Dr. Marek Rotko is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS), Lublin. His research focuses on catalytic systems for energy applications, particularly hydrogen production through ethanol steam reforming and CO₂ methanation processes. Chemical Sciences Doctorate Specializes in catalytic systems development Expert in temperature-programmed reaction techniques Active in renewable energy research Rotko's research interests center on surface chemistry and reaction mechanisms in catalytic processes. He employs advanced methodologies including: Steady-State Isotopic Transient Kinetic Analysis (SSITKA) Temperature-Programmed Reduction/Oxidation/Desorption (TPR/TPO/TPD) Investigation of catalyst dispersion and active phase development His publication record shows expertise in solid-state catalysis and materials engineering for energy applications, with particular emphasis on cobalt/nickel-based catalysts supported on ceria and alumina systems. Recent work demonstrates innovative approaches to catalyst stability and hydrogen production efficiency. As an educator, Rotko teaches core chemical engineering subjects including: Chemical Technology Chemical Engineering Analytical Chemistry He maintains an active research program with over 43 publications, contributing to fields related to catalyst development and energy conversion technologies. Current research priorities include improving catalytic performance in biofuel processing and CO₂ utilization.
Prof. Wojciech Henryk Gac is a distinguished Professor at the Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Poland. With over 25 years of academic experience, he has established himself as a leading researcher in catalysis and materials science. His work focuses on developing catalysts for hydrogen production, CO 2 conversion, and environmental applications. Prof. Gac has led numerous international research projects and supervised many doctoral and master's theses throughout his career. Prof. Gac's academic journey began at the Chemical Technical School in Lublin (1982-1987). He then pursued higher education at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University: 1987-1992: Master's degree in Chemistry with thesis "Synthesis and study of properties of unsaturated fire-retardant polyester resins" 1992-1996: Doctoral studies in Chemistry with dissertation "Study of the influence of surface heterogeneity on multilayer adsorption and capillary condensation in network systems by Monte Carlo method" 2009-2010: Postgraduate studies in Project Management at Leon Koźmiński Academy in Warsaw Prof. Gac specializes in heterogeneous catalysis, particularly in developing catalysts for hydrogen production and CO 2 conversion. His research focuses on understanding the relationship between structural, surface, redox, and acid-base properties of supported catalysts and their catalytic performance. He employs temperature-programmed methods (TPR, TPD, TPO) and in-situ FTIR spectroscopy to study catalysts for CO 2 hydrogenation, methanol and ethanol transformations, hydrocarbon conversion to hydrogen, and CO/organic compound oxidation. His work bridges fundamental surface science with practical applications in sustainable energy and environmental protection. Prof. Gac's recent publications (2020-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on CO 2 methanation using nickel-based catalysts with various promoters (Ce, W, Nd) and supports (alumina, ceria, zeolites). His research also explores steam reforming of methanol and ethanol for hydrogen production, CO oxidation, and phenol adsorption. The articles reveal a consistent pattern of investigating structure-activity relationships in heterogeneous catalysis, with emphasis on catalyst design, characterization, and performance optimization for sustainable energy applications and environmental remediation. Throughout his distinguished career, Prof. Gac has received several prestigious awards: Individual Award of the Rector of UMCS, 3rd degree (2010) Individual Award of the Rector of UMCS, 2nd degree for particularly important and creative achievements (2004/2005) Dean's Award of the Faculty of Chemistry UMCS for distinction in master's thesis (1991/1992) Prof. Gac has extensive experience supervising doctoral, master's, and bachelor's theses in the fields of catalysis and materials science. He has successfully led numerous research projects, including: International Projects: ERA-NET Bioenergy ICOCAD (2016-2019), Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking projects (2013-2014, 2009-2013), POLONIUM program (2012-2014), FP7 projects (2009-2012, 2008-2011) National Projects: Eco-friendly methane utilization technology (2009-2013), Highly selective ethanol conversion catalyst (2008-2011), New catalytic materials for environmentally friendly chemical processes (2005-2008) UMCS Projects: Synthesis and study of physicochemical, catalytic and magnetic properties of high-surface oxide materials (2009), Kinetic analysis of isotopically labeled methane disturbances (2007) Prof. Gac leads research activities at the Department of Chemical Technology, utilizing advanced analytical equipment including: Integrated FT-IR spectroscopy system with Step-Scan, DRIFTS, ATR, PM-VCD, PM-IRRAS, PAS, Raman spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry for in-situ and operando studies Automated catalyst activity testing systems with microreactors connected to gas chromatographs or mass spectrometers Temperature-programmed techniques (TPD, TPR, TPO) using Micromeritics AutoChem II 2920 and AMI-1 Altamira analyzers Catalyst and nanomaterial synthesis facilities including automated reaction systems, high-pressure reactors, and thermal treatment equipment He collaborates extensively with the Analytical Laboratory of the Faculty of Chemistry at UMCS, particularly in electron microscopy and XPS spectroscopy.
