Chemical Physics Beyond Equilibrium

Course with Participations of Group Members

Offers for Theses in the Group

Chimera states in asymmetric two-population networks

In this theoretical project from the field of Nonlinear Dynamics, the collective dynamics of coupled oscillators shall be explored. More precisely, the dynamics of two interacting sets - or populations - of oscillators shall be studied. It has been shown that symmetric two-population networks, where each population consists of the same number of oscillators, might exhibit a symmetry-breaking to a so-called chimera state, characterized by the coexistence of coherence and incoherence. In this project, the dynamics of asymmetric networks with different population sizes shall be explored, with particular emphasis on the existence of chimeras. The projects includes both analytical and numerical investigations.

suitable as

• Bachelor’s Thesis Physics

Supervisor: Katharina Krischer

Optimization of the electrochemical fabrication process of a nanostructured copper electrode with scanning electron microscopy

Die CO2-Reduktion ist die elektrochemische Aufwertung von CO2-Gas zu Kohlenwasserstoffen und organischen Molekülen. Dabei ist die Vorstrukturierung des zu verwendenden Katalysators, in diesem Fall Kupferoxid, essenziell für die Effizienz und die Produktzusammensetzung der Reduktion. In dieser Arbeit soll ein existierender elektrochemischer Herstellungsprozess für Kupferoxidelektroden optimiert werden. Diese Untersuchung wird primär mit Rasterelektronenmikroskopie durchgeführt, aber auch elektrochemische Methoden und gaschromatographische Produktanalyse kommen zur Anwendung.

suitable as

• Bachelor’s Thesis Physics

Supervisor: Katharina Krischer

Real-Time DEMS Investigation of Catalytic Processes

Aim of this research project is a better understanding of the complexity of catalytic processes at respective electrode surfaces. This is of great importance, e.g., in fuel cell research and development as well as in CO2 reduction processes. The proposed project is intended to provide a much better correlation of the electrode potential and specifity of the electrode surface with reaction products, and the interference of competing electrochemical processes with each other at the same electrode potentials. DEMS is an abbreviation for Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectroscopy. This technique allows for the detection of reaction products in situ and in operando with a resolution of less than 10-15 mol/s.

suitable as

• Master’s Thesis Applied and Engineering Physics

Supervisor: Werner Schindler

Current and Finished Theses in the Group