Internship | Solid Oxide Cell Components Development For High Temperature Electroysis
Location
PettenEducation type
higher professional education (hbo)Type
Internship and graduation projectHours a week
Fulltime – 40Interested?
Apply now
Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOE) is mainly seen as technology for industrial hydrogen production, because of the high efficiency and the potential for heat integration within industrial processes to produce bulk chemicals such as ammonia and methanol. It offers possibilities for process integration with chemical processes leading to efficiency benefits. In addition to hydrogen production, the technology offers the possibility of reducing CO2 to carbon monoxide and tuning the composition of syngas by means of co-electrolysis to required C-H-O ratios for subsequent conversions towards products such as methanol, DME and methane. The main technological challenges in the development of SOE to be implemented on a large industrial scale are the cost reduction of the SOE system to < 1000 € / kW, the technology scale-up towards multi-MW systems and operations under pressurized conditions as used in industrial processes. All these technical challenges can be achieved with developing a novel generation of solid oxide cells and stack components with higher performance, more robust mechanical integrity and increased lifetime for scaled-up and pressurized operations. TNO has a long-term knowledge and expertise on the manufacturing and testing of Solid Oxide Cells for Cell operations based on the planar fuel-electrode supported cell technology. TNO cells have also demonstrated high potential for all high temperature electrolysis applications, with high electrochemical performance (low resistance, high energy density, high fuel utilization). Increasing cell lifetime and mechanical robustness for scaled-up design and pressurized operating conditions is our on-going research topics. In this internship project, we propose to develop existing and novel ceramic-based electrode components and solid oxide cell design by optimization their material properties (e.g. particle size, shrinkage behavior) and their manufacturing process (layer deposition, sintering).
What will be your role?
- Characterize and optimize ceramic powders & electrode layers, via input from divers materials characterization techniques (BET, Dilatometry and microscopy analyses)
- Optimize electrode layers deposition process by low cost printing techniques
- Optimize sintering conditions of the electrode layers with in-house control and quality
- Contribute to the actual printing of Solid Oxide cell in a scaled-up lab-manufacturing infrastructure and the characterization of their novel design (e.g. SEM, EDX)
- Participate to the validation and performance assessment of the novel electrode components & cell design by electrochemical testing (I-V curves, impedance)
How do you want to contribute to tomorrow's world? How big can your impact be? Come and work at TNO and envision it.
What we expect from you
- Material chemistry or chemical engineering education (Specialty in ceramic materials)
- Eager to learn about electrochemistry and electrochemical methods
- Proactive attitude
- Critical thinking & strong analytical skills
What you’ll get in return
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 and inclusion.
The selection process
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.
Has this job opening sparked your interest?
Then we’d like to hear from you! Please contact us for more information about the job or the selection process. To apply, please upload your CV and covering letter using the ‘apply now’ button.
Contact: Claire Ferchaud
Phone number: +31(0)6-110 67408
Interested?
Apply now