Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry

Development of Lewis Acid Zeolite Based Catalytic Systems

Research group name: Heterogeneous Catalysis and Advanced Materials

Project supervisor: Ing. Jan Přech, Ph.D.

Duration of the collaboration:  4-year full-time Ph.D. project (from March 2027)

The present thesis will focus on developing zeolite-based catalysts with uniform, functionally defined active sites through post-synthesis acidity regulation and on changes to the catalysts occurring under steaming conditions. Zeolites are crystalline microporous metallosilicates with acidic properties. The acidity is generated by isomorphous substitution of metal atoms in place of silicon in tetrahedral SiO 4 2- framework units. Lewis-acid zeolite catalysts (containing Ti 4+ , Zr 4+ , Hf 4+ , Sn 4+ sites) drive key transformations in fine chemistry and biomass upgrading. However, their synthesis yields mixtures of active-site types that promote competing reactions and limit selectivity. Nevertheless, distinct Lewis-acid sites may govern different reaction pathways, enabling control of catalytic selectivity through site modification.
In frame of the present thesis, post-synthesis acidity regulation using combination of ion exchange, organic ligand coordination, and structure defect regulation will be used to develop catalysts with uniform, functionally defined active sites, which will provide high selectivity in bio-based molecule upgrading reactions. The thesis will also disclose changes to the Lewis acid zeolites occurring during repeated coke burning upon regeneration (that is under steaming conditions) and focus on developing strategies to suppress the catalyst damage by steaming. Properties of the catalysts will be assessed by combination of solid-state characterization techniques (XRD, elemental analysis, physisorption analysis, acidity analysis, MAS-NMR etc.) and catalytic experiments focusing not only on high performance of the developed catalysts but also on fundamental understanding why such performance is achieved.

Relevant publications:
K. Golabek, S. Kurucová, J.F. Minambres, K. Veselá, T. Zakeri, J. Přech, Zr-Site Lewis Acidity Determines Terpenoid Reduction Selectivity, ACS Catalysis 16 (2026) 3307-3318
J. Přech, J. Xie, M. Shamzhy, J. Čejka, Alkali cations enhance Zr-beta zeolite selectivity in citronellal Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction, Catalysis Today 472 (2026) 115782
S.L. Suib, J. Přech, E. Szaniawska, J. Čejka, Recent Advances in Tetra-(Ti, Sn, Zr, Hf) and Pentavalent (Nb, V, Ta) Metal-Substituted Molecular Sieve Catalysis, Chem. Rev. 123 (2023) 877–917

Candidate requirements / required qualification: 

• MSc. or equivalent in chemistry or chemical engineering (or in another study program with reasonable chemistry background), 
• English, minimum of B2 level (fluent both spoken and written, technical vocabulatory) 
• Will to push the boundaries of knowledge of mankind and to learn new things independently

Desired qualification: 

• Classical (thermal) catalysis, particularly heterogeneous catalysis 
• Chemical kinetics including kinetic modelling 
• Solid catalysts or micro/mesoporous materials preparation 
• Solid state characterization techniques 
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals 
• Volunteering experience is higly appreciated 
• European personal reference (if possible name 2 -3 references, incl. name, relationship to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
• Knowledge of Czech/Slovak is welcome but not required

Contact details: jan.prech@natur.cuni.cz

Application deadline: Letter of motivation and CV shall be submitted to the supervisor by November 23, 2026.

Selected candidates will be assigned a test task and invited for and on-line interview.

Selected candidate must submit required documents by December 15, 2026.