List of BSc and MSc theses
List of Bachelor theses
Chemistry (SK)
Biochemistry (SK)
Biological Chemistry (EN)
Environmental Studies (EN)
Ferrate and its decomposition products for wastewater treatment (Assoc. Prof. Olivier Monfort, PhD.)
The student will first investigate the literature about ferrates which are high valent iron species. A part of the work involves the identification of the decomposition products of ferrate at different conditions. Ferrate and its decomposition products have promising properties in Fenton-based processes, known advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), which will be investigated for the degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants in water. During his/her BSc work, the student will learn about wet chemical methods, HPLC and other characterization techniques like XRD and SEM.
Preparation of TiO2 nanotubes modified by iron for water treatment (Assoc. Prof. Olivier Monfort, PhD.)
The student will first investigate the literature about TiO2 nanotube layers (TNT) prepared by electrochemical anodization. The student will subsequently prepare TNT at different conditions and investigate their performance in the degradation of pollutants in water. The performance of the TNT will be improved by surface modification involving iron species. During his/her BSc work, the student will learn about wet chemical methods, HPLC and other characterization techniques like XRD and SEM.
Synthesis of Fe-based materials by solvothermal method for water treatment (Assoc. Prof. Olivier Monfort, PhD.)
The student will prepare different iron oxides in the form of powders using solvothermal techniques. The prepared materials will be tested as heterogeneous catalysts in photocatalytic and Fenton-based processes for degradation of pollutants in water. During his/her BSc work, the student will learn about wet chemical methods, HPLC and other characterization techniques like XRD and SEM.
Preparation of thin layers by sol-gel method (Assoc. Prof. Olivier Monfort, PhD.)
The student will first investigate the literature about sol-gel methods for the preparation of transition metal oxides. Subsequently, the student will prepare thin layers using the spin-coating technology composed or modified by iron oxides. The thin layers will be characterized and tested for water treatment. During his/her BSc work, the student will learn about wet chemical methods, HPLC and other characterization techniques like XRD and SEM. The student could eventually continue working on similar and advanced topic during his/her MSc studies.
Testing the performance of nanomaterials in wastewaters treatment (Assoc. Prof. Olivier Monfort, PhD.)
The student will investigate the nanomaterials prepared by colleagues and he/she can eventually prepare nanomaterials composed of transition metal oxides using wet chemical methods. The student will investigate the degradation of pollutant in synthetic and real wastewaters at lac scale under various conditions. The assessment of the nanomaterials performance will be done by HPLC, and basic mechanistic insights will be also investigated. During his/her BSc work, the student will learn about wet chemical methods, HPLC and other characterization techniques like XRD and SEM.
Preparation and characterization of simple metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for environmental applications (Dr. Martin Motola)
The primary goal of the student is the synthesis of simple porous Ce-based metal–organic frameworks using hydrothermal methods. The prepared MOFs will be characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and specific surface area measurements (BET). Their adsorption or photocatalytic activity toward the removal of model organic pollutants from water (dyes, pharmaceuticals) will be evaluated. The student will become familiar with the fundamentals of MOF chemistry and their potential in environmental catalysis.
Preparation and basic characterization of cathode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) (Dr. Martin Motola)
The student will prepare selected SOFC cathode materials (e.g., perovskite oxides of the Ln₁₋ₓSrₓBO₃ type, where Ln = La, Sm; B = Co, Fe) using conventional ceramic or sol-gel routes. The student will gain experience in oxide material synthesis, phase analysis (XRD), and basic microstructural characterization (SEM). A simple setup can be used for preliminary electrical conductivity measurements at elevated temperatures. The thesis offers an introduction to SOFC materials and to the correlation between composition, structure, and properties.
Photodegradation of model organic pollutant using TiO2 nanotubes (Dr. Martin Motola)
Primary goal of the student is a preparation of TiO2 nanotubes via electrochemical anodic oxidation which belongs to materials used in enrivonmental applications such as water purification by photocatalysis. The prepared materials will be characterized (SEM, XRD, etc.) and subsequently tested in photoinduced degradation of model organic pollutants.
Effect of electrolyte composition on the formation of anodic TiO2 nanotubes (Dr. Martin Motola)
The student’s task is to prepare TiO₂ nanotube layers by electrochemical anodization of Ti in organic-based electrolytes containing fluoride or alternative anions. The influence of fluoride concentration, water content, and applied voltage on nanotube formation (length, diameter, porosity) will be investigated. Morphology and phase composition of the layers will be characterized (SEM, XRD), and the most suitable conditions for homogeneous nanotube growth will be identified. The work focuses on mastering the basics of Ti anodization and understanding the relationship between preparation conditions and structure.
Classification and reacitivity of diverse metalloenzymes as potent antioxidants (Dr. Marcel Zámocký)
The task for a bachelor student working on this relevant topic in bioinorganic chemistry will be to first prepare a detailed literature review on metalloenzyme-based antioxidants. Subsequently, representative members of the major classes of oxidoreductases containing iron, copper, manganese, or zinc ions in their active sites will be selected. These enzymes will be purified by chromatography, and their electrophoretic profiles will be determined. The purified samples of metalloenzyme antioxidants will then be characterized using various spectrophotometric techniques. Their UV–vis spectra will be recorded, and their antioxidant kinetics will be tested with different molecules. The results will be evaluated in the context of current interdisciplinary research, with particular emphasis on bioinorganic chemistry.
