Catalysts for the oxidation of volatile organic compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are one of the main contributors to air pollution. They are precursors of photochemical smog (ground-level ozone) and very efficient greenhouse gases (up to 11 times more effective compared to CO₂). Furthermore, they are detrimental not only to the environment but also to human health due to their harmful properties (toxic, malodorous, mutagenic, and carcinogenic). Therefore, increasingly strict regulations are being put in place worldwide in order to reduce VOC emissions into the atmosphere. VOCs are emitted from thousands of different sources, such as chemical plants, petroleum refineries, power plants, paint industry, gas stations, dry cleaners, etc. In the industry, the old thermal incineration units are retrofitted with catalytic oxidation technology, which is a green and cost-effective method for the abatement of VOC emissions. The aim of the thesis is the development of new catalysts for VOC oxidation. The activity and selectivity of the prepared catalysts in the oxidation of model VOCs will be correlated with their physicochemical properties in order to identify the factors important for their efficiency.

Required education and skills:

• Master’s degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, organic technology, chemical physics or similar;
• willingness to do experimental work and learn new things, team work ability.