Dmitry Afanasev

I graduated from Novosibirsk State University (chemist) in 2007 and continued postgraduate studies at the Federal Research Center Boreskov Institute of Catalysis G.K. Boreskov (BIC, Ph.D., catalysis and adsorption). Having defended my PhD thesis I was engaged in scientific work in the field of synthesis, research and development of heterogeneous catalysts (both fundamental studies and commercial for foreign companies). The main area of my interest was the "metal nanoparticle on oxide support" system (nanoparticles - Ag, Pt, Pd, Au, supports - SiO2, Al2O3, zeolites and various forms of carbon). While working at the Boreskov Institute, I gained a great experience in the field of synthesis of metal and oxide systems from nano to macro level, mastered most of the physical and chemical characterization techniques (TEM, SEM, XRD, UV, UV-vis, IR, GC, GCMS, HPLC, various physical and chemical adsorption stations). I assembled several installations of various types to test the catalytic and adsorption activity of oxide systems. I participated (or completely performed) at all stages of work from the synthesis of systems to the presentation of the results (articles and conferences).

The most striking achievement was the complete understanding of how to synthesize the “silver nanoparticle on the oxide surface” system and of what is the active center of this system. This allowed us to create the most active monometallic silver catalyst at low temperatures.

I also worked at the Research Center "Nanophotonics" at St. Petersburg State University (SPBU), where my interests related to the synthesis, research and testing the catalytic activity of doped photocatalysts based on TiO2; synthesis of catalysts by the sol-gel method; the study of physical and chemical properties and catalytic activity in liquid-phase reactions of complete oxidation of various organic compounds; joint work with colleagues from Europe.

Then I worked at VNIIGAZ (the head research organization of Gazprom PJSC) where I was engaged in  research activity and also provided control and support for the implementation of gas treatment adsorbents at Gazprom enterprises. This role gave me the opportunity to analyze the operation of various sorbents at the stations of the North (Vyborg) and South Stream (Krasnodar). 

Currently I hold the position of chief technologist and head of laboratory at NPO LIT. The company is one of the world leaders in production and exploitation of low-pressure amalgam UV lamps in the world. My current responsibilities are:

- management of the development and implementation optimisation methods and improvement the high-tech production of low-pressure amalgam UV lamps for water, air and surfaces disinfection;

-implementation of a quality management system in non-standard process with a big input of manual operations;

- transfer of technology and processes from the Moscow to Erfurt (Germany) facility.

The optimization method I implemented resulted in a significant decrease of the defective items (while production doubled up to 45,000 pieces per year.), which enhanced the quality, and significantly reduced the cost of production.

I graduated from Novosibirsk State University (chemist) in 2007 and continued postgraduate studies at the Federal Research Center Boreskov Institute of Catalysis G.K. Boreskov (BIC, Ph.D., catalysis and adsorption). Having defended my PhD thesis I was engaged in scientific work in the field of synthesis, research and development of heterogeneous catalysts (both fundamental studies and commercial for foreign companies). The main area of my interest was the "metal nanoparticle on oxide support" system (nanoparticles - Ag, Pt, Pd, Au, supports - SiO2, Al2O3, zeolites and various forms of carbon). While working at the Boreskov Institute, I gained a great experience in the field of synthesis of metal and oxide systems from nano to macro level, mastered most of the physical and chemical characterization techniques (TEM, SEM, XRD, UV, UV-vis, IR, GC, GCMS, HPLC, various physical and chemical adsorption stations). I assembled several installations of various types to test the catalytic and adsorption activity of oxide systems. I participated (or completely performed) at all stages of work from the synthesis of systems to the presentation of the results (articles and conferences).

The most striking achievement was the complete understanding of how to synthesize the “silver nanoparticle on the oxide surface” system and of what is the active center of this system. This allowed us to create the most active monometallic silver catalyst at low temperatures.

I also worked at the Research Center "Nanophotonics" at St. Petersburg State University (SPBU), where my interests related to the synthesis, research and testing the catalytic activity of doped photocatalysts based on TiO2; synthesis of catalysts by the sol-gel method; the study of physical and chemical properties and catalytic activity in liquid-phase reactions of complete oxidation of various organic compounds; joint work with colleagues from Europe.

Then I worked at VNIIGAZ (the head research organization of Gazprom PJSC) where I was engaged in  research activity and also provided control and support for the implementation of gas treatment adsorbents at Gazprom enterprises. This role gave me the opportunity to analyze the operation of various sorbents at the stations of the North (Vyborg) and South Stream (Krasnodar). 

Currently I hold the position of chief technologist and head of laboratory at NPO LIT. The company is one of the world leaders in production and exploitation of low-pressure amalgam UV lamps in the world. My current responsibilities are:

- management of the development and implementation optimisation methods and improvement the high-tech production of low-pressure amalgam UV lamps for water, air and surfaces disinfection;

-implementation of a quality management system in non-standard process with a big input of manual operations;

- transfer of technology and processes from the Moscow to Erfurt (Germany) facility.

The optimization method I implemented resulted in a significant decrease of the defective items (while production doubled up to 45,000 pieces per year.), which enhanced the quality, and significantly reduced the cost of production.