Internship | Computational design of electrochemical cell for CO2 conversion to ethylene

Want to contribute to innovative solutions for revolutionizing the chemical industry and speeding up the energy transition? Join us to develop and apply computational models to improve electrochemical conversion of CO2.

Electrochemical conversion of CO2 to chemical products, such as ethylene, can be the game-changer for the chemical industry to move away from fossil sources. However, achieving efficient production of ethylene is particularly difficult because of complex fluid phenomena and competing reactions occurring in the cell. As local properties are difficult to measure experimentally, modelling approaches are necessary to better understand the behavior inside the electrochemical cell and guide novel designs to improve performance.

In this project, you will extend and apply existing models to simulate transport phenomena and the different competing reactions happening in an electrochemical cell for converting CO2 to ethylene. Simulations will be performed to understand how different properties of the cell components (channels, porous materials, catalyst layers, membrane) affect performance. Particular focus will be on how the flow field of the electrochemical cell should be designed to improve selectivity towards ethylene production.

The exact goal of the internship will be defined taking into account your technical skills, preferences, and internship duration. Minimum project duration is 4 months (and can be extended for a Master Thesis internship), starting as soon as possible. At TNO, you will work in the Heat Transfer and Fluid Dynamics department in Rijswijk, within an international team of modelling experts and in close interactions with experimental collaborators at other TNO departments.

• You are in the final stages of your degree in engineering or physics.
• You have solid background in modelling and simulations, and some experience with computational software (e.g. COMSOL, Ansys, OpenFoam).
• Knowledge of fluid dynamics, transport phenomena, and electrochemistry are desirable.
• You have good communication skills (in English) and the right mix of curiosity-driven motivation and result-oriented mentality.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • You are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • The internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.

• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.