Jobs

 

  • We welcome motivated students (Bachelor, Master) interested in nanomaterials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage.

  • We welcome applications for motivated "HiWis" in our projects.

  • We welcome motivated scholarship holders (PhD and PostDocs) to work with us.



We invite you to scroll down! 

 

  •  You can apply for a position listed below or send us an initiative application.

 

Please contact anna.fischer(a)ac.uni-freiburg.de for more information.

Please always include a CV and a motivation letter in your request, explaining why you want to do a PhD and why you are interested in the topic and in the group.

 

 

We are hiring!


Post Doc position

 

 Post Doc Position (f/m/d), 36 months

 
Engineering the 3D Architecture of Electrocatalytic Layers for H2 Production in PEM Water Electrolyzers
 
International French-German ANR-DFG Project
 
The research group Inorganic Functional Materials and Nanomaterials, headed by Prof. Dr. Anna Fischer, is looking for a Post Doc candidate (f/m/d) for “Engineering the 3D Architecture of Electrocatalytic Layers for H2 Production in PEM Water Electrolyzers”.
 
Full time position, start-date at the earliest possible date.
Description
 

 

About us: 

 

The group of Inorganic Functional Materials and Nanomaterials develops nanostructured materials and interfaces for electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems. We are a diverse and international team of chemists and material scientists working on material synthesis, advanced characterization, and application for electrochemical energy systems. Our laboratories are located at the Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry (IAAC), the Freiburg Center for Material Research (FMF) as well as the Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technology (FIT).
 
Project description / Your task: 
With massive deployment programs implemented worldwide, gigafactory construction for H2 production, it is clear the Hydrogen era is starting now. In this context, water electrolysis (WE) is considered as the key-energy conversion technology for carbon-free Hydrogen production. Among electrolysis technology, Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is the most advanced enabling high purity, high pressure, green H2 production from renewable energies.
In current PEMWE, both electrodes (anode and cathode catalyst layers) contain large amount of expensive and rare platinum-group-metal-based catalysts, that need to be drastically decreased without compromising activity nor stability. Besides the catalyst's activity, the 3D architecture and porosity of the electrodes (catalyst layers) is an equally important aspect that plays a crucial role as it regulates mass transport of electrons, water, protons and evolved gases. Improving PEMWE performance by engineering the 3D electrode architecture remains an underexplored challenge as it requires shaping of complex catalyst materials at multiple scales.
In this international project (ANR-DFG), three partners with complementary expertise will team up to tackle this challenge. Through this French-German consortium (Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité and University Freiburg) we will (i) design 3D-porous architectured catalytic layers with ultra-low loadings in noble metals and tailored particle properties and (ii) integrate the materials in PEMWE devices for H2 production.
The objective of the Postdoc project on the German side (University of Freiburg) will consist in (i) developing novel Pt-reduced catalysts with tailored morphology and maximized Pt utilization as well as (ii) engineering the cathode catalyst layer for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The fabrication of the 3D-architectured catalyst layers will be made using catalysts, comprising Pt nanoclusters and/or single sites, supported on 3D porous carbon supports with tailored composition and morphology. Both the carbon supports and the Pt-based catalysts will be prepared by advanced synthesis and templating methods at the University of Freiburg.1 Catalyst layer fabrication will involve automated spray deposition. The prepared materials as well as the processed electrodes will be characterized by several materials’ characterization techniques all available in the laboratories (elemental analysis, Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, physisorption measurements, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, small angle X-ray scattering etc.). The impact of the 3D-catalyst and electrode architectures on the electrochemical performance will be assessed at the rotating disc electrode and gas diffusion electrode level at the University of Freiburg and at the PEMWE test station level at the Université Paris Cité.2 These novel 3D engineered Pt-reduced cathodes, developed at the University of Freiburg, will be combined with advanced 3D porous Ir-reduced anodes3, developed by the French partners at Sorbonne Universities to achieve efficient PEMWE with reduced noble metal loadings and maximized noble metal utilization.
 
