Masterthesis "Electrochemical characterization of corrosion in molten salts"

Utilizing molten salts as coolant within next generation (IV) molten salt nuclear reactors (MSRs) provides the potential to increase efficiency of nuclear power plants. At the same time corrosion of metallic components might raise concerns in the reliability of material systems.

Towards development and application of material concepts for new MSRs reliable corrosion testing strategies need to be developed. The objective of the project is to provide a basis for the evaluation of corrosion behavior of alloys in molten salts.

Your tasks in detail:

• You will conduct a literature study to summarize the corrosion behavior of commercial Fe- and Ni-base alloys in molten salts
• As a part of the corrosion team you will design and perform electrochemical experiments (e. g. OCP CV potentiostatic polarization) to characterize corrosion mechanisms under controlled conditions
• You will validate and expand a thermodynamic methodology to rank alloy resistance against scale growth and degradation in molten salts
• An additional part of the project will be analyzing the effect of salt composition on both electrochemical properties (e.g. redox stability) and the corrosion reactions
• Finally you will rate and identify dominant corrosion mechanisms through state-of-the-art metallography and surface analysis techniques

• Enrollment in a masters program in materials science chemistry or a related field
• Strong theoretical foundation in thermodynamics preferentially related to corrosion or oxidation of metals
• Experience with a high level programming language (Python or comparable tools)
• Enthusiasm for applied research in industrial surroundings is a plus
• Knowledge of dedicated techniques for material characterization is an asset

Everyone is welcome - regardless of gender origin or disability. Diversity enriches our team.