Nick Herrmann

In my doctorate at the University of Hamburg in the Albert Working Group, I focus on the catalytic storage of renewable energies. While the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis is well-established, storage remains a challenge due to the gas’s tendency to leak. In my research, I convert the hydrogen with CO2 to methanol, methane or dimethyl ether, for example, as these can be stored for a longer period of time.

In Nico Fischer's research group in South Africa, I had the opportunity to use the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) reaction to convert hydrogen and carbon monoxide into long-chain hydrocarbons. Here I was able to apply my experience from previous work to a related topic. I took a known indium-based methanol synthesis catalyst and modified it so that it is active in the FT reaction.

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At the lab, shaping glass ampoules

I was given a very warm welcome on site and quickly felt at home as part of everyday laboratory life. I worked in a very large, open laboratory using a great many different systems. There were always PhD or undergraduate students from the various research groups on-site, preparing and running reactions or tinkering with the experimental setups. There was always time in between for a bit of small talk, both professional and personal.

My time there highlighted how Cape Town serves as a remarkable melting pot of diverse cultures and perspectives. The region is home to a diverse population, including indigenous African ethnic groups, descendants of European and Asian settlers, and a growing international community. In addition to the many personal stories shared, I gained hands-on experience and specialised skills from my colleagues that will significantly benefit my future work.

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The Rugbyfield on Campus

So before I could use them, I first had to activate the catalysts in a separate reactor and then enclose them in wax for transport. Once the reactor concept was explained to me, the process was straightforward; loading the catalyst and wax into the reactor, heating and pressurising the system, regulating the gas feed and initiating the analysis.

Analysing the FT products is the most demanding stage, as the accurate separation of fractions is vital for comparative catalyst evaluation. This provided the opportunity to implement the hot trap concept and glass ampoule sampling techniques. Producing the glass ampoules was a mini project in itself. It felt a bit like I was learning to be a glassblower.

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At the Devils Peak

Here I shaped the ampoules from glass pipettes and applied a vacuum. By sealing and later opening the ampoules, I could extract hot gas samples from the reactor and preserve them for subsequent analysis via gas chromatography. Fortunately, I was able to use automated systems to evaluate the remaining permanent gases after they passed through the cold trap. Considerable thought and precision were required to accurately quantify the products and process the reaction data.

My new colleagues on site were a huge help to me in the evaluation process. We determined that the indium-based catalyst produces not only methanol but also typical FT products when subjected to Fischer-Tropsch conditions. This result was unexpected; previously, indium was only known as an additive for modifying classic FT catalysts.

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sunset at the beach

When the workday ended, there were nearly always vivid sunsets to admire, whether simply on the way home or at the nearby beach. At first I enjoyed these on my own, as well as the numerous restaurants that I visited first solo and then later with my new South African friends and colleagues. For the first time ever, I genuinely understood that it's not an issue to sit down alone in a good restaurant and eat good food.

That's also how I met a lot of interesting people outside my circle. One Korean restaurant stands out in my memory; I developed such a great rapport with the waiter that I returned not only for the excellent food but for our engaging conversations about our respective backgrounds.

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Dancing after sunset

However, my favourite way to spend the evenings after sunset was dancing; I very much enjoyed practising Standard and Latin, as well as Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, West Coast Swing, and even the local South African Sokkie. The first thing I asked my new colleagues was where I could go out dancing. It turned out that just like for the other popular sports at the university (rugby, basketball, running and many more), there is also a dancing society. While the dance society was smaller than others, it provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with and get to know students from a wide array of disciplines.

From those just starting out to highly advanced dancers, all levels were represented, and everyone truly enjoyed themselves. I simply joined the practices at first, but later decided to help out with the preparation for our social dance nights. This resulted in some truly great friendships. In addition to dancing, we spent time exploring the routes around Table Mountain, going to the beach, and simply enjoying each other's company over dinner.

It was interesting to see how much South Africans enjoy spending time in modern shopping malls, where everything they need is centralised in one location. The atmosphere in these spaces is incredibly vibrant; it was a genuine pleasure to experience the sociable environment and observe the local community enjoying their leisure time. For some, it's the highlight of the week.

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In front of the University of Cape Town

In November, I had the chance to attend a conference near Johannesburg. Catalysis researchers from all over South Africa come together at CATSA to discuss their current research. I had the opportunity to present my ongoing research and discuss my latest findings with the group. As student participants, the three of us shared a small cabin, which allowed me to meet two wonderful individuals. Both were South African catalysis engineers who, like me, were specialising in the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. We had a great time together and rehearsed our presentations with one another, which was a helpful way to refine our delivery and calm our nerves.

The event was rounded off by several social activities, such as a conference dinner, a barbecue, and a team quiz, which provided a great chance to connect with other attendees. This experience introduced me to many new people and provided a great sense of community. They all had one thing in common: they were almost always open to meeting new people. It didn't matter where you came from or what you looked like. Participants shared ideas openly, learned from each other, and enjoyed a great deal of camaraderie. It was an amazing privilege for me to just be a part of it.

Towards the end of my time, I talked to one of my colleagues who moved from the Netherlands to South Africa a few years ago. He asked me if I could see myself working and living in South Africa. Making such a big decision is naturally always a challenge and was not easy for him at the time. What really made the difference for him were and what would be key considerations for me the wonderful people I met and the friendships I made in just a short time. This experience has firmly placed South Africa on my radar as a viable destination for my future academic and professional career. Until the time comes to make a formal decision, I will definitely be heading back to visit my new friends :-)