People

Dr Jiri Orava (Associate Professor in the Physics of Condensed Matter)
jiri.orava@ujep.cz 

• Head of the Department of Environmental Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Environment UJEP

• Guarantor of the doctoral study programme "Environmental and Biomaterial Sciences"

• Professional CV
  
  

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

• Google Scholar profile can be found here.

• Web of Science Author Profile. 

• ResearchGate.

Dr Anna Knaislova (assistant professor)
anna.knaislova@ujep.cz 

• Graduation from UCT Prague (dissertation thesis focused on intermetallics based on Ti-Al-Si).

• Cooperation with industry - application projects, solving manufacturing problems (focused on geopolymers, construction industry, brass, corrosion).

• Expert on electron microscopy (member of the European Microscopy Society and Czechoslovak Microscopy Society).

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

• Google Scholar profile can be found here.

• Web of Science Author Profile

Ing. Tereza Spitalska (PhD student)
tereza.spitalska@ujep.cz 

The topic of Tereza's dissertation thesis is "Materials Approach to the Safety Management of Li-ion Batteries: Electro- and Hybridspinning of Bifunctional Separators".

I am a PhD student focusing on the development, modification, and characterization of membranes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). My research aims to improve the safety and performance of LIBs, particularly for use in electric vehicles. This involves synthesizing advanced polymeric separator membranes, which play a critical role in enhancing battery efficiency and reliability. By optimizing the production process and modifying the membrane properties, I strive to contribute to the development of safer, high-performance batteries.

Dr Roman Otahal (PhD student and BASF representative)
roman.otahal@basf.com 

LinkedIn

The topic of Roman's dissertation thesis is "Properties and Environmental Impact of Rejuvenated Polymer-Modified Asphalt".

Sustainability, recycling, upcycling, energy reduction, and CO2 emissions reduction are concepts that resonate not only within the chemical and construction industries but also across society as a whole. The solutions being developed in these fields are crucial in achieving the goals set by regulatory authorities. In various scenarios, these solutions not only have the potential to meet future requirements but also provide cost savings. Combining cost savings and the pursuit of carbon neutrality presents an opportunity for real sustainability. Studying the chemical processes in polymer-modified asphalt throughout its life cycle, followed by rejuvenation and additional modification to restore it to a high-quality product, while comparing mechanical properties and assessing the potential environmental impact, presents a significant challenge. Through my research on the properties and environmental impact of rejuvenated polymer-modified asphalt, I aim to uncover solutions that not only reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions but also lead to cost savings. This work has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to both the environment and society.

MSc. Alexandr Zibert (PhD student in collaboration with Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems)

The topic of Alexandr's dissertation thesis is "Application of Hybridspinning Technology for Designing Fungal Inoculants Carrier for Agricultural Purposes ".

One of the limiting factors for agriculture is the depletion of macro- and micronutrients in soil due to intensive use or natural phenomena. A sustainable approach to soil regeneration includes the application of microbial inoculants as fertilizers, as they avoid the drawbacks of synthetic fertilizers, such as soil acidification and leaching into water. Yet, for a bigger presence on a market, such problems as short shelf-life, insufficient efficiency, and high cost should be addressed. The aforementioned issues could be overcome by the application of carriers. Currently used carriers are of biological nature or characterized with high cost. Thus, the focus of this dissertation is the development of technologies to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of bacterial inoculants, with an emphasis on biopolymeric carriers. This might include, but not be limited to, developing new types of co-polymeric electrospun structures, researching applications of genetically modified bacteria, or developing methods for investigating soil quality and inoculants' performance.  

Bc. Gabriela Novotna (master student)

The topic of Gabriela's master's thesis is "Hydrometallurgical recycling of lithium-ion batteries for critical raw materials recovery ".

Anna Kalivodova (bachelor student)

The topic of Anna's bachelor's thesis is "Polymeric Nanofibers Functionalized with Nanodiamonds: Preparation and Potential Applications". In collaboration with Dr Stepan Stehlik (Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague)

Valentyna Romanchuk (bachelor student)

The topic of Valentina's bachelor's thesis is "Preparation of Biocompatible Plant-Derived-Exosome-Containing Nanofibre Membranes ". In collaboration with Dr Jan Maly (Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology UJEP)

Mark Zaslavets (bachelor student)

The topic of Mark's bachelor's thesis is "Verification of Technological Steps in Hydrometallurgical Recycling for Different Compositions of Lithium-ion Batteries".