Miniatura Grant for a Researcher from the Faculty of Chemistry | Faculty of Chemistry at the Gdańsk University of Technology

In the first round of the 9th edition of the Miniatura competition organized by the National Science Centre, nearly PLN 100,000 was awarded to two researchers from Gdańsk University of Technology—representing the Faculty of Chemistry and the Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics. These funds are intended for the implementation of preliminary research activities.

One of the awarded projects is led by Katarzyna Januszewicz, PhD, DSc, Eng., Professor at Gdańsk Tech, from the Faculty of Chemistry. The project, entitled "Assessment of the impact of using activated biochars as supports for nickel and cobalt catalysts (Ni/AC, Co/AC) on the deactivation of active sites due to coke deposition and on hydrogen production during dry/steam reforming of methane", received funding in the amount of PLN 49,445.

The research focuses on analyzing the influence of properties of activated biochars, used as supports for nickel and cobalt catalysts, on coke formation processes in dry and steam methane reforming. The deposition of coke on the surface of catalysts leads to their deactivation and a decline in performance, which poses a significant challenge for hydrogen production technologies—a key energy carrier in the energy transition.

The aim of the researcher’s project at the Faculty of Chemistry is to test the hypothesis that appropriately selected catalyst supports can reduce coke deposition, extend the catalyst’s active lifetime, and enhance hydrogen production efficiency.

Miniatura Competition – Support for Scientific Activities

Miniatura 9 is a competition organized by the National Science Centre aimed at researchers planning to undertake preparatory scientific activities—such as preliminary research, literature reviews, or research trips. The maximum funding is PLN 50,000, and the duration of the activity may not exceed 12 months.