The work will be conducted in the framework of an international ANR-DFG project that will involve close collaboration between Prof. A. Fischer and her team (University of Freiburg, Germany), Prof. Dr. M. Faustini (Sorbonne Universities, France) and Prof. Dr. J. Peron (University Paris, France). Visiting periods in the French laboratory will be planned to carry out complementary characterizations and PEMWE test bench characterization.
 
1.    Zheng, Küspert, Fischer et al. Small, 2205885 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202205885.
2.    Duran et al. Chemistry of Materials 35, 8590 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c01524
3.    Faustini et al. Advanced Energy Materials 9, 1802136 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.2018021362.
 
Requirements:
·        You have a PhD in chemistry, physical chemistry, material science or engineering.
·        You have expertise in the synthesis and/or processing of nanomaterials, porous materials and/or catalysts, in-depth knowledge in materials characterization techniques as well as in electrochemistry.
o   Previous experience in the field of water electrolysis, atomic layer deposition and X-Ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS, EXAFS) is a plus.
·        Team-working capabilities, as well as excellent organization, communication and writing skills in English are required.
 
Location/supervision:
The candidate will work at the University of Freiburg. The PostDoc project will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Anna Fischer.
Application
Please send your application via email to the email address stated below including a CV, a short (max 3 pages) research summary about previous research experiences, a motivation letter and the contact of 2 references he/she worked with.
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

PhD positions

 

 

  • Open PhD position in the field of sodium ion batteries to come!

  • Open PhD position in the field of fuel cells to come!

Please contact anna.fischer(a)ac.uni-freiburg.de for more information.

Please always include a CV and a motivation letter in your request, explaining why you want to do a PhD and why you are interested in the topic and in the group.

 

 

 

Student research assistants (HiWi)

 

  • Open student research assistant position - We are hiring!

 

HiWi 1 - Optimization of gold nanoparticle arrays for nanostructured electrets


 Tasks and goals: The project NanoTret (livMatS excellence cluster) is about the development of nano-/ micro‑structured permanently charged surfaces for electrostatic mechanical energy harvesters. Your task will be to make electrets based on isolated gold nanoparticles. After the deposition by spin‑coating, you will also do the charging of the electret with a corona discharge or a tunneling current. 

The goal of your work will be to optimize the fabrication of the hexagonally structured gold nanoparticles. This includes the improvement of the size distribution and alignment of the nanoparticles. Through your work, you will get a complex understanding of a very versatile method for patterning a surface. Furthermore, you will learn the basics of working with silicon chips and gain insights into several interesting techniques like scanning electron microscopy.

Expectations: It would be desirable that you have a basic knowledge of lab work. Further, it would be great if you would consider yourself as a careful and clean worker because in the area of nanoparticles dirt can be terrible. That is all I am expecting of you, apart from being motivated.

Orga: HiWi positions are remunerated according to the usual rates and working hours can be arranged flexibly by arrangement.

Start: Immediately.

 

For more details contact niklas.maier@livmats.uni-freiburg.de with cc anna.fischer@ac.uni-freiburg.de

Please send a short motivation letter (half page) and your CV to the above-mentioned e-mail addresses. We are looking forward to your application!

 

 

HiWi 2 - Synthesis of mesoporous carbons as support materials for catalysts

 

Tasks and goals: The aim of this work is the scaled synthesis and characterization of different carbon materials for electrochemical applications. Mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon (MPNC) with controlled properties will be synthesized by hard templating. Further post-treatment is performed to refine the physicochemical properties of the carbon. The characterization of the produced particles is then performed by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy and gas adsorption.

Expectations: After a detailed introduction, independent work with proactive thinking and high accuracy and motivation is expected. Practiced and confident working in the lab is necessary, synthesis experience is desirable. English or German speaking Students from the fields of chemistry and materials science are welcome.

Orga: HiWi positions are remunerated according to the usual rates and working hours can be arranged flexibly by arrangement.

Start: Immediately.

 

For more details contact sven.kuespert@fmf.uni-freiburg.de , niklas.ortlieb@ac.uni-freiburg.de and cc anna.fischer@ac.uni-freiburg.de

Please send a short motivation letter (half page) and your CV to the above-mentioned e-mail addresses. We are looking forward to your application!

