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Directorate for Development and Projects
Thematic Excellence Programme 2020 (TKP2020-IKA-07)
Thematic Excellence Programme 2020 - Institutional Excellence sub-programme
Project ID: TKP2020-IKA-07
Type of contract: Sponsorship agreement
Project description:
Thematic area I.: The effects of environmental changes on the atmosphere and surface waters and technological solutions to reduce environmental pollution
In the framework of the thematic research "The effects of environmental changes on the atmosphere and surface waters and technological solutions to reduce environmental pollution", we have carried out an internationally recognised RDI activity at the University of Pannonia, which aims to understand the effects of extremely rapid environmental changes - analysing in detail the causes and consequences - and to develop environmentally friendly methods and procedures to reduce the effects of human activity on the environment. In line with the latter objective, a strong emphasis has been placed on delivering practical results in partnership with industry through appropriate (e.g. GINOP) proposals. In accordance with the objectives of the Institutional Excellence in Higher Education Programme, priority has been given at institutional level to supporting and promoting activities that help to increase the R&D and innovation potential, as well as the efficiency of applications, and in this context to raise the research excellence of the PE and to expand its scientific cooperation network. Accordingly, priority support has been given to the most outstanding research groups in the field, including our „Lendület” and HAS research groups, under the Excellence Programme. We have encouraged publication in international journals of outstanding (Q1 and D1) level through success grants and supported the publication of papers in Open Access journals of such quality. In order to strengthen the training of young scientists and researchers, we have encouraged the best graduating Master's students to pursue their studies in doctoral programmes by awarding a scholarship for excellence. We have involved our most talented PhD students in our research and development projects through student employment contracts. An international call for potential applicants for the Stipendium Hungaricum programme was launched to attract the best applicants to the University of Pannonia. As a result, the number of PhD students involved in thematic research has doubled since the launch of the Institutional Excellence in Higher Education Programme, while the number of young researchers has increased by about 30%. Our growing number of bilateral scientific and technological (BSE) cooperation projects is a clear indication of the expansion of our international cooperation network.
To improve the quality of inhaled air, we have developed a prototype of a cascade-type indoor exhaust-disinfection-filtration device that can remove micro droplets from the intake air volume with 100% efficiency in the hot zones of healthcare facilities, thus reducing the exposure of doctors, nurses and service staff to infection. Following the construction and computer optimisation of a laboratory model containing a thermal treatment and drying module, a prototype of the equipment has been built and successfully tested.
In order to reduce the greenhouse effect of the atmosphere, carbon dioxide capture (separation) was implemented using environmentally friendly membrane technology, e.g. carbon dioxide was extracted from the gas mixture produced during bio-hydrogen fermentation. Gas separation was achieved using novel polymeric membranes (from our Czech partners) and so-called support-layer liquid membranes, which were designed using ionic liquids. The carbon dioxide thus captured has been used in bioelectrochemical systems such as our reliable and efficient microbial fuel cells considered as a technical novelty.
In connection with water purification, we have developed photocatalysts that use visible light to remove various pollutants (organic compounds, infectious microorganisms). Systems using both titanium dioxide-based and heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalysts have been developed. New methods have been developed to test the photocatalytic degradation performance; the role of composition and crystal structure in determining the efficiency has been demonstrated. The fixation of silvered catalysts in floor lacque for the disinfection of walking surfaces has also been performed. By preparing a suitable composite catalyst, hydrogen was developed from water by visible light driven photocatalysis. The method is suitable for solar energy storage by utilizing inorganic sulfide as industrial waste.
For enzyme-catalytic wastewater treatment, a laccase enzyme was fixed on a microfiltration membrane, and the operating parameters of the system were optimised for the degradation of pharmaceutical residues, for which computer modelling was used to simulate different reactor types. For the proper preparation and implementation of water treatment of different origins, the detection and removal of micropollutants (e.g. microplastics, pesticides, pharmaceutical residues) were also developed using smart systems. For the latter, special filtration techniques (ultra- and nano-filtration), osmosis and adsorption-based processes have been used. In this way, a complex multi-step water treatment system has been implemented, the operation of which is monitored by a computer control system that also monitors the flow conditions.
