Internship | Optimising catalyst coated membranes with novel catalyst materials for PEM water electrolysis

Do you want to contribute to the energy transition by accelerating innovation in green hydrogen technologies? Join us at the TNO Faraday lab in Petten, North Holland, where you will dive into hands-on experimental research on PEM water electrolysis.

The Sustainable Technologies for Industrial Processes (STIP) group at TNO is dedicated to accelerating the transition to a sustainable industry. Our work focuses on developing and integrating innovative technologies that reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and support the energy transition. Within STIP, we work at the forefront of electrolysis development, a key technology for green hydrogen production. A key focus is proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis, where we work to reduce reliance on scarce and expensive precious metals, such as iridium and platinum, used in one of its components: catalyst coated membranes (CCMs).

As part of STIP, you’ll be immersed in a multidisciplinary environment where engineers, researchers, and system thinkers collaborate to shape the future of sustainable industry.

What will you be doing?
You will get the chance to formulate and manufacture CCMs using novel catalyst materials. These state-of-the-art materials are at the forefront of innovation, and your work will be crucial in unlocking their full potential. These novel catalyst materials yet have to reach their full potential through optimization of the CCM manufacturing process. At the Faraday lab, you will have the unique opportunity to test these novel materials under relevant industrial conditions in PEM electrolyzers. This will allow you to study the performance and durability of CCMs, required for bringing the technology to the next level.

This internship is expected to start from January 2025 and the project duration is for 5-6 months, with a possibility to extend for a master thesis.

Tasks include the following:

• Literature investigation to understand relevant parameters for CCM fabrication.
• Propose and investigate innovative ways of improving the CCM fabrication.
• Carry out experimental work which includes ink preparation, CCM manufacturing and characterization.
• Data analysis and evaluation of experimental data.
• Participate in group meetings, discuss results, provide feed-back and propose solutions.

• MSc student (currently living in the Netherlands and registered at a Dutch University) in Chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical engineering, material science or related field.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Highly motivated with a problem-solving mindset.
• Practical laboratory experience.
• Good communication skills in English.
• Previous experience with electrochemistry is a bonus, but not mandatory.

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.