Thesis Investigation of Catalysts for Hydrogen Production from Dimethyl Ether

Thesis Investigation of Catalysts for Hydrogen Production from Dimethyl Ether

Location:

• Freiburg im Breisgau Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Work Schedule:

• Full-time
• Permanent position

Desired Skills & Knowledge:

• Design
• MS Office
• IT
• Progress
• CAN
• Origin
• Administration
• Windows
• Mobile App
• Industrial
• Make
• SAFe
• Storage
• Distribution
• Support
• Chemical Engineering
• Engineering
• Teamwork

Our Offerings:

• Supervision

Job Description:

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) is a leading organization for application-oriented research, with 75 institutes developing pioneering technologies. Around 32,000 employees contribute to shaping the future.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Europe's largest solar research institute, focuses on renewable energy research with its around 1,400 employees. Their work spans energy supply, distribution, storage, and utilization, driving the sustainable transformation of the energy system through research, industrial projects, spin-offs, and global cooperation.

Be part of change

For approximately 30 years, the "Sustainable Synthesis Products" department has been researching the energy system's transformation towards a hydrogen economy. Dimethyl ether (DME) is a promising option due to its high hydrogen storage capacity, energy density, good handling, and non-toxic nature. To integrate DME into the hydrogen economy, efficient green hydrogen release at the point of use is crucial. This involves investigating thermochemical, heterogeneously catalyzed release via steam reforming.

The thesis aims to experimentally characterize suitable catalyst systems for dimethyl ether steam reforming, focusing on activity, stability, and selectivity, along with kinetic investigations for developing a kinetic model.

• Exclusive insight: Gain insight into everyday research and development by collaborating with scientists.
• Laboratory infrastructure: Work with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment at Fraunhofer ISE.

Your Tasks:

To support our group "Synthesis Products: Applications and Characterization," we are seeking a student assistant starting March 1, 2026, for a Bachelor's or Master's thesis.

Your responsibilities include:

• Conducting a literature review on catalytic dimethyl ether steam reforming, side reactions, and deactivation mechanisms.
• Designing and planning suitable experiments.
• Experimentally investigating selected catalysts.
• Analyzing results for activity, stability, and selectivity, and identifying suitable operating windows.
• Characterizing catalyst samples before and after tests.
• Identifying potential deactivation mechanisms.

What you contribute:

• Research mix: Combine experimental work with theory, applying and expanding your academic knowledge.
• Supervision: Receive guidance and feedback from scientists throughout your work.
• Teamwork: Gain experience by collaborating with academic and student staff.
• Working hours and location: Flexible working hours and occasional remote work options are available.
• Equal opportunities: We value diversity and equal opportunities.
• After work: Participate in after-work events and annual employee parties.

In addition to the thesis, a contract as a student assistant will be offered. Remuneration will be based on your university degree level.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and welcome all applications regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation, and identity. Severely disabled persons will be given preference in case of equal suitability.

Your Profile:

• Currently enrolled as a student in chemical engineering, process engineering, chemistry, environmental engineering, or a related field.
• Previous experience with heterogeneous catalysts in fixed-bed reactors.
• Basic understanding of experimental laboratory work.
• Good knowledge of process engineering and reaction engineering.
• Commitment to teamwork and goal achievement.
• Independent and high-standard task completion.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Good English communication skills (speaking and writing).

Contact:

Moritz Poßmann Tel: +49 761 4588-2273 Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Professional Requirements:

• Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemical Reaction Engineering, Experimentation, Research, Catalysis, Lab Techniques, Microsoft Office, Process Engineering, Ecology

Personal Skills:

• Teamwork

Education Level:

• Bachelor

Language Skills:

• English

Application:

Apply Now

Industry:

Education / Research

Employer:

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Address:

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Am Wolfsmantel 33 91058 Erlangen

Web:

http://www.fraunhofer.com, www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Benefits:

• Hybrid Remote Model