 

HiWi 3 - MAX and MXene from molten metals and molten salts

 

Tasks and goals: The project aims at optimization of the synthesis procedure of two-dimensional MXenes from the Mn+1AXn, where M denotes a transition metal, A is an element such as aluminum or silicon, and X is either carbon or nitrogen. Obtained few-atoms-thick layers will be used for the preparation of electrodes using advanced deposition techniques such as, doctor-blade coating, spray coating or 3D printing. The electrochemical performance of the produced electrodes will be investigated for the supercapacitor and battery systems.

You will acquire experience in synthesis of MAX and MXenes, their processing, electrochemical characterization and implementation into functional devices. 

Expectations: we are looking for a motivated candidate from the field of chemistry or material science. Knowledge in electrochemistry and/or experience in synthesis is a plus.

Orga: HiWi positions are remunerated according to the usual rates and working hours can be arranged flexibly by arrangement.

Start: Immediately.

 

For more details contact anna.fischer@ac.uni-freiburg.de

Please send a short motivation letter (half page) and your CV to the above-mentioned e-mail addresses. We are looking forward to your application!

 

HiWi 4 - Advanced Materials and Electrodes for the Development of Energy Storage Devices

 

Tasks and goals: The project aims at the optimization of the synthesis procedure for MoSx-decorated mesoporous carbon nanostructures. With a special focus on morphology and physicochemical property control, the obtained materials will be fine-tuned for electrochemical supercapacitors and batteries. The obtained carbons will be used for the preparation of electrodes using advanced deposition techniques such as doctor-blade coating, spray coating or 3D printing. The electrochemical performance of the produced electrodes will be investigated for electrochemical pseudocapacitor and Lithiom-ion battery systems.

You will acquire experience in the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials, their processing, electrochemical characterization and implementation into functional devices. 

Expectations: We are looking for a motivated candidate from the field of chemistry or material science. Knowledge in electrochemistry and/or experience in synthesis is a plus.

Orga: HiWi positions are remunerated according to the usual rates and working hours can be arranged flexibly by arrangement.

Start: Immediately.

 

For more details contact anna.fischer@ac.uni-freiburg.de

Please send a short motivation letter (half page) and your CV to the above-mentioned e-mail addresses. We are looking forward to your application!

 

HiWi 5 - Li - Ion battery based Photobatteries 

 

Tasks and goals: Our battery research in the DFG Excellence Cluster livMatS focuses on Cathode and Anode Materials for photo rechargeable Li-Ion Battery Systems. You will build Li-Ion Batteries in Coin Cells and Swagelok T-Cell in half cell and full cell setups. Further the preparation of electrode slurries and their casting via doctor blading will be part of your work. The electrochemical characterization will be done with standard measurement protocols and the techniques include Galvanostatic Charge Discharge, Cyclic Voltammetry and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. You will learn all relevant lab techniques in preparing electrode slurries and electrodes for Li-Ion-Battery Anode and Cathodes. You will learn how to build different lab scale characterization setups for Li-Ion Batteries such as Coin Cells and Swagelok T-Cells and how to characterize Li-Ion Battery half cells and full cells electrochemically. All of the techniques used are scalable to industrial levels and actually used in nowadays battery production processes.

Expectations: We are looking for a motivated student from the field of chemistry or material science (a Bachelor or Master is not needed but of course welcome). Knowledge in electrochemistry and/or experience in synthesis is a plus.

Orga: The contract will have between 30 and 40 hours per month. The salary depends on the working hours per month and whether you already have a bachelor degree or not, but will be between 370 and 450 € per month.

Start: Immediately.

 

For more details contact anna.fischer@ac.uni-freiburg.de

Please send a short motivation letter (half page) and your CV to the above-mentioned e-mail addresses. We are looking forward to your application!

