Institute of Energy, Ceramics,and Polymer Technology
Research
Research Competences
Energy Technologies
The energy technology-related research activity of the Institute of Energy, Ceramic and Polymer Technology focuses on the investigation of energy‑related conversion processes involving materials and energy carriers, combustion and energy applications (combustion, pyrolysis, gasification), as well as their environmental and technical assessment. The research groups of the institute form an interconnected competence system covering thermo‑chemical, electrified and hydrogen‑based technologies for energy utilization, together with the associated material testing, gas analytical and environmental evaluation methods.
The common objective of the research activities and services is to improve the efficiency, flexibility and environmental performance of energy conversion processes by developing technically sound and industrially applicable solutions that support the use of alternative and waste-based energy carriers and the advancement of existing energy systems.
High-Temperature Energy Technologies Research Group
The High-Temperature Energy Technologies Research Group serves as a key technological platform for the institute’s material and energy conversion research activities, focusing on the investigation and development of high-temperature conversion processes for various solid and gaseous energy carriers. The primary objective of the research group is the study of thermochemical technologies enabling the efficient energy recovery of alternative energy carriers and secondary raw material resources, as well as the development of novel energy conversion solutions.
The group’s research activities are centered on high-temperature thermochemical conversion processes, with particular emphasis on combustion, pyrolysis, gasification, and partial oxidation technologies. The investigations cover biomass-derived feedstocks, carbon-based energy carriers, and various alternative fuel systems, including the qualitative and quantitative characterization of the resulting energy products. Special attention is devoted to the investigation of reaction kinetics, the enhancement of energy conversion efficiency, and the optimization of technological operating parameters.
The research group focuses on the investigation and development of high-temperature reactor systems and energy conversion equipment, with particular emphasis on process optimization, operational stability, and improving energy efficiency. Laboratory-scale and pilot-scale experiments are carried out to establish the basis for the industrial application of advanced energy conversion technologies.
Waste Utilization Research Group
The Waste Utilization Research Group is an integrated research unit of the institute focusing on the energetic and material recovery of wastes and by-products from various sources, as well as on providing the associated analytical and measurement-related background required for these investigations.
One of the group’s major research areas is the comprehensive characterization of the physical, chemical, and energetic properties of various solid wastes and secondary fuels. The group conducts combustion-related analyses of biomass-derived by-products, municipal and industrial waste fractions, and alternative fuels, including the determination of moisture content, ash content, elemental composition, and calorific value. The research activities also include the structural and compositional analysis of combustion residues generated during energy recovery processes, such as ash, slag, and fly ash, together with investigations into their potential for further material utilization and recycling. In addition, the research group is actively involved in phytomining-related studies aimed at exploring the recovery potential of valuable and rare earth metals accumulated in biomass originating from contaminated areas.
Another major activity of the research group is the measurement and analysis of gas-phase components associated with waste utilization and energy conversion technologies. Besides the application of advanced gas analytical methods, the group is also engaged in the development of novel sampling and measurement procedures enabling the reliable evaluation of the emission characteristics and energetic performance of complex technological processes.
Plasma Technologies Research Group
The Plasma Technologies Research Group focuses on the development of alternative, low temperature, electrically driven material conversion technologies. The group’s work is centered on non equilibrium plasma processes that enable the activation and transformation of stable molecules, gas mixtures and complex feedstock streams.
A core research direction is the plasma based conversion of carbon dioxide, with the aim of activating CO2 and converting it into energy carriers or chemical intermediates within Power to X value chains. In addition, the group investigates plasma chemical nitrogen fixation from air, including NOx based product pathways and the potential of plasma assisted ammonia synthesis.
Research activities include plasma diagnostics, investigation of fundamental reaction mechanisms, and the evaluation of energy efficiency and selectivity of electrified conversion processes. Beyond laboratory scale studies, strong emphasis is placed on reactor level development, scalability and industrial integration. Within the institute’s research framework, plasma based technologies complement and extend conventional thermo chemical processes, providing comparative and alternative pathways for sustainable material and energy conversion.
Hydrogen Technologies Research Group
The Hydrogen Technologies Research Group focuses on the energetic applications of hydrogen as an alternative energy carrier and on the development of related technologies. The primary objective of the group is to support the gradual and technically sound integration of hydrogen into existing energy and gas based systems, with a strong emphasis on industrial feasibility and operational safety.
The group conducts research on the combustion related utilization of hydrogen, including co firing with other energy carriers such as synthesis gas or biogas, and examines the effects of hydrogen addition on the performance, efficiency and stability of combustion systems. Investigations address combustion behavior, flame stability and the optimization of operating parameters in various energy conversion devices.
Research activities also cover the role of hydrogen in energy storage, its integration with renewable energy sources, and its application in decentralized and flexible energy systems. The work of the group is closely linked to the institute’s thermo chemical and material testing research, contributing to the practical deployment of hydrogen based energy solutions.
Research Topics
Thesis and research topics at BSc/MSc and PhD level.
