Distinction awarded for the first doctoral dissertation within the framework of EURECA-PRO at the Silesian University of Technology

As part of her research, Dr Eng. Anna Wolny has developed new catalytic systems in response to the challenges faced by the chemical industry, related to the high emission of harmful waste for the environment or the use of toxic catalysts and solvents.

“I was looking for solutions related to the development of green technologies for the sustainable production of compounds in the field of light organic synthesis, especially substances used in the production of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biofuels, food additives and polymers. I have developed enzymes based on biocatalysts that are biodegradable, safe, efficient, enable processes in mild conditions and the synthesis of clean products – sustainable and environmentally friendly,” explains Dr Eng. Anna Wolny from the Faculty of Chemistry at the Silesian University of Technology.

The biofuel production technology developed as part of the doctoral dissertation was published in the prestigious journal Green Chemistry, the Royal Society of Chemistry. In addition, processes, and methods of synthesis of catalysts are the subject of two patent applications, and the European patent application procedure is also under way. The doctoral thesis was highly rated by reviewers, who unanimously applied for its distinction.

“The thesis of MSc. Eng. Anna Wolny presents a comprehensive approach to catalytic solutions, which have a large implementation potential. The candidate demonstrated not only the ability to design and characterize modern catalytic materials, but also the awareness of their importance for the development of the chemical industry” – wrote Dr Hab. Maciej Guzik, Prof. of Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

“The results of the obtained research within the doctoral thesis have an application dimension and have already been noticed by our industrial partners” – emphasizes Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Anna Chrobok, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education at the Silesian University of Technology, promoter of the thesis. – “We are in talks with Orlen Południe and Orlen SA about the industrial application of innovative catalysts, which Anna Wolny developed in her doctoral thesis and the development of the research”.

The PhD was completed within the framework of the European University EURECA-PRO and was part of the UN Sustainable Development goal 12: Sustainable production and consumption, on which the university consortium operates. This is the first doctoral dissertation within EURECA-PRO, which has been defended, and more people are also conducting research in the program. Thanks to this, they have the opportunity to participate in additional seminars, consultations, summer schools or trips to partner universities dedicated to PhD students.