 

 

Master or bachelor thesis topics

 

  • Open Master/Bachelor-Thesis Topics:


We are always searching for master/bachelor candidates to work on one of the following topics:

a) Synthesis, characterization and application of nanostructured photoanodes for water oxidation and beyond

b) Synthesis, characterization and application of nanostructured ORR electrocatalysts for heavy duty fuel cells

c) Synthesis, characterization and application of nanostructured N2 reduction electrocatalysts

d) Synthesis, characterization and application of nanostructured CO2 reduction electrocatalysts

e) Synthesis, characterization and application of nanostructured electrodes for enzyme electrocatalysis

f)  Synthesis, characterization and application of nanostructured electrets

g) Synthesis, characterization and application of battery materials (LIB, NIB and ZIB)


Applications should be send to anna.fischer@ac.uni-freiburg.de

 

Specific master topics:

 

1) Synthesis of macro-, meso-, microporous Fe-Zn-N-C Dual Atom Catalysts as Cathode Materials for the Alkaline Oxygen Reduction
 
PDF Download with more information on demand.
 

Background:

Currently, the most active catalysts for the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) are expensive platinum-based materials (Pt/C). The expensive platinum as well as the high cost of acid-stable fuel cell components are still one of the biggest problems. An alternative to the PEMFC is the anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC), which is again the subject of current research due to the development of new stable and high-performance AEM membranes.

The alkaline conditions of an AEMFC (pH 13) opens the possibilities for new precious metal-free catalysts with high activity and stability. Among these new materials, Fe-based single atom materials are the most promising cathode catalysts since they are highly active and stable for the oxygen reduction.

Tasks and Goals:

The aim of this work is the synthesis of different macro-, meso-, and microporous Fe-Zn-N-C catalysts for alkaline oxygen reduction by hard-templating. By optimizing the pore size and pore percolation, the accessibility of the single-atomic Fe-Nx sites should be maximized to prevent mass transfer limitations in the aqueous electrolyte as well as later in the fuel cell. Further physicochemical characterization will be performed by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy and gas physisorption.

What we expect:

After a detailed introduction, independent work with proactive thinking and high accuracy and motivation is expected. Practiced and confident working in the lab is necessary, synthesis experience is desirable. English or German speaking students from the fields of chemistry and materials science are welcome.

What we offer:

  • Modern synthesis of sustainable nanostructured materials
  • Training in a wide range of analytical methods for material characterization
  • Multicultural team with a lot of support and a pleasant working atmosphere
  • Flexible working time

 

Applications should be send to anna.fischer@ac.uni-freiburg.de and patrick.elsaesser@ac.uni-freiburg.de

 

 

2) Electrochemical stability studies of precious metal-free catalysts as cathode catalysts for alkaline oxygen reduction

PDF Download with more information on demand.

Background:

Currently, the most active precious metal-free cathode catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in an anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) are catalysts with molecular Fe-Nx sites. However, the stability of these molecular sites is currently being intensively discussed and investigated. In particular, the influence of oxygen on the aging of such materials has only been little researched so far, since most standardized measurement protocols are performed in Ar or N2 atmosphere.

Therefore, to study the influence of oxygen on stability, new protocols for electrochemical measurements in aqueous electrolytes are necessary.

Tasks and Goals:

The aim of this work is to investigate the influence of pyrolysis temperature on the catalytic stability of Fe-Zn-N-C catalysts for the alkaline oxygen reduction. The stability under simulated load-cycling as well as under simulated start-stop conditions in Ar- and O2-saturated electrolytes will be investigated, and the changes in the number of catalytically active Fe-Nx centers will be determined by electrochemical quantification. The physicochemical characterization of the produced catalysts is further performed by, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and gas physisorption.

What we expect:

After a detailed introduction, independent work with proactive thinking and high accuracy and motivation is expected. Practiced and confident working in the lab is necessary, experience in electrochemistry is desirable. English or German speaking students from the fields of chemistry and materials science as well as from the field of engineering are welcome.

What we offer:

  • Modern electrochemical characterization methods
  • Training in a wide range of analytical methods for material characterization
  • Multicultural team with a lot of support and a pleasant working atmosphere
  • Flexible working times

 

Applications should be send to anna.fischer@ac.uni-freiburg.de and patrick.elsaesser@ac.uni-freiburg.de

 
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