Open-Positions

Description:
The aim of the SFB 1615 SMART reactor is to build a reactor that can convert renewable resources into various products (multipurpose reactors) and function autonomously (self-adapting). This should lead to more robust (resilient) processes that are more transferable to different scales and locations. A central challenge of the project is the development of customized bi- or trimetallic catalysts that enable the selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol - an important by-product of biodiesel production - to 1,2-propanediol under mild reaction conditions. Since the wettability of the catalyst should be variable in order to make it more resistant to catalyst poisons, carbon nanotubes appear to be a promising carrier. Our aim is therefore to deposit a highly active and selective metallic catalyst on a customized CNT forest whose wettability can be controlled by applying a voltage.

As part of this thesis, the catalyst is to be further developed in collaboration with the Technical University of Hamburg. Tri-metallic catalysts are to be synthesized and compared with the bi-metallic systems. In addition, it will be investigated how different synthesis parameters influence the activity and selectivity of the catalyst.

The performance of the catalyst will be tested on an 8-fold multi-batch system. An important focus of the work is on the analysis of the catalyst. Various methods (ICP-OES, XRD, N2-physisorption, CO-chemisorption, H2-TPR, SEM-EDX, XPS) are used to characterize the catalyst as comprehensively as possible and to link these data with the experimental results.

If you are interested or have any questions, please contact me by e-mail or drop by my office D135!
Contact:
Dominique Lumpp
Bundesstraße 45, Büro D135
E-Mail: dominique.lumpp@uni-hamburg.de
Tel: +49 40 42838-9003

Intended for: Master-Thesis
Field: Inorganic molecular chemistry, Computational chemistry
Duration/Starting Date: Individual Arrangement

Description:

In order to make our chemical industry more sustainable in the future and to become independent of imports of fossil raw materials, Prof. Albert's research group works on the development of new processes for the valorization of biomass. An essential part of this research is the development of new catalyst materials. Substances from the class of heteropolyacids have proven to be promising candidates for these applications. They are anionic molecular clusters of oxo-ligands and transition metals (heteropolyanions), which have a very high Brønsted acidity in their protonated form (heteropolyacids). The properties of these compounds can be adapted for catalytic applications by selectively varying their composition and structure.

As part of your Master's thesis, you can support us in this research by synthesizing tailored heteropolyanions with different structures and protonating them using an ion exchanger. In order to understand the protonation of the different structures at the molecular level, we want to carry out DFT calculations in collaboration with Prof. Vondung and compare the results with the experimental data.

We offer you the opportunity to get to know synthesis methods in molecular inorganic chemistry as well as the practical application of DFT calculations and various analytical methods. Following this Master's thesis, there is the possibility for particularly competent and committed candidates to do a doctorate in the field of catalyst synthesis in the Albert research group.

 

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Lisa Vondung (Office: AC 437b)

E-Mail: lisa.vondung"AT"uni-hamburg.de

 

Dr. Maximilian J. Poller (Office: TMC D29)

E-Mail: maximilian.poller"AT"uni-hamburg.de

Intended for: Master thesis
Field: Technical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry 
Duration/Starting Date: 6 months/Individual Arrangement

Description:

In the context of sustainable biomass valorization, the extraction and quantification of valuable biopolymers such as chitin and further chitin-derived N-containing products from shrimp crustacean waste is of great importance. Accurate analysis of the components within crustacean shells, including chitin, proteins, minerals (such as calcium carbonate), lipids, and pigments, is essential for optimizing their use in catalytic upgrading processes. We aim to develop a reliable method for quantifying and separating these components, following an enzymatic approach.

Our research group focuses on the catalytic upgrading of biomass waste, with a particular interest in converting chitin into valuable nitrogen-containing small organic molecules. To support this effort, we aim to establish a method for the selective extraction and quantification of the key components of chitinous crustacean shell waste.

As the first part of a master thesis, your work will involve the initial chemical removal of minerals, primarily calcium carbonate, followed by enzymatic deproteinization. The remaining components—chitin, proteins, minerals, lipids, and pigments—will be quantified using appropriate analytical techniques. This part will play a crucial role in supporting our catalytic upgrading studies.

Following this, you will also carry out catalytic experiments with N-containing model compounds like N-Acetylglucosamine (NAG), Chitosan and the biopolymer chitin to develop an analytical method for the qualification and quantification of the valuable N-nitrogen-containing products. This study is essential for the subsequent optimization of the catalyst system and also for the future upscaling of the process for the valorization of maritime biomass.

(Within the work, you get the unique opportunity to do research in two different working groups to gain experience in various topics, such as technical, biochemical and analytical chemistry.)

Contact:

Dr. Samrin Shaikh

E-Mail: samrin.shaikh"AT"uni-hamburg.de

Dr. Anna Romero

E-Mail: ana.malvis.romero"AT"tuhh.de