Professor Svitlana M. Orlyk is a distinguished chemist specializing in catalytic redox processes, environmental catalysis, and hydrogen energy. She has made significant contributions to the development of advanced catalysts for pollution control, fuel reforming, and greenhouse gas conversion. With over four decades of experience, she has held key leadership positions at the L.V. Pisarzhevsky Institute of Physical Chemistry of NASU, where she currently serves as the Head of the Department of Catalytic Redox Processes. Professor Orlyk has authored more than 370 scientific publications, including over 200 peer-reviewed articles and 23 patents. Her research has been featured in multiple international monographs, highlighting her impact on the global scientific community. She has received prestigious awards, including the State Prize of Ukraine in Science and Technology and the Order of Princess Olga. Her expertise in heterogeneous catalysis, reaction kinetics, and catalyst design has led to innovative solutions for industrial and environmental challenges. Through her leadership and mentorship, she continues to drive advancements in catalysis, supporting the next generation of researchers in the field.
Professional Profile
Education
Professor Orlyk’s academic journey began at Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, where she earned a degree in Chemical Technology, specializing in Basic Processes of Chemical Production and Chemical Cybernetics in 1976. She pursued postgraduate studies in Chemical Kinetics and Catalysis at the L.V. Pisarzhevsky Institute of Physical Chemistry of NASU, completing her Ph.D. in 1982. Her doctoral research focused on catalytic reactions, laying the foundation for her future contributions to environmental catalysis and hydrogen energy. In 1998, she obtained a Doctor of Chemical Sciences degree from the same institute, marking a significant milestone in her academic career. Recognized for her expertise, she was appointed as a Professor in Chemical Kinetics and Catalysis in 2009. Her educational background has provided her with a strong foundation in chemical reaction engineering, catalyst design, and kinetic modeling. Through continuous learning and research, she has established herself as a leader in the field, contributing to both theoretical advancements and practical applications in catalysis. Her commitment to education extends to mentoring students and young researchers, ensuring the growth and sustainability of catalytic science in Ukraine and beyond.
Professional Experience
Professor Orlyk has had a progressive and impactful career in chemical research, spanning over 40 years. She began her professional journey as an Engineer in 1976 before transitioning into research, working as a Junior Scientific Associate from 1982 to 1986. Her expertise and dedication led to her promotion as a Scientific Associate (1986-1988), followed by Senior Scientist (1988-1999). Between 1999 and 2000, she served as a Lead Scientist, contributing significantly to catalytic reaction mechanisms and industrial applications of catalysts. In 2000, she was appointed as the Head of the Department of Catalytic Redox Processes at the L.V. Pisarzhevsky Institute of Physical Chemistry of NASU, a role she continues to hold. Under her leadership, the department has made significant advancements in catalyst design for environmental and industrial applications. Her work has influenced the development of efficient catalytic systems for pollution reduction, energy production, and sustainable chemistry. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with numerous researchers and institutions, further expanding the reach of her work in the international scientific community.
Research Interests
Professor Orlyk’s research focuses on the physicochemical principles of catalytic processes, particularly in environmental catalysis, hydrogen energy, and sustainable chemical production. She specializes in the kinetics and mechanisms of heterogeneous catalytic redox reactions, including those involving nitrogen oxides, carbon compounds, sulfur species, hydrocarbons, and oxygenates. Her work is aimed at designing next-generation catalysts for critical industrial applications, such as neutralizing harmful emissions (CO, NOx, hydrocarbons), reforming hydrocarbon fuels, and converting greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O) into valuable chemicals. She is also actively involved in developing bifunctional catalysts for tandem processes that produce essential organic compounds from C1-C4 alkanes and bioalcohols. By integrating fundamental reaction mechanisms with practical catalyst development, her research contributes to both scientific innovation and environmental sustainability. Her investigations into advanced catalytic materials, including zeolites and cerium-based nanocatalysts, have led to breakthroughs in cleaner industrial processes and energy-efficient technologies.
Research Skills
Professor Orlyk possesses a diverse set of research skills in catalytic science, including catalyst synthesis, kinetic modeling, surface chemistry analysis, and reaction mechanism elucidation. She is proficient in designing and characterizing heterogeneous catalysts using advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Her expertise in chemical kinetics allows her to develop predictive models for catalytic reactions, optimizing performance for industrial applications. She has extensive experience with gas-phase and liquid-phase catalytic processes, particularly in environmental catalysis and energy conversion. Her work involves the integration of computational chemistry with experimental data to enhance catalyst efficiency and selectivity. She is also skilled in patent development, having secured 23 patents related to innovative catalytic materials and processes. Her ability to translate fundamental research into practical applications demonstrates her strength in bridging scientific discovery with industrial needs. Additionally, her leadership in research project management and mentorship highlights her commitment to advancing the field of catalysis through collaboration and knowledge dissemination.
