Thesis: Laser reduction of graphene oxide layers on stainless steel for PEM-FC

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros.

The Chair of Technology of Optical Systems TOS at RWTH Aachen University, together with the cooperating Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, is Europe's leading centre for basic and contract research in the field of laser technology. The development of fuel cells is a promising area in the field of sustainable energy generation. Bipolar plates are an essential component of fuel cells and play a decisive role in their efficiency and service life. Corrosion resistance and contact resistance play a crucial role in the development of coated bipolar plates. The aim of this work is to investigate and optimise the corrosion resistance and contact resistance of laser-reduced graphene oxide coatings.

What you will do

You will produce graphene oxide layers on stainless steel substrates by ultrasonic spray coating
As part of your work, you will deal with the laser processing of these layers
You will analyse how laser processing affects corrosion resistance and contact resistance
You will also identify potential improvements and propose optimisations to the coating system
Your results will actively contribute to the further development of coating technology and its application in fuel cells

What you bring to the table

You are a student of materials science, chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering or a related subject area
With your interest in technical problems and innovative solutions, you have the ideal prerequisites
You are characterised by a structured and responsible way of working
You enjoy working independently on complex tasks and developing solutions in the process
Initial experience in dealing with laboratory techniques or laser technology is an advantage, but not a must

What you can expect

👥 Team spirit: Creative, interdisciplinary environment with a motivated team, flat hierarchies and a ‘you’ culture.
🖥 Workplace: Excellent machinery and equipment as well as first-class office facilities.
💪 Co-creation: Practice-orientated final thesis in an innovative applied research environment.
🧘‍♀️ Work-life balance: Benefit from flexible working hours on a trust basis.
➕ Advantages: Opportunity to benefit from exciting corporate benefits.
🚐 Travel: Good transport links, parking spaces directly in front of the institute, an e-charging station and a multi-storey car park.

The position is temporary until completion of the final thesis.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled people are given preference if they are equally qualified.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!
Did you already know? We give you even more insights on our LinkedIn profile.🗯️

Questions about this position will be answered by

Julius Funke, M.Sc.
Telephone: +49 241-8906-430

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

www.ilt.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 80044 Application Deadline: 09/30/2025

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