Thesis "Investigation of Catalysts for Hydrogen Production from Dimethyl Ether"

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg is the largest solar research institute in Europe. Our around 1,400 employees work for a sustainable, economical, safe and socially fair energy supply system based on renewable energies. We contribute to this with our research priorities of energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage and energy use. Through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, spin‑off companies and global cooperation, we shape the sustainable transformation of the energy system.

Be part of change

For around 30 years, the “Sustainable Synthesis Products” department has been researching the transformation of our energy system toward a hydrogen economy. In this context, dimethyl ether (DME) is considered a promising option due to its high hydrogen storage capacity and energy density, good handling properties, and non‑toxic characteristics. To establish DME as part of the hydrogen economy, it is necessary to develop efficient release of green hydrogen at the point of use. To this end, thermochemical, heterogeneously catalyzed release via steam reforming is being investigated.

The goal of the thesis is the experimental characterization of suitable catalyst systems for dimethyl ether steam reforming. The focus is on their activity, stability, and selectivity as well as kinetic investigations with a view to developing a kinetic model.

To support our group “Synthesis Products: Applications and Characterization,” we are looking for a student assistant starting March 1, 2026, with the opportunity to complete a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a literature review on catalytic dimethyl ether steam reforming, side reactions, and deactivation mechanisms.
• Design and plan suitable experiments.
• Investigate the selected catalysts experimentally.
• Analyze the results regarding activity, stability, and selectivity and identify suitable operating windows.
• Characterize catalyst samples before and after the tests.
• Identify possible deactivation mechanisms.

Qualifications

• Enrolled as a student in chemical engineering, process engineering, chemistry, environmental engineering, or a comparable field of study.
• Have already gained experience with heterogeneous catalysts in fixed‑bed reactors.
• Bring a basic understanding of experimental laboratory work.
• Have good subject knowledge in process engineering and reaction engineering.
• It is important to contribute to your team and achieve goals together.
• Plan and complete tasks independently and to a high standard.
• Comfortable using MS Office.
• Good English skills in speaking and writing.

What We Offer

• Exclusive insight: By working together with the scientists in our work unit, you will gain an insight into everyday research and development at a research institute.
• Laboratory infrastructure: At Fraunhofer ISE, we work with state‑of‑the‑art facilities and equipment so that research projects can be carried out using the latest technology.
• Research mix: We give you the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory and thus apply and expand your knowledge from your studies.
• Supervision: You will be supervised in your work by scientists and receive feedback on your progress.
• Teamwork: You will gain experience of working in a team by interacting with academic and student staff and will be able to contribute the experience you have already gained.
• Working hours and location: We offer you the opportunity to flexibly adapt your working hours to your needs by arrangement and to work from home from time to time.
• Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and make room for diversity.
• After work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after‑work events or our annual employee parties.

In addition to the thesis, a contract as a student assistant is agreed. Remuneration is based on the level of your university degree.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

Ready for change? Apply now with your detailed application documents (including CV, cover letter, employment references/certificates and/or academic transcript) and make a difference! After we receive your online application, you will automatically receive a confirmation of receipt. We will then contact you as soon as possible to let you know the next steps.

Questions about this position will be answered by:

Moritz Poßmann

Tel.: +49 761 

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

Requisition Number: 82683