To achieve sustainability and recycling targets, we have investigated and developed processes in the energy, oil, petrochemical and plastics industries that can make a major contribution to waste recovery. For example, we have produced hydrogen-rich hydrocarbon fractions, synthesis gas and hydrocarbons with different chain lengths from polymer wastes in the presence of catalysts. In connection with recycling developments, green chemistry syntheses have been developed to provide engine propellant components and biologically active end products in environmentally friendly solutions. For these processes, we have developed suitable transition metal catalysts for the oligomerisation and alkylation reactions of olefins and the production of optically active products. Iron and manganese catalysts have been synthesised to create enzyme models for oxidative transformations and degradations under mild conditions.
The environmental effects were studied by refining the models used to determine the human exposure by determining the model parameters (leaching, transfer factor). By measuring more accurately the transfer factors of different plants and animals grown/cultivated for human consumption, it has been possible to obtain more reliable estimates of radionuclide migration and to develop decision support codes for predicting the spread of accidental and normal radioactive releases. We have also demonstrated the significant influence of environmental factors, such as land use and extreme weather events accompanying global climate change, on the structural and functional diversity of both phytoplankton and fixed diatoms in our surface waters. We have demonstrated that various pharmaceutical residues are present in our surface waters at concentrations that already affect the physiological functioning and reproductive parameters of aquatic invertebrates. We investigated the impact of anthropogenic environmental factors such as urbanisation to determine how the urban environment affects the genetic, behavioural and reproductive traits of animal populations. By analysing our own and derived data, we have shown that urban conditions (both food composition and human disturbance) are more detrimental to the reproductive success of birds - compared to forest environments.
Thematic area II.: Research and development of functional nanomaterials and sensors for applied purposes (Nanotechnology)
This thematic programme has brought together internationally recognized research and development activities at the University of Pannonia in the field of nanodiagnostic procedures, production of advanced nanostructured materials and sensor development. We have focused on the practical exploitation of scientific results through GINOP and PIACI-KFI R&D projects jointly with the business sector. In line with the objectives of the Institutional Excellence Programme, we have given priority support to activities at institutional level that are particularly important for increasing the University's R&D and innovation potential, research excellence and collaborative network. Particular attention has been paid to encourage our best MSc students to pursue doctoral studies at our institution, and to involve our most talented PhD students in research and development projects. Since the launch of the Institutional Excellence Programme, we have increased the number of PhD students and young researchers involved in thematic research by almost 25%. In order to enhance research excellence, we have given priority support to research teams with outstanding international performance. We have continuously expanded our network of national and international collaborations.
In the framework of our bionanotechnology research, we have developed glycan-based molecular diagnostic methods for the analysis of various biological samples (blood, urine, saliva, etc.). Among the results, we highlight a novel capillary electrophoresis separation-based method for prostate cancer diagnosis, which is able to distinguish benign prostate enlargement from prostate cancer by urine sample analysis, and to predict prostate cancer progression and possible resistance. The results have led to a patent application. In collaboration with national and foreign partners, we have developed protein-based sensor layers for use in biosensors, which can be successfully applied to detect nickel and arsenic contamination of natural waters near the health limit. We have also developed drug-carrying biocompatible nanoparticles capable of controlled release, which allow to reduce the applied dose and thus the side effects. We have produced nanoparticle-containing microcapsules of latent heat storage materials that can be integrated into building panels to significantly reduce the energy demand for cooling and heating of buildings.
Using computer simulation methods, we have successfully modelled the operation of ion-selective and rectifying nanopore-based devices and nanosensors, enabling more efficient design. We have produced nanoparticles and nanotubes for use as cement substitutes and as additives in plastic nanocomposites. Working on the development of clay nanostructured catalysts with photochemical activity, we have shown how catalytic activity and surface properties can be optimised.
We have developed methods for the design of sensor networks, which can be applied to the optimal operation of electrical power systems. We have achieved outstanding scientific results in the development of automotive software sensors and battery diagnostics, which have led to several industrial R&D contracts, e.g. in the research and development of safety-critical brake-by-wire braking systems and intelligent software sensors for autonomous vehicles. In the field of signal processing with physiological sensors, new methods have been developed for the elimination of artefacts from EEG measurement data, for the detection of cardiac arrhythmias from ECG signals and for deep neural learning-based blood glucose prediction, which are more efficient than those known previously.
Project duration: 01.08.2020.-31.10.2021.
Total project cost: 700 000 000 Ft
Support rate: 100 %
Professional leader: Dr. Ferenc Vonderviszt
Professional leader ’s email address:
Project manager: Zsolt Pataki
Project manager's email address: