Dr. Jan Back, MSc

Senior Lecturer +43 512 2070 - 3259 jan.back@mci.edu
Dr. Jan Back, MSc


Professional work experience
  • 01/2020 - present
    Hochschullektor - MCI - Die unternehmerische Hochschule
    Umwelt-, Verfahrens- und Energietechnik
  • 01/2016 - 12/2020
    Dissertant - Management Center Innsbruck
    Umwelt-, Verfahrens- und Energietechnik
  • 01/2015 - 12/2015
    Visiting Researcher - University of Strathclyde
    Groundwater Contamination
  • 01/2013 - 12/2015
    Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter - V&F Analyse- und Messtechnik
  • 01/2012 - 12/2012
    Bachelorant - Fraunhofer Institut für Verfahrenstechnik und Verpackung
    Biogene Rohstoffe
Education
  • 01/2016 - 12/2021
    Dr - Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck
    Doktoratsstudium Chemie
  • 01/2013 - 12/2015
    MSc - MCI Management Center Innsbruck
    Umwelt-, Verfahrens- und Energietechnik, Studienzweig Umwelttechnik
  • 01/2009 - 12/2012
    BSc - MCI Management Center Innsbruck
    Umwelt-, Verfahrens- und Biotechnologie, Studienzweig Umwelttechnik
Practice realted research and developmental project
  • 01/2023 - 12/2024
    Projektleitung - MCI - The Entrepreneurial School, IKB-Forschungsförderung
    MemComPolice - Einsatz von Membran-Kombinationsverfahren als Polizeifilter in der Trinkwasseraufbereitung
  • 01/2022 - 12/2025
    Projektleitung MCI - MCI - The Entrepreneurial School, KPC Altlastenforschung
    PFAS-Trap
  • 01/2020 - 12/2022
    Projektleitung - MCI - The Entrepreneurial School, TWF
    Activated Membrane - Herstellung und Optimierung von Hybrid-Membranen mit eingebetteter Aktivkohle zur Entfernung von Mikroschadstoffen
  • 01/2017 - 12/2018
    Mitarbeit - MCI - The Entrepreneurial School, KPC Siedlungswasserwirtschaft
    PHARMAQUA
Competitive Research Award
  • 11/2022 - present
    Landeshauptstadt Innsbruck
    Wissenschaftspreis der Landeshauptstadt Innsbruck für Forschung und Innovation am MCI - Der Unternehmerischen Hochschule
Other
  • 01/2011 - 12/2015
    Viva con Agua Austria - Ehrenamtliches Engagement und Mitgründer
Positions in professional/academic societies
  • 01/2016 - present
    Mitglied - European Membrane Society (EMS)
Peer reviewed journal article
  • Marx, J., Back, J., Netzer, F., Pham, T., Penner, S., Bakry, R., Spruck, M., Comprehensive characterisation of multi-channel mixed-matrix membranes and impact of water matrix variability on micropollutant removal, Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, 10 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2024.100930
  • Marx, J., Back, J., Hoiss, L., Hofer, M., Pham, T., Spruck, M., Chemical Regeneration of Mixed-Matrix Membranes for Micropollutant Removal from Wastewater, Chemie Ingenieur Technik, 95, No. 9 (2023), https://doi.org/10.1002/cite.202300075
  • D. Bosch, J. Back, D. Gurtner, S. Giberti, A. Hofmann, A. Bockreis. Alternative feedstock for the production of activated carbon with ZnCl2: Forestry residue biomass and waste wood. Carbon Resources Conversion, 2022, 5(4), 299-309.
  • D. Bosch, J. O. Back, D. Gurtner, S. Giberti, A. Hofmann, and A. Bockreis, "Alternative feedstock for the production of activated carbon with ZnCl2: Forestry residue biomass and waste wood," Carbon Resources Conversion, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 299-309, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.crcon.2022.09.001
  • M. Ejtemaei, S. Sadighi, M. Rashidzadeh, S. Khorram, J. Back, P. Kheyrollahi-Nezhad, S. Penner, M. Noisternig, D. Salari, A. Niaei. Effect of O2/N2 Glow Discharge Plasma on Zeolite Extrudates as Water Adsorbent. Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification, 2022, 181, 109084.
  • N. Kalantari, M. Bekheet, P. Kheyrollahi-Nezhada, J. Back, A. Farzi, S. Penner, N. Delibaş, S. Schwarz, J. Bernardi, D. Salari, A. Niaei. Effect of chromium and boron incorporation methods on structural and catalytic properties of hierarchical ZSM-5 in the methanol-to-propylene process. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 2022, 111, 168-182.
  • M. Ejtemaei, S. Sadighi, M. Rashidzadeh, S. Khorram, J. Back, S. Penner, M. Noistering, D. Salari, A. Niaei. Investigating the Cold Plasma Surface Modification of Kaolin- and Attapulgite-Bound Zeolite A, Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 2021, 106, 113-127.
  • J. Back, B. Hupfauf, A. Rößler, S. Penner, M. Rupprich. Adsorptive removal of micropollutants from wastewater with floating-fixed-bed gasification char. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2020, 8(3), 103757.
  • J. Back, R. Brandstätter, M. Spruck, M. Koch, S. Penner, M. Rupprich. Parameter Screening of PVDF/PVP Multi-Channel Capillary Membranes. Polymers, 2019, 11(3), 463.
  • J. Back, W. Stadlmayr, S. Jabornig, F. Winkler, K. Winkler, M. Rupprich. Removal of Arsenic from Water with Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP), Coagulation and Membrane Filtration. Water, 2018, 10(10), 1385.
  • J. Back, T. Obholzer, K. Winkler, S. Jabornig, M. Rupprich. Combining ultrafiltration and non-thermal plasma for low energy degradation of pharmaceuticals from conventionally treated wastewater. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2018, 6(6), 7377-7385.
  • J. Back, M. Spruck, M. Koch, L. Mayr, S. Penner, M. Rupprich. Poly(piperazine-amide)/PES Composite Multi-Channel Capillary Membranes for Low-Pressure Nanofiltration. Polymers, 2017, 9(12), 654.
  • J. Back, M. Rivett, L. Hinz, N. Mackay, G. Wanangwa, O. Phiri, C. Songolae, M. Thomas, S. Kumwenda, M. Nhlema, A. Miller, R. Kalin. Risk assessment to groundwater of pit latrine rural sanitation policy in developing country settings. Science of The Total Environment, 2018, 613-614, 592-610.
Editorial-reviewed journal
  • J. Back, B. Hupfauf, S. Penner. Adsorption von Mikroschadstoffen mit Holzvergaserkohle: Das ungenutzte Potential von Schwebefestbettvergaserkohle. Aqua & Gas, 10, 2020, 66-72.
Research monographs
  • J. Back. Rethinking Water Treatment: Membranes, Adsorption, Advanced Oxidation and Natural Attenuation. Dissertation, University of Innsbruck, 2021, Innsbruck, Austria.
Peer reviewed academic/professional meeting proceedings
  • J. Marx, D. Rattinger, J.O. Back and M. Spruck. Mixed-Matrix Membranes on the way to Multi-Layer Membranes. In: Book of Abstracts, 18th Minisymposium 2024, TU Graz (Ed.). Graz. Austria
  • D. Bosch, L. Nohel, J.v. Varnbüler, J.O. Back, A. Hofmann, and A. Bockreis. One-Step Activation of Residual Wood for Activated Carbon Production - A Contribution to the Circular Economy. In: Tagungsband, 13. Wissenschaftskongress Kreislauf- und Ressourcenwirtschaft, am 15. und 16. März 2024 an der Technischen Universität Wien. Bockreis et al. (Hg.). innsbruck university press, 2024.
  • D. Bosch, J. O. Back, L. Nohel, A. Hofmann, and A. Bockreis, "A promising material stream? Activated carbon from municipal residues for micropollutant adsorption," in Proceedings of the 17th Minisymposium Verfahrenstechnik, Vienna, Apr. 2023, pp. 33-36, ISBN: 978-3-900397-08-1
  • Jana Marx, Philipp Much, Jan Back, Tung Pham and Martin Spruck. Comparison of Mixed-Matrix Membranes with Embedded Boron Nitride and Powdered Activated Carbon for Micro pollutant Removal. Proceedings of the 17th Minisymposium Verfahrenstechnik. 2023. ISBN: 978-3-900397-08-1
  • D. Bosch, J. O. Back, D. Gurtner, S. Giberti, A. Hofmann, G. Langergraber. Activation by Means of Chemical Impregnation with ZnCl2 - A study on Surface Characteristics. Oral Presentation and Conference Proceedings at 13th International Conference on Sustainable Energy & Environmental Protection (SEEP), 2021, BOKU, Vienna (Online), Austria.
  • D. Bosch, J. Back, D. Gurtner, S. Giberti, A. Hofmann, G. Langergraber. Activation by Means of Chemical Impregnation with ZnCl2 - A study on Surface Characteristics. Oral Presentation and Conference Proceedings at 13th International Conference on Sustainable Energy & Environmental Protection (SEEP), 2021, BOKU, Vienna (Online), Austria.
  • M. Koch, P. Schmidt, S. Guggenberger, J. Back, M. Spruck, A. Hofmann, A. Bockreis. Mixed-Matrix Membranes with Renewable Carbon-Based Filler for Gas Separation Applications. Oral Presentation and Conference Proceedings at 13th International Conference on Sustainable Energy & Environmental Protection (SEEP), 2021, BOKU, Vienna (Online), Austria.
  • J. Back, M. Spruck, M. Koch, S. Penner, M. Rupprich. Mixed-Matrix Membranen zur Entfernung von Mikroschadstoffen aus Trink- und Abwasser. Presentation at 14th Research Forum of the Association of Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences (FFH), 2021, FHWien, Vienna (Online), Austria.
  • J. Back, M. Spruck, M. Koch, S. Penner. Diclofenac Removal and Fouling Behaviour of Multi-Channel Mixed Matrix Membranes (MCMMM) with Activated Carbon. Presentation at 16th Minisymposium Verfahrenstechnik, Vienna (Online), 2020.
  • M. Koch, T. Neuner, M. Rauter, J.O. Back, M. Spruck, A. Bockreis, M. Rupprich. Optimized fabrication of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ionic liquid blended membranes for gas separation. Poster presentation at ILSEPT - 4th International Conference on Ionic Liquids in Separation and Purification Technology, 2019, Sitges, Spain.
  • M. Koch, T. Neuner, M. Rauter, J.O. Back, M. Spruck, A. Bockreis, M. Rupprich. Fabrication and characterization of highly selective polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-ionic liquid blended membranes for gas separation. Poster presentation at REGATEC 2019 - 6th International Conference on Renewable Energy Gas Technology, 2019, Malmö, Sweden.
  • J. Back, R. Brandstätter, M. Spruck, M. Koch, S. Penner, M. Rupprich. How can Design of Experiments (DoE) support the Membrane Fabrication Process? - Parameter Screening Study of PVDF Multi-Channel Membranes. Poster presentation at 15th Minisymposium Chemical & Process Engineering, 2019, Leoben, Austria.
  • J. Back, R. Brandstätter, M. Spruck, M. Koch, M. Rupprich. Fabrication of PVDF multi-channel capillary membranes and their application in water treatment. Presentation at ACHEMA 2018 - Membranes and Membrane Processes, 2018, Frankfurt, Germany.
  • J. Back, M. Spruck, M. Koch, M. Rupprich. Thin film composite multi-channel membranes prepared via interfacial polymerization for nanofiltration. Poster presentation at 13th Minisymposium Chemical & Process Engineering, 2017, Innsbruck, Austria.
  • M. Koch, S. Orsatti, B. Hupfauf, M. Spruck, J. Back, A. Bockreis, M. Rupprich. Study on microporous and dense supported ionic liquid membranes for gas separation, 3rd International Conference on Ionic Liquids in Separation and Purification Technology, 2017, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • J. Back, R. Kalin, M. Rupprich. Prevention of Groundwater Contamination from Pit Latrines - Case study of a proposed risk modeling approach, BALEWARE 2016: Sustainable Energy and Clean Water, 2016, Arusha, Tanzania.
