Master Thesis \"Development of Ni-Alloy Electrocatalysts for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction\"

AUSTRIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GMBH; Wien; On-site; EUR 11,000 - 13,000; Full time

Job summary

The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Center for Energy in Vienna, invites a Master thesis candidate to contribute to the development of Ni-alloy electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction. You will perform literature searches, lab work, and develop protocols for Ni-alloy thin films produced by electrochemical deposition.

Under supervision, you will evaluate results, interact with experts, and gain experience in electron microscopy, XRD, Raman, GC and electrochemical testing, advancing CO2

Qualifications

• Ongoing master's studies in the field of chemistry, materials science, or physics
• Good knowledge of chemistry laboratory practice, electrochemistry, inorganic chemistry and thin film deposition is advantageous.
• Interest in the conception of scientific studies
• Enjoyment of application‑oriented questions of industry (primarily energy and carbon utilization industry)
• High level of commitment and team spirit
• Good knowledge of English in speaking and writing

Responsibilities

• Carry out a literature search, laboratory work, and intensively deal with CO2 utilization, electrochemistry, materials synthesis and structural material characterization.
• Main goal is to study and characterize the electrocatalytic behaviour of Ni-alloy thin films prepared by electrochemical deposition. Develop protocols for synthesizing or depositing Ni-alloy thin films.
• Learn to evaluate the obtained results and how to implement them for reducing CO2 in electrochemical H- and flow-cells.
• Hands‑on experience employing state-of-the-art materials characterizations including electron microscopy, energy‑dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography, and electrochemical stations for studying the as-synthesized Ni-alloy properties.
• Broaden knowledge and skills in the field of electrochemistry, materials science and emerging electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.
• Train in scientific work and have the opportunity to discuss experiences with scientific interdisciplinary experts from materials science, electrochemistry, and physics.

Skills

Chemistry laboratory practice

Electrochemistry

Inorganic chemistry

Thin film deposition

Education

Master's student in chemistry, materials science, or physics

Tools

Electron microscopy

Energy-dispersive X-ray

X-ray diffraction

Raman spectroscopy

Gas Chromatography

Electrochemical stations

Job description

The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is Austria’s largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO). We aim to transform scientific excellence into innovation with impact. Together with our partners, we develop technologies and solutions for a sustainable, resilient, and digitalized future, strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and technological sovereignty. Our international teams combine cutting-edge research with strong implementation expertise to create measurable value for industry and society.

Our Center for Energy located in Vienna (Giefinggasse, 1210), invites applications for a master’s thesis position within the Competence Unit "Power and Renewable Gas Systems". Our activities deal with materials research and development for advanced earth-abundant electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. These activities aim to utilize CO2 as a feedstock for producing industrial chemicals and renewable synthetic gases.

As part of our research field "Energy Conversion and Hydrogen Technologies", you will contribute to our industrially relevant research project on electrochemical CO2 reduction, which is supported by the Austrian Research and Promotion Agency (FFG), focusing on synthesis and characterization of Ni-alloy thin-film catalysts. The project attempts to quantify and analyse the effects of alloying elements on the electrochemical behaviour of the Ni-alloys.

Master Thesis "Development of Ni-Alloy Electrocatalysts for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction"

CENTER FOR ENERGY

• You will carry out a literature search, laboratory work, and will intensively deal with the topic of CO2 utilization, electrochemistry, materials synthesis and structural material characterization.
• The main goal of this master’s thesis is to study and characterize the electrocatalytic behaviour of Ni-alloy thin films prepared by electrochemical deposition. Under the supervision of our team, you will develop protocols for synthesizing or depositing Ni-alloy thin films.
• You will learn to evaluate the obtained results and how to implement them for reducing CO2 in electrochemical H- and flow-cells.
• You will have hands‑on experience employing state-of-the.art materials characterizations including electron microscopy, energy- dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography, and electrochemical stations for studying the as-synthesized Ni-alloy properties.
• You will broaden your knowledge and skills in the field of electrochemistry, materials science and emerging electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.
• You will train in scientific work and have the opportunity to discuss your experiences with scientific interdisciplinary experts from the field of materials science, electrochemistry, and physics.

Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner:

• Ongoing master's studies in the field of chemistry, materials science, or physics
• Good knowledge of chemistry laboratory practice, electrochemistry, inorganic chemistry and thin film deposition is advantageous.
• Interest in the conception of scientific studies
• Enjoyment of application‑oriented questions of industry (primarily energy and carbon utilization industry)
• High level of commitment and team spirit
• Good knowledge of English in speaking and writing

What to expect:

• Duration of the master’s thesis project: 6 months
• Start date: ideally 01.11.2026 – However there is some flexibility concerning the start date
• EUR 1,034.32 gross per month for 20 hours/week based on the collective agreement. There will be additional company benefits. As a research institution, we are familiar with the supervision and execution of master theses, and we are looking forward to supporting you accordingly!

At AIT, we create an inclusive and family-friendly working environment that promotes equal opportunities and actively strengthens diversity across our workforce and in leadership positions. Among other initiatives, we are committed to increasing the proportion of women in our company and therefore particularly welcome applications from female applicants.