Thesis "Carbon coatings for producing green hydrogen from ammonia"

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 Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg is the largest solar energy research institute in Europe. Our approximately 1400 employees are working for a sustainable, economic, safe and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energies. We contribute to this with our research priorities of energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage and energy use. We are shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, company spin-offs and global collaborations.

For our group "Synthesis Products: Application and Characterization", we are looking for a student assistant starting on 16.09.2025, with the opportunity to complete a Bachelor's or Master's thesis.

Fraunhofer ISE has been working in the field of "Sustainable Synthesis Products" for over 25 years. We cover the entire process chain of sustainable synthesis products: from green hydrogen, CO2 capture from the air, the synthesis of products such as ammonia, dimethyl ether, and methanol (Power-to-X products), as well as conversion, all the way to end applications. We develop and optimize processes and reactor concepts for producing PtX products and for thermochemical hydrogen generation from PtX products.

To establish green ammonia as a hydrogen carrier in the future energy system, we are looking for motivated students who want to design the thermochemical release of hydrogen in an energy-efficient and economical way. In our exciting project, we are exploring new approaches to directly coat catalytic metal nanoparticles onto electric heaters.

What you will do

You will independently conduct coating experiments on metal substrates and metal honeycomb structures in aqueous suspension using dip coating.
You will optimize the suspension formulation by adding various additives such as dispersants and binders and by varying their concentrations.
You will investigate various parameters such as viscosity, coating thickness, and pH value.
You will analyze the thermal stability of the coatings in a nitrogen and ammonia atmosphere at temperatures of up to 650 °C.
You will summarize the results in a well-structured and substantiated thesis and present them internally.

What you bring to the table

You are enrolled as a student in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a comparable field of study.
You have an interest in catalytic research and material development.
You possess basic knowledge in the field of coatings on metal structures.
Practical laboratory experience is beneficial but not required.
Experience with techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is desirable but not mandatory.
You work independently and in a goal-oriented manner.
You have good English skills, both written and spoken.

What you can expect

Exclusive insight: By working together with the scientists in our work unit, you will gain an insight into everyday research and development at a research institute.
Laboratory infrastructure: At Fraunhofer ISE, we work with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment so that research projects can be carried out using the latest technology.
Research mix: We give you the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory and thus apply and expand your knowledge from your studies.
Supervision: You will be supervised in your work by scientists and receive feedback on your progress.
Teamwork: You will gain experience of working in a team by interacting with academic and student staff and will be able to contribute the experience you have already gained.
Working hours and location: We offer you the opportunity to flexibly adapt your working hours to your needs by arrangement and to work from home from time to time.
Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and make room for diversity.
After work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after-work events or our annual employee parties, such as the hiking day.

In addition to the thesis, a contract as a research assistant will be agreed. The remuneration depends on the academic degree.

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 persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

Have we piqued your interest? Then apply online now with your detailed application documents (including cover letter, CV, reference/performance record). We look forward to getting to know you!

Questions about this position will be answered by:
Miranda Guci
Phone: +49 (0)761 4588 2813

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 80741 Application Deadline:

Job Segment: Sustainability, R&D Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Chemical Research, Energy, Engineering, Research

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