The vision of the DLR Institute of Future Fuels is to develop technological solutions that enable the cost-effective production of sustainable fuels and chemical commodities in the sunbelt of the earth on an industrial scale. At the institute, we use our unique infrastructure in which concentrated solar energy covers the heat demand of high-temperature processes. In the Department of Solar Chemical Process Development, we are jointly researching innovative materials, processes and reactors that make it possible to produce fuels using renewable energies and we develop sustainable concepts for the storage of solar/process heat and for the utilisation of renewable heat in industrial processes. An important part of our work is researching and testing new materials, processes and technologies on a laboratory and pilot scale, to this end, we utilise a modern infrastructure of laboratories and large-scale facilities.
What to expect
In your Diplom-/Master thesis, you will work with us to investigate the potential of perovskite oxide compositions to be used as thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) in order to buffer the temperature of metallic parts exposed to concentrated solar irradiation. The thesis will be carried out at the DLR Institute of Future Fuels in Cologne as part of an EU-funded research project. The candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary, multinational research team of chemical and materials engineers, chemists and physicists and will have access to state-of-the-art chemical and ceramic processing laboratories, a broad infrastructure of analytical and structural characterization tools and concentrated solar irradiation facilities available at the DLR campus in Cologne-Porz-Wahn.
Your tasks
• Synthesis of perovskite powders targeted for use as Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs)
• Coating of metallic substrates with such TBCs
• Microstructural, physicochemical and optical properties characterisation
of synthesized powders and produced coatings
• Multi-cyclic heating/cooling tests of coated substrates under simulated
solar irradiation and TBCs performance evaluation with respect to
thermal protection of underlying substrates
• Post-characterisation of TBCs and use of the solar campaigns results
to improve the coatings composition, performance, structural integrity and service-life
• Documentation and presentation of the results
Your profile
• Ongoing Master's degree in the field of Chemical/Process Engineering,
Chemistry, Materials Science or similar and basic studies (required coursework) completed
• Practical experience of working in chemical laboratories, preferably on synthesis,
processing and properties characterization of ceramic materials
• Basic knowledge of solid-state chemistry/physics
• Good oral and written communication skills in German or English
• Commitment and willingness to learn as well as a communicative and team-orientated manner
Remuneration is up to the German TVöD EG5 depending on qualifications and assigned tasks.
We offer
DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.
We look forward to getting to know you!
If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 2485) please contact:
Martin Roeb
Tel.: +49 2203 601 2673
