Thesis worker 30 hp - Hydrogen exhaust meets winter: Catalyst durability under freezing conditions

Introduction

Thesis work is an excellent way to get closer to TRATON/Scania and build relationships for the future. Many of today's employees began their TRATON/Scania career with their degree project.

Background

TRATON/Scania is undergoing a transformation from being a supplier of trucks, buses and engines to a supplier of complete and sustainable transport solutions. One important part in this strive is the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. Hydrogen produced from renewable sources such as wind- or solar power offers an alternative to battery electric in applications where for example long range and fast fuelling are important features. The hydrogen could be used either in fuel cells generating electricity or directly in specially adopted internal combustion engines (H2-ICE). The latter is a fairly mature technology which will be an important part in the implementation of hydrogen fuelled heavy trucks.

Although emissions of CO and CO₂ are negligible in H₂-ICEs, effective NOₓ control remains essential, making SCR technology a key component of future aftertreatment systems. However, the significantly higher water concentration in the exhaust gases creates operating conditions that differ markedly from those encountered in conventional combustion engines. While the impact of these conditions on NOₓ reduction performance must be considered, their effect on catalyst durability is equally important. In particular, water solutions condensation and repeated exposure to sub-zero temperatures may adversely affect washcoat integrity, potentially leading to degradation of the catalytic coating and reduced long-term system reliability.

Objective

This thesis will investigate the potential degradation mechanisms of coated catalytic materials subjected to freezing temperatures in the presence of water and representative dissolved species. Particular attention will be given to the role of washcoat formulation and binder selection in determining coating stability, adhesion, and resistance to mechanical damage. The outcome of the project will provide insights into the design of more robust catalytic materials and coating architectures for heavy-duty mobile applications.

Job description

The assignment will cover the whole process from idea to design of experiments and testing. It will include both theoretical and hands-on work in the laboratory as well as the use of advanced characterization techniques. The assignment involves contacts with different experts both at TRATON/Scania and KTH. 

We expect you as a candidate to have a curious mindset and a will to see things through from idea to final product. You will work in a dedicated team of driven experts from many aspects of engines and exhaust aftertreatment technologies.

The work will be performed both at Scania Materials Technology in Södertälje and Process Technology, KTH.

Education/program/focus

Master’s student in chemical engineering or equivalent. You should have an interest in experimental work and the ability to address technical challenges in the laboratory.

Number of students: 1

Start date: Spring 2027

Estimated time required: 20 weeks

Credits: 30 ECTS

Contact persons and supervisors

Supervisor:                         Riccardo Fersini, +46 (0) 7 377 963 97

                                            riccardo.fersini@se.traton.com

Co-supervisor:                     Anders Ersson, +46 (0) 8 553 514 20
anders.ersson@se.traton.com     

Group manager:                  Ragna Elger, +46 (0) 8 553 854 12
ragna.elger@se.traton.com

Application:
Your application must include a CV, personal letter and transcript of grades.

A background check will be conducted for this position. We are conducting interviews continuously and may close the recruitment earlier than the date specified.