Check out our research topics and our open theses
Bachelor's Thesis ☰ Expand

Over 2-3 months, you’ll dive into hands-on research, applying the knowledge you’ve gained throughout your studies. As a Bachelor’s thesis student, you’ll work closely with our team, contributing to real-world projects and gaining valuable insights into academic research.

Got a fascinating idea of your own? We’re excited to hear it! Reach out to us!

Configuration of AVL Fire M for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Degradation Studies

Keywords: PEFC, Degradation, Programming, Fuel Cell

Description: This thesis involves implementing relevant physical and chemical degradation mechanisms, optimizing mesh structures, and calibrating boundary conditions to ensure accurate simulation of real world fuel cell behavior.

Contact: Joel Edjokola BTech master, Ass.Prof. Merit Bodner

Click here for more information

Plasma-induced Synthesis of Ammonia

Keywords: Green ammonia, non-thermal plasma, decentralized synthesis, sustainable energy, CO2 reduction

Description: This thesis investigates non-thermal plasma reactors for decentralized, eco-friendly ammonia synthesis from nitrogen and green hydrogen.

Contact: Assoc.Prof. Susanne Lux, Assoc.Prof. Thomas Wallek

Click here for more information

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Development

Keywords: Sustainable Aviation Fuels, Decarbonization, Surrogate Mixtures

Description: This thesis develops surrogate mixtures for SAF by optimizing the true boiling point curve and other key fuel properties using FuelComp software.

Contact: Assoc.Prof. Thomas Wallek

Click here for more information

TCDC Power Consumption Characteristics

Keywords: TCDC, Power Consumption, Taylor-Couette, Scale-up

Description: This thesis systematically examines the TCDC’s power consumption under different speeds, fluid viscosities, and operating modes using DoE methodologies.

Contact: Assoc.Prof. Susanne Lux, Assoc.Prof. Thomas Wallek

Click here for more information

Glycerin Waste Treatment – Solid-Liquid Extraction

Keywords: Glycerin, Biofuels, Solid-Liquid Extraction, Waste Treatment, Pilot Plant, Scale-up

Description: This thesis focuses on developing a solid-liquid extraction process to separate usable feed stocks from glycerin waste produced during biofuel production.

Contact: Dipl.-Ing. Max Vogi

Click here for more information

Understanding Degradation Mechanisms of Gas Diffusion Layers in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Keywords: PEFC, Fuel Cell, Degradation

Description: This thesis focuses on establishing effective understanding on the degradation of gas diffusion layers for polymer electrolyte fuel cells.

Contact: Joel Edjokola BTech master, Ass.Prof. Merit Bodner

Click here for more information

Plant Design Exercise / Preject Laboratory Course ☰ Expand

In just 1-2 months, you’ll become a part of our team and gain valuable insights into our research and daily work. Whether as a stand-alone project or a precursor to a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis, a Project Laboratory is the perfect opportunity to explore your interests and develop your skills in a focused, real-world setting.

an idea or specific area you’re curious about? Let us know—we’re here to collaborate and make it a meaningful experience for you!

Plasma-induced Synthesis of Ammonia

Keywords: Green ammonia, non-thermal plasma, decentralized synthesis, sustainable energy, CO2 reduction

Description: This thesis investigates non-thermal plasma reactors for decentralized, eco-friendly ammonia synthesis from nitrogen and green hydrogen.

Contact: Assoc.Prof. Susanne Lux, Assoc.Prof. Thomas Wallek

Click here for more information

Test Setup Construction for Measuring Water and Gas Permeability of Membranes

Keywords: Membranes, Permeability, Fuel Cells, Electrolysers, Gas Separation, Experimental Setup

Description: This construction exercise involves designing and assembling a custom test rig to measure water and gas permeability of membranes under controlled conditions. The system includes pressurized gas flows, humidification, and separation units.

Contact: DI Mathias Heidinger, Ass.Prof. Merit Bodner

Click here for more information

Understanding Degradation Mechanisms of Gas Diffusion Layers in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Keywords: Gas Diffusion Layers, GDL, Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells, PEFC, Degradation Mechanisms, Oxidation, Material Characterization

Description: This project investigates the degradation mechanisms of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. GDLs, composed of a microporous layer and a macroporous substrate, are essential for performance and stability. However, they are vulnerable to chemical degradation from oxidative processes. By mimicking operational conditions, this study will evaluate GDL performance under stress factors such as oxidation and temperature, aiming to enhance understanding and durability of PEFC materials.

Contact: Joel Edjokola, Ass.Prof. Merit Bodner

Click here for more information

TCDC Power Consumption Characteristics

Keywords: TCDC, Power Consumption, Taylor-Couette, Scale-up

Description: This thesis systematically examines the TCDC’s power consumption under different speeds, fluid viscosities, and operating modes using DoE methodologies.

Contact: Assoc.Prof. Susanne Lux, Assoc.Prof. Thomas Wallek

Click here for more information

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Development

Keywords: Sustainable Aviation Fuels, Decarbonization, Surrogate Mixtures

Description: This thesis develops surrogate mixtures for SAF by optimizing the true boiling point curve and other key fuel properties using FuelComp software.

Contact: Assoc.Prof. Thomas Wallek

Click here for more information

Glycerin Waste Treatment – Solid-Liquid Extraction

Keywords: Glycerin, Biofuels, Solid-Liquid Extraction, Waste Treatment, Pilot Plant, Scale-up

Description: This thesis focuses on developing a solid-liquid extraction process to separate usable feed stocks from glycerin waste produced during biofuel production.

