Practical trainings, student assistants and theses

This study examines how surface properties (particle size, porosity, surface area, ...) affect the carbonation of Ca/Mg silicate minerals or tailings, focusing on enhancing CO₂ sequestration and understanding chemical mechanisms. Advanced techniques, including BET, porosimetry, SEM imaging, particle size distribution (PSD) analysis, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XRF, TGA, and particle shape/geometry studies will be used. A modified regrind mill setup will optimize surface area under ambient conditions to minimize passive layer formation and improve carbonation kinetics. The findings aim to support sustainable cement production by enhancing CO₂ sequestration processes and adding value to mine tailings.

• Educational background: Chemcial or Materials engineering, Process engineering or related field
• Knowledge of basic laboratory skills, analytical techniques (such as Raman spectroscopy, TGA, ICP, XRF, )
• Good English skills
• Ability to work independently

• Duration: 6 months
• Start date: as soon as possible
• Workplace: Freiberg

As an important element in batteries, lithium is a critical material for the future energy transition. Derivatives of the alkaloid punicine have been developed with various organic residues to specifically interact with elements such as lithium, or lithium-containing minerals, as surfactants for the upgrading of battery recycling products via flotation separation. Punicine, as a head group, represents a zwitterionic, switchable biomolecule (biosurfactant), in terms of charge via pH and in terms of radical state via UV irradiation potentially influencing its specific interaction with chemical groups or ions. This could be an important factor in ion flotation, which is used to separate ions from battery wastewater. The aim of the project is to investigate this aspect, with a focus on the specific interactions of punicine with lithium ions under the influence of irradiation. Along with ion flotation as the separation method, fundamental investigations such as calorimetry and FTIR will be employed.
We are looking for a motivated student who enjoys working with analytical methods and is eager to explore complex interrelationships.

• Student in, for example, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, etc.
• Interest in analytical methods
• First experience in the lab and working with analytical methods (FTIR, Calorimetry, etc.)

• Start date from April 2025 onwards
• Duration of the internship or thesis according to the study regulations, but at least 4 months
• Compensation possible, scholarship holders (e.g., ERASMUS+) are welcome