictive physicochemical modeling of the transport properties of these substances in membranes.

Our research goal is also to prepare membranes for special separations of liquid mixtures, e.g. separation of individual enantiomers or elimination of drugs and endocrine disruptors, in cooperation with other research partners for the development of functional selectors (Charles Univ., Univ. Chem. and Technology Prague, Tech. Univ. Liberec, Tech. Univ. Ostrava, Jan Evangelista Purkyně Univ., etc.). We use different separation methods for testing new materials – e.g. perstraction or pervaporation. For a deeper understanding of the separation efficiency of the investigated substances for different selectors and environments, we use molecular dynamics modeling.

Study in this area is carried out by the Research Group of Catalysis and Reaction Engineering. The group conducts research in the field of heterogeneous catalysis engineering through catalyst development, catalytic reactor design, evaluation of phenomenological kinetics, and comprehensive characterization of catalyst microstructure. The focus is on developing new catalysts and catalytic supports for responsible care chemical production in industrial applications. Examples include the Guerbet reaction of bioethanol and biobutanol, as well as the direct catalytic decomposition of hydrogen sulfide, a major component of refinery acid gas. The group is also engaged in preparing and studying polymer nanofibrous catalysts using the electrostatic electrospinning technique. These catalysts are primarily used for gas phase reactions, such as air protection through catalytic total oxidation of volatile organic compounds. The research group has successfully developed methods for removing a variety of contaminants, including drugs that affect the human hormonal system, from water using carefully selected sorbents and/or utilizing photocatalysis. The Laboratory of the Centre for Textural Studies investigates the microstructural properties of porous materials, particularly those with complex porosity, through textural analysis and determination of effective transport properties.

Studies in the field of biorefinery at the Institute of Chemistry and Food Science take place in the Research Group of Catalysis and Reaction Engineering. Biorefinery and biotechnology in general currently bring new, sought-after products. The group was the leading subject of the BIORAF Competence Center, the BIOCIRTECH National Competence Center, and now leads NCK2 entitled Biorefinery and Circular Economy for Sustainability. In these projects, the issues of preparing new products such as a joint preparation from poultry cartilage, isolation of essential unsaturated fatty acids from microalgae, or cosmetic and anti-inflammatory dermatological products from plants are addressed with academic and industrial partners. Currently, the issue of adhesion of animal cells to various biopolymer networks and membranes produced by the original electrospinning method is being addressed in cooperation with the medical community.

Study in the field of multiphase systems at the ICPF takes place in the Research Group of Multiphase Reactors. The group has a long tradition in the systematic study of transport phenomena in multiphase systems. Research is focused on understanding of fundamental processes in these systems with the refinement of existing models and the development of new ones. Experiments based on advanced diagnostic methods, theoretical modeling, and numerical simulations based on advanced software are used for this purpose.

Vision and goals of the research group:

• Fundamental research of transport phenomena in multiphase systems at different time-spatial scales (bubbly flow, granular flow, suspension flow)
• Description and understanding of the connections between the interactions of individual objects (bubbles/droplets/particles) and the macroscopic behavior of multiphase systems (multiscale approach)
• Study of interfacial properties and their projection into dynamics of individual objects as well as into bulk flow characteristics (presence of various additives, ions, surfactants, nanoparticles)

Research in molecular modeling at ICPF is carried out by the Research Group of Molecular and Mesoscopic Modeling, which uses modeling as a tool complementing real experiments with applications in chemical and materials engineering. The modeling can provide a link between microscopic and macroscopic system behavior. In research, it studies complex fluids in the bulk and nanoconfinement in and out of equilibrium. They use an arsenal of simulation and theoretical methods, including molecular and mesoscopic modeling techniques along with density functional theory and effective Hamiltonian models.

The current research concentrates on three areas. The first area covers theoretical description of surface phase transitions and fluid behavior in nanoconfinement. The second area deals with molecular-level modeling of fluids in micro- and mesopores, and at interfaces with solid surfaces. The third area comprises mesoscopic simulations of dynamical responses in energetic materials.

The Research Group of Algal and Microbial Biotechnology has long been involved in the use of microorganisms in environmental and food technologies. This mainly concerns photosynthetic microorganisms including both eukaryotic microalgae and prokaryotic cyanobacteria, but also heterotrophic bacteria or yeasts. Important activities of the research group include in particular the optimization and scale-up of cultivation processes of selected microorganisms, including the development of photobioreactors and downstream processes.

Research in the field of microreactor engineering at ICPF is carried out by the Research Group of Microreactors, which focuses on using microreactors as tools for process intensification to improve efficiency, enhance safety, and reduce the environmental impact of chemical processes. The group specializes in the design, prototyping, and experimental validation of microreactors for specific applications. Its research approach is based on an in-depth understanding of reaction and transport phenomena, enabling the identification of rate-limiting steps and the development of tailor-made solutions for relevant industrial case studies.