Master Thesis: "Modification of aromatic polymers with ion-conducting groups and application in fuel cells and electrolysis"
Development of novel technologies such as fuel cells, electrolysis and redox-flow batteries is a very active field of research nowadays due to the need for implementation of renewable energy technologies to decarbonize the society. An important part of this research field is the development of novel polymeric materials, which are used as ion-conductive polymers and membranes in the abovementioned electrochemical processes. At HI ERN the team „Membrane Processing and Synthesis“ is executing the research on novel polymeric materials. During the master thesis, a set of novel aromatic polymers will be synthesized into which cation-conductive groups such as phosphonic acid and sulfonic acid or anion-conductive functional groups such as quaternary ammonium will be introduced in the next step. The new materials will be characterized ex-situ and in-situ in fuel cells and/or electrolysis to investigate, if the new polymers and membranes show improved properties in comparison to the standard perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) materials.
We offer...
... an excellent, international and interdisciplinary working environment with leading experts in the fields of research. Flexibility to shape the master thesis’ topic to applicants interests and qualifications.
We are looking for...
... motivated students with excellent grades in the fields of chemistry, chemical engineering, or material science, who like to work in international teams. Therefore, besides good scientific basics, appropriate English skills are required. Extended knowledge in organic chemistry and polymer chemistry is required for this thesis, and basic knowledge in electrochemistry is preferable, but not essential.
Are you interested?
Please write a short mail with a CV and your transcript of records attached to:
Dr. rer. nat. Jochen Kerres
Team Leader, Membrane Polymer Synthesis
Room 3008