Thesis "Experimental investigations on ammonia synthesis in the power-to-ammonia context" in Freiburg bei Fraunhofer Gesellschaft

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany is the largest solar research institute in Europe. With a staff of about 1400, we are committed to promoting a sustainable, economic, secure and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energy sources. We contribute to this through our main research areas of energy provision, energy distribution, energy storage and energy utilization. Through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, spin-off companies and global collaborations, we are shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system.

You want to actively shape the energy transition and gain practical experience during your studies? With us, you will work in a young, open team on a forward-looking topic in the field of renewable energies. Our "Power-to-Liquids" group at Fraunhofer ISE deals with the conversion of "green" hydrogen from renewable electricity into liquid energy carriers ("e-fuels") and chemicals. Ammonia is a promising target molecule in this context, since it has favorable physical properties for transport and storage and also offers the possibility of material or energy use in various consumption sectors. An innovative process is being developed at Fraunhofer ISE for the energy-efficient and economical production of ammonia as part of the "power-to-ammonia" technology, which will be investigated in detail as part of the planned thesis.

The focus of the thesis is the detailed, experimental investigation of the ammonia synthesis and associated process steps, such as the sorptive separation of ammonia in the laboratory. The aim of the thesis is to plan, perform and evaluate experiments with different catalysts and adsorption materials in the laboratory.

For our group "Power-to-Liquids" we are looking for a student assistant with the opportunity to write a bachelor, master or diploma thesis as soon as possible.

What you will do

• You will conduct literature research on sustainable power-to-X processes and familiarize yourself with the reaction engineering fundamentals of ammonia synthesis.
• You will get to know the experimental setups in the laboratory and pilot plant that are to be used for experimental investigations.
• You deal with the design and planning of process engineering components in order to expand and improve the experimental setups.
• You plan and carry out experiments on the synthesis and adsorption of ammonia.
• You will summarize the results obtained in the form of a final thesis.
• Your tasks also include the documentation and discussion of the results.

What you bring to the table

• You are studying chemical engineering, process engineering, energy engineering, environmental engineering or a comparable field.
• You bring a basic technical understanding, enjoy application-oriented work and have basic knowledge in the field of reaction engineering and thermodynamics.
• You have experience and enjoy setting up and operating experimental equipment in the lab and ideally have experience working in a lab.
• You plan and complete tasks independently and with high quality.
• It is important to you to get involved in your team and to achieve common goals in interdisciplinary cooperation.
• You formulate your ideas clearly and listen carefully to others.
• The routine handling of Microsoft Office is a matter of course for you.
• You have already successfully demonstrated your excellent written and spoken English skills.

What you can expect

• You will work with one of the most popular employers on a par with the best.
• Open-minded colleagues are happy to welcome new talents into their ranks.
• We offer flexible working time models and give you the opportunity to work from home at times.
• We also foster a cooperative working atmosphere and open communication.
• We value equal opportunities and allow room for diversity.
• You can participate in attractive sports and health programs and after-work activities.

The remuneration is based on the degree of the university education.

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.