Catalytic Processes Research Group

The activities of the group encompas catalytic processes, including technologies utilizing ion-exchange resins or other catalysts, as well as industrial manufacturing processes. The scope of specialization includes:

• Processes for obtaining alkylphenols and research on the synthesis of alkylphenol derivatives,
• Synthesis of aromatic polycarbonates from diphenyl carbonate and dimethyl carbonate, as well as bisphenol A and its natural substitutes:

o Bisphenol A – research on developing technology for producing high-purity BPA for polycarbonate applications in medical and optical fields,

o BPTMC – an additive for manufacturing innovative structural polycarbonates for modular construction.

• Plasticizers for plastics – modern specialized plasticizers with a wide range of applications, based on both petrochemical and natural raw materials,
• Flame retardants – synthesis and characterization of new, halogen-free flame retardants designed for specific applications based on petrochemical and natural raw materials for a wide range of uses,
• Wastewater treatment – removal of organic contaminants from industrial and sewage wastewater. Comprehensive solutions utilizing ion-exchange resins, activated carbons (commercial and modified), and dedicated membranes,
• Esterification and etherification processes – research related to the development of ester and ether derivatives for practical applications,
• Testing and development of new catalytic systems, modifications, and improvements of existing ones,
• Research on processes occurring on ion-exchangers for their application in industrial practice,
• Processes for obtaining glycols and polyols as well as amino acids – studies cover the stages of synthesis, purification, and isolation of products,
• Liquid mixture separation processes – the research group has rectification setups with capacities ranging from 2 to 175 dm³ with dedicated rectification columns. Separation processes can be conducted from atmospheric pressure to deep vacuum,
• Technologies for obtaining amidoamines and their derivatives – surfactants,
• Research on the chemical recycling of waste plastics and polymer materials,
• Biotechnology processes – application of biocatalysts (e.g., enzymes) in industrial manufacturing processes.

Contact

Katarzyna Zielińska, PhD Eng. - Research Group Leader

phone: +48 77 487 31 80
mobile: +48 665 661 145
e-mail: katarzyna.zielinska@icso.lukasiewicz.gov.pl

Jacek Kosno, MSc - Deputy Leader

tel.: +48 77 487 35 36
mob.: +48 694 465 927
e-mail: jacek.kosno@icso.lukasiewicz.gov.pl