Katarzyna Materna

Professor Katarzyna Materna is a distinguished academic at the Poznań University of Technology, where she serves as a university professor and Vice-Dean for Education at the Faculty of Chemical Technology (2020-2024 term). She is affiliated with the Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Department of Chemical Technology, and maintains active memberships in the Discipline Council of Chemical Sciences, Council of the Faculty of Chemical Technology, and several quality assurance committees. She is also a member of the Polish Chemical Society and American Chemical Society.

• 1998: Master of Science in Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology, PP, Environmental Protection, specialization: ecotechnology
• 2002: Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemical Technology, PP
• 2016: Habilitation in Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemical Technology, PUT
• 2020: Position of university professor at Poznań University of Technology

Professor Materna's research focuses on surfactants, ionic liquids, and the physicochemical and functional properties of amphiphilic compounds. Her work explores unconventional separation processes with applications in green chemistry, environmental protection, and industrial waste management. She has made significant contributions to understanding the surface activity and antimicrobial properties of novel ionic liquid compounds, particularly in developing sustainable alternatives to conventional surfactants.

Her recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on ionic liquids, particularly imidazolium-based compounds, quaternary ammonium salts, and their applications in emulgel formation, skincare products, wood protection, and biomolecule separation. The research shows consistent progression from fundamental properties characterization to practical applications in cosmetics, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, with increasing emphasis on sustainable chemistry approaches.

Professor Materna has supervised two doctoral dissertations: 'Surface properties of biologically active ionic liquids' (Marta Wojcieszak, 2024) and 'Surface activity and functional properties of ammonium ionic liquids and polyoxyalkylene derivatives of 2-ethylhexanol' (Agata Fiutkowska, 2018). She has conducted extensive research collaborations with institutions including MEXEO Institute of Technology, Institute of Plant Protection – National Research Institute in Poznań, Faculty of Pharmacy at Nicolaus Copernicus University, and international partners in USA, Germany, France, and Belgium.