  • J. Back, M. Spruck, M. Mühlegger, M. Rupprich. Preparation of PVDF multichannel capillary membranes for water treatment. Poster Presentation at Membranes and Membrane Processes Design, The 2016 European Membrane Society Summer School, 2016, Bertinoro, Italy.
Presentation of a paper at a conference, workshop or seminar
  • J. Marx, D. Rattinger, J.O. Back and M. Spruck. Mixed-Matrix Membranes on the way to Multi-Layer Membranes. 18th Minisymposium 2024. Graz. Austria
  • J. Back, A. Hofmann. Aktivkohle aus kommunalen Rest- und Abfallhölzern und Anwendung in der Wasserrreinhaltung. Presentation at DWA AG KA-8.6 "Aktivkohle" - Expertengespräch, 2024, Kassel, Germany.
  • D. Bosch, L. Nohel, J.v. Varnbüler, J.O. Back, A. Hofmann, and A. Bockreis. One-Step Activation of Residual Wood for Activated Carbon Production - A Contribution to the Circular Economy. 13. Wissenschaftskongress Kreislauf- und Ressourcenwirtschaft am 15. und 16. Februar 2024 an der Technischen Universität Wien.
  • Jana Marx, Jan Back, Tung Pham, Rania Bakry and Martin Spruck. Matrix Effects on the Removal of Pharmaceuticals from Wastewater through Filtration with Multi-Channel Mixed-Matrix Membranes. 4th International Conference on risk assessment of pharmaceuticals in the environment 2023, Barcelona, Spain.
  • D. Bosch, L. Nohel, J. O. Back, A. Hofmann, and A. Bockreis, "One-Step Activation of Residual Wood - A Contribution to the Circular Economy", Oral Presentation at BioChar Summit 2023, 06/2023, Helsingborg, Sweden
  • Bachmann, C., Groth, J., Patschg, P., Praxmarer, S., Senn, P., Unterhofer, H., Back, J., Möltner, L., Heizungs- und Warmwasserauslegung für ein Mehrparteienhaus mit Wärmepumpe und Photovoltaik Unterstützung. 2023, Poster presentation at 16. Forschungsforum der österreichischen Fachhochschulen (FFH), 19.-20.4.2023.
  • D. Bosch, J. O. Back, L. Nohel, A. Hofmann, and A. Bockreis, "A promising material stream? Activated carbon from municipal residues for micropollutant adsorption," in Proceedings of the 17th Minisymposium Verfahrenstechnik, Vienna, Apr. 2023, pp. 33-36.
  • Jana Marx, Martin Hofer, Jan Back, Tung Pham und Martin Spruck. Chemische Regeration von Mixed-Matrix Membranen zur Entfernung pharmazeutischer Spurenstoffe aus dem Abwasser. Vortrag bei der DGMT Tagung 2023: Membranen in der Lebensmittel- und Pharmaindustrie. 2023, Kassel, Deutschland.
  • Jana Marx, Jan Back, Marc Koch, Martin Spruck. Chemical Regeneration of Mixed-Matrix Multi-Channel Membranes with Embedded Activated Carbon for Water Treatment. Poster at EMS Summer School 2022, Alentejo, Portugal
  • J. Marx, M. Hofer, J. Back, M. Koch, M. Spruck. Removal of the Pharmaceuticals Diclofenac, Carbamazepine and Paracetamol from Wastewater through Multi‐channel Capillary Membranes with Embedded Powdered Activated Carbon. Poster at Euromembrane 2021, Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • J. Back. Kombinationsverfahren aus Adsorption und Membrantechnik: Verschiedene Blickwinkel und weitreichende Möglichkeiten. Presentation at Forum Technologie & Life Sciences, Josef Ressel Zentrum für die Produktion von Pulveraktivkohle aus kommunalen Reststoffen, MCI - The Entrepreneurial School, 2021, Innsbruck, Austria.