Contact: Dipl.-Ing. Max Vogi

Click here for more information

Characterization and Design of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents

Keywords: Deep Eutectic Solvents, Physiochemical Properties, Biorefinery, Renewable Resources

Description: This thesis investigates the physiochemical properties of natural deep eutectic solvents and develops new solvent formulations for biorefinery applications.

Contact: Dipl.-Ing. Christoph Weinzettl

Click here for more information

Optimization of a LabVIEW controlled HT- and LT-PEFC Test Station

Keywords: LabVIEW, HT-PEFC, LT-PEFC, Fuel Cell, Test Station, Optimization, Code Restructuring

Description: This thesis aims to optimize a LabVIEW program to enhance performance and user experience in controlling high- and low-temperature fuel cell test stations.

Contact: DI Maximilian Käfer, DI Florian Tritscher, Prof. Merit Bodner

Click here for more information

Master's Thesis ☰ Expand

Unlock your research potential with a Master’s thesis! Over six months, you’ll apply your expertise to real-world challenges, becoming a vital part of our research. For most theses you will receive a Geringfügige Beschäftigung and financial support, while making a meaningful contributions to research projects.

Have your own exciting idea? We'd love to hear it! Just get in touch with us!

Protective Coatings for IDE Sensors: Enhancing Long-term Stability in Fuel Cell Environments

Keywords: Fuel Cell, Test Station, Coating, Microscopy, Sensors

Description: This thesis aims to identify solutions to extend the lifetime of interdigitated electrode sensors.

Contact: DI Maximilian Käfer, Prof. Merit Bodner

Click here for more information

Water Analysis for Degradation in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells and Electrolysers

Keywords: Fuel Cells, Electrolysers, Water Analysis, Degradation Products, Ionomer Breakdown, Fluoride Detection

Description: This thesis investigates degradation products in the effluent water of polymer electrolyte fuel cells and electrolysers. The aim is to develop and validate measurement procedures for a better understanding of system durability and failure mechanisms.

Contact: DI Mathias Heidinger, Ass.Prof. Merit Bodner

Click here for more information

Degradation Analysis of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells under Reactant Depletion Conditions

Keywords: Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells, PEFC, Reactant Depletion, Degradation Mechanisms, Experimental Design, Diagnostics

Description: This Master Thesis investigates the effects of varying levels of reactant depletion on the performance and durability of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Through controlled experiments using an S++ single cell setup, the influence of reactant flow and operating conditions will be analyzed to identify degradation mechanisms. The project includes a literature review, experimental work, material characterization, and data analysis. Results will help improve PEFC reliability for hydrogen energy systems.

Contact: Joel Edjokola, Ass.Prof. Merit Bodner

Click here for more information

Flooding Phenomena in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Keywords: Flooding, Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells, PEFC, Water Accumulation, Electrochemical Measurements, Performance, Lifetime

Description: This thesis investigates the impact of water accumulation on PEFC performance and lifetime by inducing and analyzing flooding phenomena.

Contact: DI Mathias Heidinger, Ass.Prof. Merit Bodner

Click here for more information

Investigation of the cyclic behavior of Metal Hydrides for Hydrogen Storage

Keywords: Metal Hydrides, Hydrogen Storage, Cyclic Stability, Activation, Chemical Kinetics, Testing Infrastructure

Description: This thesis evaluates the performance of various metal hydride materials by analyzing their activation requirements, cyclic stability, and chemical kinetics.

Contact: DI Özge Kiziltan, Ass.Prof. Merit Bodner

Click here for more information

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Development

Keywords: Sustainable Aviation Fuels, Surrogate Mixtures, TBP, FuelComp, Decarbonization, Programming

Description: This thesis aims to develop surrogate mixtures for SAF by optimizing the true boiling point curve and key fuel properties using FuelComp software.

Contact: Assoc.Prof. Thomas Wallek

Click here for more information

Radial Distribution Functions by Monte-Carlo Simulation

Keywords: Radial Distribution Function, RDF, Monte-Carlo Simulation, Fluid Phase Properties, Temperature, Density

Description: This thesis uses molecular Monte-Carlo simulations to determine high-precision RDFs of liquids for fluid phase property calculations and comparison with experimental data.

Contact: Assoc.Prof. Thomas Wallek

Click here for more information

Liquid Hydrogen Carriers in Low Temperature Fuel Cells: Cathode Catalyst with Strong Selectivity

Keywords: Catalyst Synthesis, Oxygen Reduction Reaction, Liquid Hydrogen Carrier, Electrochemical Characterization

Description: This thesis aims to develop cathode catalysts with strong selectivity for low-temperature fuel cells.

Contact: Dr. Michaela Roschger, Prof. Viktor Hacker

Click here for more information

Liquid Hydrogen Carriers in Low Temperature Fuel Cells: Anode Catalyst with Optimal Fuel Oxidation

Keywords: Catalyst Synthesis, Fuel Oxidation, Liquid Hydrogen Carrier, Electrochemical Characterization

Description: This thesis aims to develop anode catalysts for low-temperature fuel cells, which offer optimal fuel oxidation of liquid hydrogen carriers.

Contact: Dr. Michaela Roschger, Prof. Viktor Hacker

Click here for more information