Internship | Experimental evaluation of CO2 drying materials and optimization of CO2 liquefaction processes

To help reach the Paris agreement climate goals, carbon capture technology should be deployed for mitigating emissions of hard-to-abate sectors. In this internship, you will work on carbon capture technology, focusing specifically on CO2 product purification. While a lot of information is published on the capture process, less information is available on the CO2 product purification downstream the desorber column. This internship increases the amount of publicly available information on CO2 purification, helping people and companies better understand how to implement and optimize CO2 purification technology.

This internship will be partly experimental studies in the lab, and partly modelling/desk work. The experimental study in the lab will consist of screening existing commercial sorbents for CO2 product drying in an existing adsorption set-up. The results of these lab tests should include breakthrough curves and adsorption isotherms. These results are used in simulation software (e.g. Aspen Adsorption) to create robust adsorption models for the different drying materials studied. These adsorption models will then be used together with simulations of a complete CO2 purification plant (e.g. modelled in AspenPlus) to perform a techno-economic assessment (TEA) of the CO2 purification processes using the different drying sorbents.

The team you will be joining during this internship is the Gas Treatment team of the Sustainable Process & Energy systems group. The team consists mostly of chemical engineers originating from all over the world. Our research focuses most on carbon capture technology, ranging from small lab-scale experimental investigations to designing and analyzing full-scale capture processes. The preferred starting data is September 2025 (earlier is also possible), and the internship duration is preferable between 5-8 months.

This assignment is ideal for a candidate that has an interest in many aspects of the chemical engineering curriculum, which is reflected in the assignment, as the work ranges from lab experiments, to modelling and techno-economic assessment. Affinity with all these aspects is important for successful execution of this project. Candidates with experience in modelling with Aspen software are preferred. The candidate should be able to keep a clear overview of the project goals while working on the different aspects of the project, and have good communication skills to present progress in clear slides.

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:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) 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.