Internship „Experimental characterisation of a catalyst for the production of Oxymethylen ethers" in Freiburg bei Solar Energy Systems

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.

For our group "Synthesis Products: Separation and Production Technologies" we are looking for a student for a voluntary internship or mandatory internship on the topic "Optimization of the production of liquid energy carriers" from 01.04.2024 or later.

Would you like to play an active role in shaping the energy transition and write your thesis in this area? With us you will find the experts and the environment to realize these goals.

The "Synthesis Products: Separation and Production Technologies" group deals with the conversion of "green" hydrogen from renewable electricity into liquid energy carriers ("e-fuels") and chemicals. In addition to excellent transport and storage properties, liquid energy carriers also offer the opportunity to provide an alternative in sectors that are dependent on the use of carbon-based energy carriers. As a liquid energy carrier with similar properties to conventional combustion fuels, oxymethylene ethers offer promising production paths for CO2-neutral production. Fraunhofer ISE is developing an innovative process for the energy-efficient and economical production of oxymethylene ethers.
The focus of the internship is the detailed experimental characterization of a promising catalyst for the production of oxymethylene ethers and the mathematical modeling of the reaction network. The aim of the work is the production and distillative purification of these ethers on a larger scale to clarify final process issues before the construction of a pilot plant.

What you will do

• Your tasks will include the production of oxymethylene ethers in a high-pressure batch reactor and the purification of the various ethers using a distillation column.
• You will analyze the reaction mixtures using various metrics. Based on this, you will independently evaluate the experiments and plan new experimental campaigns.
• You model the results and create reaction kinetics for the catalyst used.
You present the results to your project team and discuss possible process concepts.

What you bring to the table

• You are a registered student in the field of chemical engineering, process engineering, energy engineering, environmental engineering or similar.
• You have good technical knowledge in the field of thermal process engineering and reaction engineering.
• You have a good basic technical understanding and an affinity for laboratory work and subsequent data analysis.
• You have initial experience in the analysis of mixtures of various chemical components or the motivation to get to know these processes.
• It is important to you to get involved in your team and to achieve common goals in interdisciplinary cooperation. You find it easy to establish and maintain trusting contacts.
• You formulate your ideas clearly and listen attentively to others.
You have already successfully demonstrated your good written and spoken English skills.

What you can expect

• You will be working at eye level with the best at one of the most popular employers.

• 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 give room for diversity.

• You can take part in attractive sports and health offers and after-work activities.

An expense allowance is paid for the internship. The weekly working time is 39 hours.

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.

Interested