Thematic Excellence Programme 2021 (TKP2021-NKTA-21)

Thematic Excellence Programme 2021 - National Research sub – programme

Researches establishing the development (and dissemination) of innovative technologies to significantly reduce environmental impact

Project ID: TKP2021-NKTA-21

Type of contract: Sponsorship agreement

Project description:

The University of Pannonia has set tender targets in the "Safe Society and Environment" theme area of the TKP2021 National Research sub-programme, all of which aim to develop methods to reduce environmental impact. A wide range of possibilities, from low-waste or waste-free green chemical processes, through the degradation of waste materials, to the recycling of waste as renewable raw materials, will be exploited in the programme, which is based on an overall concept. The latter area is also connected to the use and storage of solar radiation as renewable energy (e.g. H2 as an environmentally friendly fuel). The development of specific physico-chemical-technological processes, partly by their dissemination, is also linked to the analysis and application of communication and accounting methods to increase social and business environmental awareness. The 8 main themes of the programme are:

1. Catalytic processes are the most effective, possibly environmental friendly methods for the synthesis of organic intermediates used, e.g., in the production of pharmaceuticals. Hence, the synthesis of novel highly active and selective catalytic systems will be realized by green chemical synthetic methodologies. A peculiar group of compounds, ionic liquids will be utilized to hinder decomposition of sensitive catalyst components of catalysts and to facilitate their recycling.

 2. Corrosion protection can reduce the rate of corrosion processes in industry and in numerous areas of life. Hence, it can promote the decrease of environmental impacts, more environmentally friendly operation of plants and use of equipment and tools. Our electrochemical researches focus on overcoming corrosion problems, and may contribute to the extended service life of batteries, and assist in the degradation and disposal of toxic compounds. The planned researches will be supported by simulation and modelling procedures.

3. In connection with organic pollutant degradation, we continue to develop heterogeneous photocatalysts that operate by visible light in aqueous systems or on surfaces in contact with wet air. Such catalysts are also used as supports for photochemical fixation of antibacterial agents as self-cleaning and disinfecting coatings. Utilizing visible solar radiation, we produce hydrogen as an environmentally friendly fuel by recovering industrial sulfide waste.

4. In 2020, within the framework of the Thematic Excellence Program, at the University of Pannonia Circular Economy University Center in Nagykanizsa, water treatment- and smart technologies were combined, coupling ’smart systems’ with membrane separation processes. In the case of the chosen, up-to-date water treatment technology, flow process- simulation and laboratory-scale testing have been implemented. Our aim is to investigate and apply targeted adsorption technologies in a circular model.

5. The EU is seriously committed to the reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions, its ambitious plans drive us towards the use of carbon-neutral energy carriers. The energy stored in these carriers must come from a carbon-neutral/ renewable source, e.g., renewable electricity that can be used to produce hydrogen. H2 is not ideal to store the energy in chemical form, leaving to the researchers multiple challenges of its conversion. Our aim is to study the transfer of hydrogen energy onto other chemical energy carriers, founding the basis for a carbon-neutral energy use.

6.  In Hungary, the biological fraction, which accounts for 40-60% of the total amount of mixed municipal solid waste, is currently landfilled directly after partial or complete stabilization. Its agricultural utilization is not possible due to its foreign matter content. Our goal is to develop previously new methods and, in parallel, utilization solutions, with which plastic, glass, metal, and other foreign substances can be extracted from the material with high biological content, thus ensuring the utilization of the latter one in agriculture.

7. In this project we collect Facebook- and Instagram-content related to climate change and environmental impact and put them to linguistic analysis – we examine what types of expressions are used with respect to this topic, whether these are objective or unscientific, this way classifying the social media users’ attitudes towards climate change and environmental impacts. Thus, we will be capable of designing and creating information campaigns, communication materials, and teaching materials to raise the eco-consciousness of the citizens.

8. The role of green accounting: environmental accounting can identify and analyse environmentally relevant revenues and expenditures in preparation for decision-making. Green accounting is therefore a useful tool for corporate environmental management, this research focuses on the factors that hinder the uptake of green accounting and aims to help develop and spread green accounting through professional advice and publications.

Project duration: 01.01.2022.- 31.12.2025.

Total project cost: 1 140 000 000 Ft

Support rate: 100 %

Professional leader: Dr. Ottó Horváth

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Project manager: Szabolcs Fehérvölgyi

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