Master Thesis: Determination of a kinetic approach for Dicyclohexylmethane dehydrogenation
Within the large-scale research project “Oxo-LOHC – Autothermal and Ultra-Deep Hydrogen Release from LOHC Systems”, innovative concepts are being developed to enhance both the efficiency of hydrogen release and the usable storage capacity of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) systems. A particularly promising approach is the autothermal LOHC dehydrogenation, in which the heat required for hydrogen release (dehydrogenation) is generated internally via the selective partial oxidation of the hydrogen-lean LOHC compound. This concept couples two parallel reactions: dehydrogenation and partial oxidation. By thermally integrating these reactions, the external heat demand can be significantly reduced or completely avoided, thereby improving overall process efficiency.
This thesis focuses on one of these reactions: the liquid-phase dehydrogenation of dicyclohexylmethane, a representative LOHC compound. The objective is to determine the reaction kinetics through a combination of systematic experimental investigations and parameter estimation. The resulting kinetic approach will serve as the basis for subsequent reactor modelling within the autothermal process concept.
In the experimental part, the dehydrogenation will be studied by varying different process parameters like temperature, pressure and LOHC concentration using a commercial catalyst. Afterward, kinetic parameters will be estimated by fitting experimental data to an appropriate kinetic approach. As the dehydrogenation reaction is reversible, the thermodynamic equilibrium constant must be determined and incorporated into the modelling framework.
Your Tasks:
- Planning and conducting hydrogenation and dehydrogenation experiments with diphenylmethane/dicyclohexylmethane in a high-temperature, high-pressure semi-batch autoclave
- Analytical characterization of reaction mixtures using gas chromatography
- Evaluation of experimental data and estimation of kinetic parameters via data fitting
- Adaptation of an existing script to determine the equilibrium constant
Your Profile:
- Enrolled in a master’s program in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or similar
- Solid knowledge of chemical reaction engineering and chemical thermodynamics
- Strong interest in experimental laboratory work and analytical techniques
- Experience with modeling tools (e.g. MATLAB)
- Independent and structured working style
- Proficiency in German or English
Comments:
- The experimental work will be conducted in Erlangen at the FAU Technical Faculty
- The master’s thesis will be supervised by Prof. Peter Wasserscheid and Dr.-Ing. Michael Geißelbrecht
Earliest starting date: April 2026
Are you interested?
Please send a concise email with your CV and transcript of records to:
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