Master's Thesis – Electrochemical Investigations of Catalysts for Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolysis (AEM Electrolysis)

Research for a society in change: This is our drive at the Forschungszentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, we face the great social challenges of our time and explore interdisciplinary the digitized society, a climate-saving energy system and sustainable economy. Work together with nearly 7,700 colleagues in one of the largest research centres in Europe and shape the change with us! In the Institute of Energy Technologies – Basics of Electrochemistry (IET-1) we are researching highly topical topics about the energy transition and structural change. For example, we focus on the battery of the future and explore new battery concepts. How to make the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) from the climate killer a raw material of the future is another exciting topic that we are dealing with. The aim of the research and development work is cost-effective batteries, fuel cells and electrolyzers with improved energy and power density, longer service life and maximum safety! Find out more about our mission and future-oriented projects: https://go.fzj.de/iet-1 Master thesis – Electrochemical investigations on catalysts for anion exchange membrane electrolysis (AEM electrolysis)

AEM electrolysis is a key technology for hydrogen production, since it combines the advantages of competing electrolysis processes such as alkaline and proton exchange membrane electrolysis by the use of noble metal-free and cost-effective catalysts with simultaneously higher current densities in operation. Currently, nickel-based catalysts are predominantly used in AEM electrolysis. These are to be reduced or replaced by less critical raw materials. In the context of this work, alternative catalysts are to be used in AEM electrolysis by using various electrochemical characterization methods, e.g. linear and cyclic voltammetry (LSV, CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and rotating disk electrode (RDE) and further analysis methods are extensively investigated. Your tasks in detail: carrying out an incoming literature research into catalyst materials in AEM electrolysis and electrochemical characterization methods Conducting experiments for the determination of electrochemical base variables such as the electrochemically active surface, catalytic activity and kinetics of various catalysts and mixtures Investigation of chemical corrosion tendency and electrochemical stability Analysis of structural and surface-specific properties by means of accompanying analysis, for example particle size distribution of the catalysts used and contact angle measurement Reporting on the results in presentations and possibly in a scientific publication in a journal

Current master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, material sciences, or similar fields Found work experience in a chemical laboratory Knowledge of inorganic chemistry and electrochemistry Basic knowledge in the field of catalysis, corrosion or water electrolysis desirable Interest in electrochemical characterization methods and analytical work Self-employed and responsible work Motivation of high-quality laboratory work, data analysis and performance interpretation Very good English knowledge, both oral and written (at least B2 level after the GER), ideally proven by a certificate; also complete your profile your good knowledge of German

We work on highly topical socially relevant topics and offer you the opportunity to actively shape change! It expects a diverse range: Sensual tasks: Your thesis addresses a future-oriented, socially relevant topic with direct practical relevance in an international environment Close to practice: With us you will gain valuable practical experience next to your studies and will actively work on interdisciplinary projects with Scientific environment: It expects excellent scientific equipment, modern technologies and qualified support by experienced colleagues: Own responsibility: You design your tasks independently – from preparation to implementation Start-up & Collaboration: Enjoy cooperation in a dedicated, international and collaborative team. It is important to us that you arrive quickly in the team and are structured into your tasks. In addition, we will accompany you from the start and facilitate your start through our Welcome Days and our Welcome Guide Work-Life-Balance: Optimum conditions for the reconciliation of work and private life and a family-friendly corporate policy. The possibility of (ort-)flexible work is given in principle after consultation and in accordance with the pending tasks and (location-)terminations Flexibility: Flexible working time design facilitates your compatibility with your studies Health & well-being: Your health is at our heart. It offers extensive occupational health management with a variety of offers – e.g. through beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga courses and much more. In addition, our medical service as well as an experienced team of social counselling are on site Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sports compensation directly on site. Our canteen awaits you with a variety of options – you can enjoy your lunch break relaxed with lake view Fair remuneration: Your final work will be appropriately rewarded with us In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial team, we offer you a lot more: https://go.fzj.de/Benefits We are pleased to receive applications from people with diverse backgrounds, such as age, gender, disability, sexual orientation/identity and social, ethnic and religious origin. A competitive, diverse and inclusive working environment in which all their potentials can be realized is important to us. For further information on diversity and opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/diversitaet and targeted promotion of women: https://go.fzj.de/job-jo urney-women