Thesis: "Dynamic DRIFTS Experiments for Catalyst Development in the Hydrogen Sector"

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 research institute in Europe. Our around 1,400 employees work for a sustainable, economical, safe and socially fair 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. Through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, spin-off companies and global cooperation, we shape the sustainable transformation of the energy system.

Would you like to actively help shape the energy transition and gain practical experience during your studies? At Fraunhofer ISE, you will contribute to achieving this goal. We are currently seeking a Student Assistant for our group "FCC Brennstoffzelle: Charakterisierung".

Fraunhofer ISE has been researching "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, synthesis of compounds such as ammonia, dimethyl ether, methanol (Power-to-X products), and their conversion to end applications. We develop and optimize processes and reactor concepts for the production of PtX products and thermochemical hydrogen production from PtX products.

To establish green ammonia as a hydrogen carrier in the future energy system, we are looking for dedicated students who want to make the thermochemical release of hydrogen energy-efficient and economical. In our exciting project, we are researching new catalysts for the production of green ammonia. Our infrared spectrometer allows for real-time measurements under actual conditions.

What you will do

Become a pioneer in hydrogen technology and support us in these areas:

You will conduct DRIFTS experiments to analyze catalyst surfaces.
You will evaluate IR spectra with regard to surface changes.
You will perform operando measurements to observe dynamic processes.
You will compare the results with complementary analytics such as XPS.
You will compile your findings into a well-structured thesis and present them.

What you bring to the table

You are enrolled as a student in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
You are interested in catalytic research.
You have basic knowledge of infrared spectroscopy and ideally some experience with DRIFTS.
You are interested in heterogeneous catalysis and surface chemistry.
Prior laboratory experience with catalysts is advantageous but not required.
You work independently and goal-oriented.
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.
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 is agreed. Remuneration is based on the level of your university 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: +49 761 4588 2813

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 76048

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

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