Master Thesis - Thin Film Electrodes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Electrolytic Cells (SOFC/SOEC) bei Forschungszentrum Jülich

At the Institute for Energy and Climate Research - Fundamentals of Electrochemistry (IEK-9), we conduct research on highly topical issues related to the energy transition and structural change. Our institute`s "Electrochemistry" group works on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Electrolysis Cells (SOFC/SOEC) with a focus on research and development of processes, mechanisms, degradation and materials in the field of experimental and theoretical applied basic research. The goal of the research and development work is low-cost fuel and electrolysis cells with improved energy and power density, longer lifetime and maximum safety. We are looking for talented young scientists for whom we offer research internships and theses. Learn more about our mission and pioneering projects here: https://go.fzj.de/IEK-9

Your Job:

Within the scope of various national and international projects, electrochemical processes in solid oxide fuel cells as well as electrolysis cells are investigated. We specifically are looking for a master student with experience in the field of development of thin film electrodes for SOFC / SOEC. Additionally, depending on your field of expertise and what else you consider to be your strengths, you will take responsibility for further experimental topics from the fields within the research projects: 1. processes and mechanisms, 2. Degradation, 3. Materials. For your specific topic, you will develop and deepen your skills in the appropriate methods. This is done, for example, on solid-state synthesis and screen printing of self-produced solid or symmetrical half cells or on their commercial ceramic counterparts.
In the field of materials the properties will be studied by means of:

• Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) is a thin-film deposition technique based on the sequential use of gas-phase chemical processes
• Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is a vacuum deposition method for coatings or thin films on substrates including metals, ceramics, glass and polymers
• X-ray diffraction (XRD) for structural investigations of the (manufactured) material
• Dilatometry for measuring the expansion of a material
• Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for determining the change in mass of a material as a function of temperature
• Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) for the determination of the elemental composition of a sample X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) for the non-destructive detection of the chemical composition of a sample.

In the investigation of processes, mechanisms and degradation, electrochemical experiments and characterization are carried out by means of:

• Current-voltage characteristics to measure the performance of a cell
• Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for the determination of running processes during operation of the cell
• Voltage-time curves to characterize the ageing behavior of a cell mass spectroscopic evaluation (MS), if necessary, to quantify the share of contained species in the output gas composition.

For this purpose, distribution of relaxation time (DRT) methods and equivalent circuit models (ECM) are additionally used for analysis. You will actively incorporate your results into projects and thus complement and expand the entire team with your concrete and creative contributions.

Your Profile:

• Master studies in physics, chemistry or materials science
• Knowledge of the fundamentals and applications of electrochemistry
• Experience in the manufacturing process of thin films (e.g. ALD, PVD) is required
• Practical experience in preferably several of the above task areas
• Good computer skills; experience in Python as a programming language is advanageous
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, as well as having fun to work as part of a team
• Fluent English and good German skills in writing and language

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• International environment, as well as an excellent infrastructure in one of the largest research centers within Europe.
• Varied involvement in current topics such as the energy transition through interdisciplinary collaboration
• Qualified supervision by scientific colleagues
• Excellent scientific equipment combined with the latest technologies and the possibility to successfully work in home office e.g. for two days per week (depending on the specific tasks) Contract as student assistant with flexible working hours