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Preparation of Materials and Waste Valorisation

Catalytic oxidation of VOCs

Preparation, development, and testing of various macroscopic forms of catalytically active nanostructured materials for the oxidation of Cl-VOCs and VOCs from waste gases.

Preparation of photocatalysts

Preparation of photo/catalytically active thin films (thicknesses in the order of tens to hundreds of nanometers) deposited on various types of supports (ceramic foams, glass, Si wafers) using sol-gel and dip-coating methods. Preparation and development of various macroscopic forms of photocatalytically active nanostructured materials for the decomposition of organic substances in wastewater or with antibacterial properties.

Sorbents for gas purification

Preparation and development of effective sorbents for the capture of VOCs, NH3, and CO2 from waste gases or biogas.

Supercritical biomass extraction

Valorization of biomass using supercritical CO2 into natural substances with added value.

Microwave waste valorization

Valorization of biomass and polymer waste using microwaves into technologically and energetically usable materials and components (biochar, activated carbon, composites, hydrogen, methane, biogas).

Textural characterization of materials

Textural characterization of solid materials, including low-surface-area materials (e.g., biochar, activated carbon, zeolites, MOFs, steel, ceramics, dental implants, composites, and others), and correlation of the determined material texture with the technological steps of its production process, along with proposals for modifying the technological production process to achieve the desired textural properties of the material.

Research Group Description

The group focuses on the design of various types of nanostructured materials in different macroscopic forms, from inorganic precursors and available waste materials, primarily for the adsorption and catalytic oxidation of organic pollutants, NH3, and CO2 from waste gases and water, and the photocatalytic reduction of greenhouse gases. For the preparation of materials and waste valorization, it uses, in addition to conventional chemical approaches and processes/technologies, unconventional processes/technologies operating with supercritical fluids, subcritical water, superheated solvents, or microwaves. The material and experimental research conducted within the group is complemented by theoretical insights from the field of molecular modeling. It also provides comprehensive analytical services in the area of determining the textural properties of materials.

Keywords

# nanomaterials design

# nanostructured catalysts, photocatalysts and sorbents

# powders, thin films, monoliths/aerogels

# valorization of biomass and polymer waste

# green high-pressure technologies

# supercritical CO2 extraction with its recycling

# hydrothermal processing

# microwave pyrolysis

# natural substances with added value (amino acids)

# energetically and technologically usable components (hydrogen, methane, biogas)

# removal of volatile organic compounds, NH3 and CO2

# adsorption

# catalytic oxidation

# material characterization

# molecular modeling

Ing. Lenka Matějová, Ph.D.

Ing. Lenka Matějová, Ph.D.

Research Group Leader

E-mail: lenka.matejova@vsb.cz
Phone: +420 596 997 310
Place: ET312
Profile

Services

  • Preparation of various macroscopic forms of photo/catalytically active nanostructured oxides based on transition metals, lanthanides, and noble metals by conventional chemical methods, dip-coating, and calcination, and unconventionally using subcritical and supercritical fluids.
  • Preparation of carbonaceous and composite sorbents from various waste materials by microwave and conventional pyrolysis, and its optimization.
  • Valorization of polymer waste using microwave pyrolysis into energetically and technologically usable components.
  • Valorization of biomass by supercritical CO2 extraction with/without a modifier into natural substances with added value.
  • Lyophilization (freeze-drying) of materials.
  • Determination of the texture of solid substances/materials (i.e., specific surface area, pore size distribution of micro-mesoporous structure) by nitrogen and krypton physisorption at 77 K, performed on a fully automated physisorption instrument with a vacuum down to p/p0=10-9. Interpretation of the measured results.
  • Testing the sorption capacity of nanostructured materials in the sorption of VOCs and NH3 from waste gas using online FTIR.
  • Testing the activity, selectivity, and stability of nanostructured materials/catalysts in the catalytic oxidation of chlorinated VOCs (Cl-VOCs) from waste gas using online FTIR.
  • Testing the photoactivity of nanostructured materials in the photocatalytic decomposition of organic substances (dyes) from water using UV-vis.
  • Correlation of the results of photo/catalytic and sorption testing with the micro/structure of the tested materials.

Results and applications

The results of the research activities are new and optimized nanostructured materials, catalysts, photocatalysts, and sorbents, along with technological procedures for their preparation, characterization, and practical use. The developed solutions find application primarily in the treatment of waste gases and water, the capture and transformation of pollutants and greenhouse gases, the valorization of biomass and polymer waste, and the recovery of materials, chemicals, and energetically usable products with higher added value. The results are directed towards applications in environmental, energy, and industrial technologies, and the transfer of the developed know-how into applied practice.

Selected Publications

Partners

Karlova Univerzita
University of Oulu
University of Strasbourg
National University of Engineering in Lima
National University of Tumbes
RPG Recycling, s.r.o.
Těšínské Jatky Holding, s.r.o.
Elvac Ekotechnika, s.r.o.

Contact Information

Ing. Jankovská Zuzana, Ph.D.

Research (9350)
Researcher (9353)
zuzana.jankovska@vsb.cz
+420 596 997 315

Malhi Haripal Singh

Researcher (9350)
Researcher (9353)
haripal.singh.malhi@vsb.cz
+420 596 997 317

Ing. Matějová Lenka, Ph.D.

Head of Department (9353)
Head of Work Group (9350)
Research (9350)
lenka.matejova@vsb.cz
+420 596 997 310
ET312, 17. listopadu 2172/15 (map)
708 00 Ostrava - Poruba

Ing. Šlachtová Adéla

Employee (9350)
Employee (9353)
adela.slachtova@vsb.cz
+420 596 997 321
ET318, 17. listopadu 2172/15 (map)
708 00 Ostrava - Poruba

Ing. Troppová Ivana, Ph.D.

Research (9350)
Researcher (9353)
ivana.troppova@vsb.cz
+420 596 997 307

Ing. Vaštyl Michal, Ph.D.

Research (9350)
Researcher (9353)
michal.vastyl@vsb.cz
+420 596 997 319