Awards and Honors
Professor Orlyk’s contributions to catalysis and chemical sciences have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. In 2000, she received the L.V. Pisarzhevsky Award of NAS of Ukraine for her research on selectivity in complex catalytic reactions. Her outstanding contributions to surface chemistry and catalysis earned her the State Prize of Ukraine in Science and Technology in 2008, acknowledging her work on adsorbed layers on transition metal surfaces. In recognition of her scientific achievements and service to Ukraine’s research community, she was awarded the Order of Princess Olga in 2019, one of the highest honors for distinguished women in science and academia. Beyond these national recognitions, her extensive publication record and inclusion in international monographs highlight her impact on the global scientific stage. Her achievements reflect a lifelong dedication to advancing catalysis for environmental sustainability and industrial efficiency.
Conclusion
Professor Svitlana M. Orlyk is a leading expert in catalytic redox processes, with an outstanding career dedicated to environmental catalysis, hydrogen energy, and sustainable chemical production. Her extensive research, leadership, and mentorship have significantly contributed to advancements in catalyst design and reaction kinetics. With over 370 scientific publications, numerous awards, and a strong record of innovation, she stands as a prominent figure in the field of chemistry. Her ability to combine fundamental research with industrial applications has led to impactful solutions for pollution control and energy efficiency. While her international collaborations and industry partnerships could be further strengthened, her current contributions already position her as an exceptional researcher. As Head of the Department of Catalytic Redox Processes, she continues to drive scientific progress and mentor the next generation of chemists, ensuring the sustainability of catalytic science. Her dedication, expertise, and accomplishments make her a highly deserving candidate for recognition as a top researcher in her field.
Publication Top Notes
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Vapor-Phase Carbonylation of Methanol with the Obtaining of Acetyls on Solid-Phase Catalysts: A Review
- Authors: A.Y. Kapran, Y.I. Pyatnitsky, V.I. Chedryk, S.M. Orlyk
- Year: 2024
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Effect of Surface Acidity/Basicity of Cr/Zn−BEA Zeolite Catalysts on Performance in CO₂-PDH Process
- Authors: S.M. Orlyk, A.Y. Kapran, V.I. Chedryk, Y.M. Nychiporuk, P.I. Kyriienko, S. Dzwigaj
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 3
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Influence of Chromium in Cr/Zn-BEA Metal–Zeolite Composites on Their Acid–Base Characteristics and Catalytic Properties in the Processes of Propane Dehydrogenation
- Authors: S.M. Orlyk, N.V. Vlasenko, V.I. Chedryk, A.Y. Kapran, S. Dzwigaj
- Year: 2024
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The Effect of Modification of Zn–Mg(Zr)Si Oxide Catalysts with Rare-Earth Elements (Y, La, Ce) in the Ethanol-to-1,3-Butadiene Process
- Authors: O.V. Larina, O.V. Zikrata, L.M. Alekseenko, S.O. Soloviev, S.M. Orlyk
- Year: 2023
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Fast Synthesis of MgO–Al₂O₃ Systems: Effect on Physicochemical Characteristics and Catalytic Properties in Guerbet Condensation of Ethanol
- Authors: K.V. Valihura, O.V. Larina, P.I. Kyriienko, S.O. Soloviev, S.M. Orlyk
- Year: 2023
- Citations: 1
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CO₂-Assisted Dehydrogenation of Propane to Propene over Zn-BEA Zeolites: Impact of Acid–Base Characteristics on Catalytic Performance
- Authors: S.M. Orlyk, P.I. Kyriienko, A.Y. Kapran, V.I. Chedryk, D. Balakin, J. Gurgul, M. Zimowska, Y. Millot, S. Dzwigaj
- Year: 2023
- Citations: 11
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Catalytic Properties and Resource Characteristics of Modified Nickel Composites in the Processes of Oxidative Reforming of C₁-C₄ Alkanes
- Authors: S.M. Orlyk, V.I. Chedryk, S.O. Soloviev, O.D. Vasylyev
- Year: 2022
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Effect of Acid–Base Characteristics of Zeolite Catalysts on Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane with Carbon Dioxide
- Authors: A.Y. Kapran, S.M. Orlyk
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 1