Jobs

• Scientist with IT background (Physicist / Chemist / Material Scientist etc.) (f/m/d)
• IKFT 01-2023 Master thesis on gasification of sugar cane bagasse and conditioning of the synthesis gas
• IKFT 01-2023 Master Thesis: Deactivation of Methanol Synthesis Catalysts – Introducing impurities from different H2/CO2 sources

Scientist with IT background (Physicist / Chemist / Material Scientist etc.) (f/m/d)

Category

Academics / Scientists / Engineers (master´s degree) (f/m/d), PhD students (f/m/d), Technical staff (f/m/d)

Job description

This group makes extensive use of synchrotron radiation and other spectroscopic instruments for the analysis of functional materials, in particular heterogeneous catalysts. Within a new initiative (ROCK-IT), we want to establish the automated acquisition of X-ray spectroscopic data on catalysts and integrate the online data archiving, reduction and analysis developed within the DAPHNE4NFDI project. This is a cooperation of KIT with DESY, HZB and HZDR and in particular longer stays at the beamline P65 on days are planned.

The candidate will be responsible for optimizing the process of spectroscopic and catalytic data acquisition at the CAT-ACT beamline at the KIT Light Source and for integrating it with the SciCat metadata catalog as a feasibility check for robotic fully automated experiments at the partner sites. The work will be carried out in close collaboration in particular with the project partners at the DESY beamline in Hamburg. Implementation of automation of catalytic experiments at the beamlines, analysis of large data sets and implementation of on-the-fly data analysis are among the tasks. The candidate should be able to understand, analyze and clarify technical requirements, design proposed solutions and be responsible for the quality implementation of these solutions. The latest technologies as well as room for initiative and creativity are available.

Personal qualification

Required:

- Ph.D. with a very good university degree in physics, chemistry, computer science, materials science, or related disciplines

- Experience with Python and Linux

- Knowledge in operando spectroscopy and diffraction techniques

- Fluent in English, German is an advantage

Desirable:

- Experience with working on synchrotrons

- Experience with Tango Controls, spec and/or Sardana experiment control software, SciCat and/or ICAT, or similar data and metadata catalogs

- Experience with analysis of large data sets, ML, and AI approaches

- Catalysis: experience with design, construction, programming/automation of experimental setups.

Salary

The remuneration occurs on the basis of the wage agreement of the civil service in TV-L E13.

IKFT 01-2023 Master thesis on gasification of sugar cane bagasse and conditioning of the synthesis gas

Category

Final Thesis (Bachelor and Master Thesis)

Job description

Fluidized bed gasification of dry lignocellulosics results in a mixture of H2/CO/CO2. In downstream gas conditioning these concentration might be optimized by the water-gas-shift reaction (WGS).

The Master thesis is embedded in a cooperation project between KIT (IKFT) and IPT, Sao Paulo, Brazil and promoted by DAAD. The applicant will work practically with the test facilities at IPT under the supervision of the technical staff from IPT. Scientific supervision and advice will be provided by the members of IKFT and the faculty of chemical engineering at KIT via online meetings.

Gasification experiments are carried out varying the parameters temperature, pressure and residence time. The gas is cleaned from solids, tar and water and then conducted into a thermal reformer working without catalyst at 800 – 1100 °C. The mass balances are calculated and the gas quality measured by gas chromatography, including unwanted trace gases. The resulting end product should be evaluated for the use of potential downstream catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of pyrolysis oil.

The language of the written thesis is English.

Personal qualification

IKFT 01-2023 Master Thesis: Deactivation of Methanol Synthesis Catalysts – Introducing impurities from different H2/CO2 sources

Category

Final Thesis (Bachelor and Master Thesis)

Job description

By using H2 or mixtures of synthesis gas CO/CO2/H2), which have been produced by solar‑powered methods, it is possible to synthesize methanol in a renewable manner. Methanol itself is an important key component for the renewable transformation of the chemical industry, but can also yield synthetical fuels. For this, efficient and long‑term stable catalysts, based on Cu/ZnO are necessary. The deactivation of these systems is influenced by several factors. The most important effect is thermal or water‑induced sintering of the active metal. Impurities, such as sulfur and chlorine compounds are also known for their detrimental effects. As part of the InnoPool project “Solar Hydrogen – pure & compressed”, we use hydrogen from different solar‑based sources for methanol synthesis and compare their effects on catalysis and material stability. For this objective, a setup has been constructed and tested succesfully. It is to be expanded to introduce impurities in an exact manner. Afterwards, first test should be conducted and used catalyst material has to be analysed under strict inert conditions.

Personal qualification

They shall have: Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Engineering

Optional: Laboratory skills, experience working with inert atmosphere, experience working with small engineering plants