List of Master theses
Inorganic Chemistry (SK)
Chemistry (EN)
Modified MXenes as promising heterogeneous AOP catalysts (Assoc. Prof. Olivier Monfort, PhD.)
The student will first study the literature about MXenes, which are 2D nanomaterials that have been recently discovered. Subsequently, the student will prepare different MXene-based materials using different strategies including composite, surface modification and surface oxidation. The prepared materials will be used in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants in water. The degradation mechanism will be also investigated to provide a comprehensive overview of MXenes as innovative materials for wastewaters treatment. During his/her MSc diploma thesis, the student will learn about wet chemical methods, HPLC and other characterization techniques like XRD and SEM.
Investigation of mechanisms during heterogeneous AOP using nanomaterials (Assoc. Prof. Olivier Monfort, PhD.)
The student will investigate materials prepared by colleagues and eventually nanomaterials he/she will prepare by using wet chemical methods. The investigation will focus on photocatalytic and fenton-based mechanisms which are still the matter of intense discussion in the scientific community. Based on a solid methodology, the reactive species and degradation byproducts will be analyzed to clarify the mechanisms. During his/her MSc diploma thesis, the student will learn about wet chemical methods, HPLC and other characterization techniques like XRD and SEM.
High-entropy metal-organic frameworks (HEMOFs) for photocatalytic and electrochemical applications (Dr. Martin Motola)
The aim of this thesis is the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of high-entropy metal–organic frameworks (HEMOFs) based on multicomponent metal nodes and polydentate ligands. The student will optimize the synthesis (choice of metals, ligands, reaction conditions), perform structural analysis (PXRD, FTIR, thermal analysis, N₂ sorption), and evaluate their stability in aqueous media. Selected HEMOFs will be tested as photocatalysts or electrochemically active materials (e.g., Cr(VI) reduction, heavy metal sensing, degradation of model organic pollutants). The work builds on ongoing research and planned projects focused on MOF-based catalysis.
Novel air electrodes for reversible solid oxide fuel cells (RSOFCs): Correlation between microstructure and electrochemical performance (Dr. Martin Motola)
This thesis focuses on the development and investigation of novel air electrode materials for reversible SOFCs (RSOFCs), suitable for operation in both fuel cell and electrolysis modes. The student will prepare selected perovskite or layered oxide systems (e.g., doped cobaltites, ferrites, or dual-phase composites) and optimize their microstructure (grain size, porosity) for cathodic processes. The materials will be characterized (XRD, SEM, EDS) and studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy under model conditions. The aim is to establish correlations between composition, microstructure, and electrochemical behavior relevant to modern RSOFC systems.
Advanced TiO2 nanotube heterostructures for photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic applications (Dr. Martin Motola)
The aim of this thesis is to develop advanced TiO₂ nanotube systems with different types of modifications: (i) doping (e.g., Ti³⁺, V, Fe), (ii) surface coating by thin layers deposited via ALD, and possibly (iii) formation of S-scheme heterostructures (e.g., BiVO₄/TiO₂). The student will correlate the type of modification with structure (SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS) and functional properties (photocurrent response, photocatalytic activity in pollutant degradation or Cr(VI)/CO₂ reduction). The topic is intended for an excellent student who wants to combine nanomaterials chemistry, surface engineering, and advanced photoelectrochemical testing.
TiO2 nanotubes prepared in fluoride-free electrolytes: Relation between growth mechanism and photocatalytic activity (Dr. Martin Motola)
The student will prepare TiO₂ nanotube layers by anodization in environmentally friendly fluoride-free electrolytes (e.g., nitrate-based systems) according to the latest results of the research group. The growth mechanism (effect of voltage, time, water content) and its impact on morphology (SEM), phase composition (XRD), and photoelectrochemical response (PEC measurements) will be studied. The layers will be tested for photocatalytic degradation of selected organic pollutants and compared with nanotubes prepared in conventional fluoride-containing electrolytes. The focus is on correlating the growth mechanism with application performance.
Study of the reaction mechanism of antioxidant enzymes: monitoring changes in the oxidation state of transition metals in their active sites (Dr. Marcel Zámocký)
In this Master’s thesis, the student will focus on a detailed investigation of metalloenzymes that can be considered antioxidant enzymes. Various samples of catalases, peroxidases, catalase–peroxidases, and peroxygenases will be available. Their enzymatic activities will be systematically monitored and compared using different types of substrates under varying conditions of temperature, pH, and ionic strength. The main emphasis will be on spectroscopic detection of enzyme transformations and on monitoring the oxidation or peroxygenation of suitable substrates. The three‑dimensional structures of these enzymes will be modelled to identify the molecular origins of the characteristic reactivity of individual enzyme classes and groups, with the aim of assessing their suitability for use as antioxidants in various applications.