1. Topic ID: 1491
  2. Research topic: Analiza procesów waloryzacji materiałów biowęglowych o wartości dodanej pochodzących ze zgazowania odpadów z przemysłu spożywczego
  3. Supervisor: dr hab. Aneta Magdziarz
  4. Supervisor’s email address: amagdzia@agh.edu.pl
  5. Abstract: The project aims to research and develop knowledge of the properties of biomaterials from food industry waste. The project aims to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the cutting-edge process and identify the enhancement properties of char toward catalysts for thermochemical conversion processes and adsorbents for the removal and capture of pollutants. The main objective of the project is to conduct studies in the field of hydrogen production and biomaterials, based on fundamental investigations that lead to innovative solutions. The main focus will be on:

    i) H2 production by catalytic gasification,
    ii) development of a novel model for the simulation of food industry waste gasification using Aspen Plus, including effects of temperature, steam to feedstock ratio, and presence of catalysts;
    iii) physical and chemical modification of char properties specific surface area, morphology texture, chemical composition, aromaticity selectivity for specific compounds in the direction of catalysts for green process, organic pollutants, and CO2 adsorbents, developing carbon-neutral and value-added materials;
    iv) fundamental thermodynamics calculations.
    The results of the proposed project will provide knowledge related to the ability to use food industry wastes for energy and value-added materials production. Thus, the project is original and innovative, taking into account the research aspects. It responds to the social need for an increase in the quality of life by producing energy and materials simultaneously with high environmental standards and reducing the amount of waste according to the circular economy concept.
    Qualification requirements for PhD students: Master's degree in Power Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Energy, or Environmental Protection; Excellent to good grades in the final exam; Passion for research; Willingness to take on new tasks; Ability to work in a team; Strong independent problem-solving skills; Fluent in English (< B2 level).
  6. Research facilities: In order to realize the project proposal laboratory set-ups and measurement equipments available at AGH, including: Chemical laboratory, Leco CHNS analyzer, AC500 Leco calorimeter, muffle furnaces, gas chromatograph (GC), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Scanning electron microscope with EDS (SEM-EDS), Fiber analysis, Transfor Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), porosimeter, Py-GC-MS, GC, Thermogravimetry analysis TGA etc.
    Currently, Aneta Magdziarz is leading projects in which the PhD student will have the opportunity for deep development in the research area of thermochemical conversion of different kinds of waste. PhD student will be directly involved in the realization of project NCN, OPUS-26 “Novel approach of value-added valorisation of biocarbon materials derived from gasification of food industry waste”, and will have the possibility to obtain an additional scholarship of 5,000 PLN per 36 months.
  7. Funding source: Subsidy