Open-Positions

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: Inorganic and macromolecular chemistry
Duration/Starting Date: Individual Arrangement

Description:

For a planned model reaction, the hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol, a ruthenium-copper (RuCu2) catalyst appears to be the most suitable choice. The SFB 1615 is looking for a carrier that allows the catalyst activity to be controlled by external influences. One such carrier material could be responsive polymers. No synthesis method has yet been developed for this type of catalyst. Stimuli-responsive gels have the ability to reversibly absorb solvents, which leads to significant configurational changes caused by external influences. Solvent uptake leads to expansion of the polymer chains and the gel swells, while suppression of the solvent out of the polymer matrix leads to shrinkage of the gel: The conformational change of the gels takes place as a response to external stimuli, such as a change in the electrical environment in the bulk phase. This ability of responsible gels opens up a wide range of applications, but the final application of stimuli-responsive gels in various processes has so far only been established in a few areas due to insufficient understanding of the swelling behavior of the gels. 

Content of the work:

• Aim 1: Synthesis of ruthenium-copper nanoparticles

• Literature research on the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles

• Synthesis of ruthenium-copper nanoparticles

• Characterization of the produced nanoparticles using various analysis methods (PXRD, TEM, ICP-OES, FT-IR/Raman)

• Aim 2: Embedding the nanoparticles in pyrrole-based gels

• Production of polypyrrole gels

• Investigation of the influences of nanoparticles on the wetting behavior using contact angle measurements

• Examination of the gel structure using various analysis methods (FT-IR/Raman, NMR, visual determination of the macroscopic state, SEM, TEM, ICP-OES)

• Strength measurements of the gels produced during electrical response

Contact::

Dominique Lumpp
dominique.lumpp"AT"uni-hamburg.de
+49 40 42838 9003

Patrick Kißling
patrick.kissling"AT"tuhh.de
+49 40 42878 2545

Kathrin Eckert
kathrin.eckert"AT"tuhh.de
+49 40 42878 4296

Intended for: Master-Thesis
Field:Technical Chemistry/Engineering
Duration/Starting Date: 01.02.2025

Description:The ERC project “BioValCat” is funded by the European Research Council and focuses on developing key technologies for sustainable chemical production. The project emphasizes the use of molecular catalysts, such as polyoxometalates (POM), whose activity and selectivity can be optimized through targeted adjustments of solvents and gas atmospheres. In this context, a three-phase jet loop reactor was designed and constructed. The aim is to enable the selective conversion of biomass with high carbon yield. This master’s thesis supports the commissioning of the reactor, performs hydrodynamic characterization, and delivers an initial proof of concept.

Your Profile:

•  You are enrolled as a student (m/f/d) in Process Engineering at TUHH or Chemistry at UHH.
• You work analytically, systematically, and independently.
• You have solid knowledge of fluid mechanics, reaction engineering, and process optimization.
• A "hands-on" mentality, enjoyment of practical work, and enthusiasm for getting involved and working on experimental setups are among your strengths.

What we offer:

• A challenging, practice-oriented research topic within the framework of a renowned ERC-funded project, offering the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the development and optimization of modern reactor systems.
• A young, open, and intercultural team of engineers and chemists to support you in your work.
• Flexible organization of your master’s thesis, tailored to your individual needs.

Contact:

M.Sc. Daniel Niehaus
+49 40 42838-3172
daniel.niehaus"AT"uni-hamburg.de

M.Sc. Ira Wirth
+49 40 42838-6047
ira.wirth"AT"studium.uni-hamburg.de