Master Thesis - Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Formic Acid

Your Job:

To achieve sustainability in industry, it is necessary to mitigate CO2 emissions or temporarily balance the input-output flows until a viable transition to environmentally friendly sources of energy can be realized. We contribute to this goal by developing electrochemical processes to convert greenhouse CO2 into industrial-value products such as formic acid. Therefore, we strive to design electrochemical processes for this endeavor and build up an understanding of the partaking reactions. Your tasks in detail:

• Studying the effect of using different heterogeneous catalysts (based on Sn or Bi), membranes, and electrodes on the performance of a CO2-to-HCOOH electrolyzer
  
• Analytical characterization of the products by gas chromatography and ion chromatography
  
• Investigation of the degradation of the catalysts during the electrochemical process
  
• Combination and evaluation of the experimental data

Your Profile:

• Ongoing master`s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or a related field
  
• Previous experience in electrochemistry and analytical characterization is advantageous
  
• High level of motivation and reliability as well as an independent and analytical way of working
  
• Additionally, a good level of German is desirable, although not mandatory

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:

• An interesting and socially relevant topic for your thesis with future-oriented themes
  
• Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience alongside your studies
  
• An interdisciplinary collaboration on projects in an international, committed and collegial team
  
• Excellent technical equipment and the newest technology
  
• Qualified support through your scientific colleagues
  
• The chance to independently prepare and work on your tasks
  
• Flexible working hours as well as a reasonable remuneration
  
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
  
• Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. remote work
  

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere in Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.