BSc/MSc
- Investigation of synthesis gas composition changes during plasma-based decomposition processes
- Optimization and design of a microwave-induced non-thermal plasma reactor
- Analysis of the energy efficiency and specific energy demand of plasma reactors
- Development of data acquisition and control systems related to plasma reactors
- Investigation of the combustion properties of plastic wastes
PhD
- Characterization of microwave-induced plasmas and development of reaction-kinetic models
- Plasma-chemical nitrogen fixation from air: NOx-based product pathways and process optimization
- Development and modeling of plasma-pyrolysis reactors
- Multiphysics modeling of electromagnetic, fluid-dynamic, and chemical processes in plasma reactors
- Development of in situ diagnostic methods for plasma-chemical processes
- Comparative techno-economic and energy-efficiency assessment of non-thermal plasma processes
- Development of a catalyst suitable for methanol production via carbon dioxide hydrogenation
- Investigation of nitrogen-containing plastic wastes via pyrolysis
- Exploratory data analysis of data originating from urban air pollution monitoring
- Investigation of the role of freshwater plants in biogas production
- Effects of residential waste burning on the evolution of air pollution indicators
- Influencing the sulfur content of products derived from waste-tire pyrolysis by using additives
Defended PhD Theses
- Pyrolysis of plastic wastes for the production of liquid fuels, 2025.
- Microwave-induced carbon dioxide plasma: Plasma characterization, carbon dioxide conversion and utilization, 2025.
- Complex utilization of pyrolysis char produced from RDF by gasification, 2025.
- The Behavior of Noble Metals and Rare Earth Elements during Biomass Combustion, 2024.
- Investigation of air pollutants originating from wastes in laboratory and residential combustion appliances, 2023.
- Investigation of Multi-Stage Coal Gasification for Enhanced Control of Synthesis Gas Composition, 2023.
- Development of a floating dust monitoring network in Miskolc, 2023.
Partners
FGSZ Zrt., KALL Ingredients Kft., Mátrai Erőmű Zrt., 3B Hungária Kft., McHale Hungária Kft., Pyrowatt Kft., ECOMISSIO Kft., KG-FILTER Kft., HORGE Technologies Kft., Elektronikai Hulladékhasznosító Kft., MOL Nyrt., Veolia Energia Magyarország Zrt., MOTIM Kádkő Kft., Dorogi Erőmű Kft., Kischemicals Kft., Bunge Zrt., Natur Gold Farms Kft., KGF Hungary Hulladékhasznosító Kft., Mátra-Brikett Kft., CALTECH Bt., OPUS TIGÁZ Zrt.
Ceramic and Silicate Technologies
Investigation, research, development, and optimization of raw materials, finished products, and the related manufacturing technologies applied in the ceramics and silicate industries (bricks, tiles, glass, concrete, refractories, and technical ceramics).
- Manufacturing technology and product development of ceramics, silicates, and composite materials
- Comprehensive and complex investigations of raw materials, products, and structures
- Examination of binders applied in the silicate industry
- Material and product development, failure analysis
- Determination of the physical, chemical, mechanical, and melting properties of raw materials
- Development of traditional and innovative building materials
- Design and testing of custom formulations and mixtures
- nvestigation of the applicability of secondary raw materials in the ceramics industry
- Design and development of ceramic foam-structured insulating materials
- Production planning and support, assistance in industrial production trials, and cooperative design
- Analysis of technological problems and determination of optimal technological parameters
- Prototyping by 3D printing (from ceramic and polymer raw materials)
Polymer Technologies
The field covers polymer system design, compounding and processing technologies, additive systems, as well as the design and investigation of structure–property relationships. We also provide expertise in simulation, consultation, and professional advisory services, along with support in material testing validation and complaint management.
- Comprehensive and complex material and structural investigations of synthetic, natural (wood, paper), and biodegradable polymers
- Design and evaluation of materials and formulations, support in complaint management
- Failure analysis and identification of failure causes in products
- Elimination and resolution of problems arising in production
- Modeling and simulation of injection molding processes
- Mechanical and thermomechanical testing of polymers
- Examination of adhesives and adhesive bonding
- Polymer processing with processing equipment
- Evaluation of polymer processing technologies and consultancy
- Testing and qualification of coatings, paints, and coated or painted polymer products
- Education and training related to polymer technologies
Quality Management
Quality management and quality assurance encompass a set of activities aimed at the continuous improvement and control of the production and provision of products and services to ensure compliance with predefined quality requirements. Various methods are applied in this process, such as quality control, quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001), and continuous improvement processes (e.g., Six Sigma). These practices are of particular importance in the industrial sector, as they help maintain and improve production quality, increase productivity and efficiency, reduce the number of errors and defects, and thereby enhance the reliability and competitiveness of production processes in the market. Quality management and assurance practices also contribute to maintaining customer satisfaction and trust, while enabling companies to meet stricter regulatory requirements and market expectations. As a result, they play a vital role in supporting the long-term success and sustainable development of companies.