  • D. Bosch, J. O. Back, D. Gurtner, S. Giberti, A. Hofmann, G. Langergraber. Activation by Means of Chemical Impregnation with ZnCl2 - A study on Surface Characteristics. Oral Presentation and Conference Proceedings at 13th International Conference on Sustainable Energy & Environmental Protection (SEEP), 2021, BOKU, Vienna (Online), Austria.
  • J. Back, B. Hupfauf, A. Rössler, S. Penner, M. Rupprich. Mikroschadstoffadsorption mit Holzkohle aus einem Schwebefestbett-Vergasungsprozess. Poster at DECHEMA - Spurenstoffe und Krankheitserreger im Wasserkreislauf (SUK), 2021, Frankfurt (Online), Germany.
  • J. Back, M. Spruck, M. Koch, S. Penner. Micropollutant removal with mixed-matrix membranes from PES and activated carbon. Poster at 12th International Congress on Membranes and Membrane Processes (ICOM), 2020, London (Online), UK.
  • M. Spruck, J. Back, M. Koch, M. Pillei. PES and PVDF mixed matrix multi-channel capillary membranes of the removal of diclofenac. Presentation at 12th International Congress on Membranes and Membrane Processes (ICOM), 2020, London (Online), UK.
  • J. Back, B. Hupfauf, T. Hämmerle, R. Nussbaumer, A. Hofmann, M. Rupprich, A. Rößler, S. Penner, S. Martini. Industrial Application of Biochar and Charcoal: A Case Study of Gasification Char in Micropollutant Adsorption. Presentation at CEBC - 6th Central European Biomass Conference, Workshop Biochar, 2020, Graz, Austria.
  • J. Back, B. Hupfauf, A. Rößler, S. Penner, A. Hofmann, M. Rupprich. Holzvergaserkohle in der Abwasserreinigung: Potentielle Anwendung von Holzkohle aus Biomassevergasung am Beispiel Mikroschadstoff-Adsorption. Presentation at IAKB - 10. Internationale Anwenderkonferenz Biomassevergasung, 2019, Innsbruck, Austria.
  • M. Rivett, J. Back, N. Mackay, L. Hinz, A. Miller, R. Kalin. On the rise of pit latrines and the safeguard of groundwater in Southern Malawi. Presentation at 44th IAH Congress: Groundwater Heritage and Sustainability, 2017, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Other intellectual contributions
  • Patent: EP3897931: Verfahren zur Abtrennung von Spurenstoffen. Marc Koch, Martin Spruck, Marco Rupprich, Jan Back, Marcus Rauter. 2024
Supervised bachelor theses
  • Furtner Florian Michael (2021): Charakterisierung und Optimierung eines Hohlfasermembranmoduls
  • Steixner Paul (2020): Vergleich von Potting-Methoden für die Konstruktion von Membranmodulen
  • Tschugmell Jeremias (2019): From Microfiltration to the Removal of Micro Pollutants: Fabrication and Characterization of a Novel PVDF/PVP Multi-Channel Membrane with Embedded Activated Carbon
  • Steinberger Felix (2019): Herstellung und Untersuchung des Foulingverhaltens von Polyvinylidenflourid-Mehrkanalkapillarmembranen mit eingebetteter Aktivkohle
  • Schenk Hannes (2018): Herstellung von Nanofiltrationsmembranen mittels Oberflächenpolymerisation
  • Schenk Hannes (2018): Herstellung von NF-Membranen mittels Oberflächepolymerisation
  • Trenkwalder Stefan (2017): Technische Dokumentation eines Aufwickelsystems für die Herstellung von Mehrkanal-Kapillar-Membranen
  • Trenkwalder Stefan (2017): Konstruktion eines Aufwickelsystems für Nassspinnverfahren und Unersuchung der Auswirkungen auf Qualität und Beschaffenheit bei der Herstellung von Mehrkanal-Kapillarmembranen
  • Frenger Johannes (2016): Charakterisierung neuartiger flexibler Keramikmembranen und weitere Beschichtung im thermischen Spritzbeschichtungs- und Nassbeschichtungsverfahren
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