Master Thesis - Electrochemical CO2 Capture using Supercapacitive Swing Adsorption

Your Job:

In order to reduce anthropogenic CO2 emissions, efficient methods for separating CO2 from point sources are needed. Pressure and temperature swing adsorption processes are currently frequently investigated regarding their suitability for such a process. One disadvantage of these technologies is the high energy requirement during the temperature and pressure swings. Electrochemical separation methods, which do not require energy-intensive temperature or pressure swings and are based on electrochemical processes, offer an interesting alternative to these processes. In supercapacitive swing adsorption, the charging and discharging process of a supercapacitor is used for CO2 separation. As part of your work, you will vary different electrode materials and system parameters to investigate their effect on the adsorption properties. Your tasks will include:

• Production of nanoscale electrode materials
  
• Electrospinning and carbonization of polymer fibers
  
• Chemical and physical activation methods (e.g. CO2, KOH)
  
• Synthesis of carbon nanofiber-based composite materials
  
• Assembly and operation of the electrochemical measurement cell
  
• Testing and optimization of different cell parameters
  
• Charging protocol and electrolyte variation
  
• Evaluation and interpretation of the experimental data
  
• Presentation of research results in internal meetings

Your Profile:

• Ongoing master studies in chemistry, material science, physics or a comparable discipline
  
• Practical skills and interest in laboratory work
  
• Motivated and independent way of working
  
• Good communication and writing skills in German or English

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:

• MEANINGFUL TASKS: Your thesis deals with a future-oriented, socially relevant topic with direct practical relevance in an international environment
  
• SCIENTIFIC ENVIRONMENT: You can expect excellent scientific equipment, modern technologies, and qualified support from experienced colleagues
  
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
  
• FLEXIBILITY: Flexible working hours make it easier for you to balance work and study
  
• HEALTH & WELL-BEING: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
  
• FAIR REMUNERATION: We will pay you a reasonable remuneration for your thesis
  

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: 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.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey