Internship | Metallic nanowires for improved photo/electrocatalysis

Nanotechnology is considered a key component of development national industrial strategies. In this regard, and within the framework of ongoing internal nanotechnology-related R&D projects, this project will concern the preparation and characterization of metallic, bimetallic and metal alloy nanostructures as synthesized via electrodeposition and where necessary nanostructuration via templating approaches. The resulting nanostructured materials will be applied and evaluated in the context of electrocatalysis, microflow reactors and particle self-assembly, but will also have potential application in nanophotonics/plasmonics. Investigation of photo or electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to different products (e.g. CO, formic acid, hydrocarbons). You will screen various reaction conditions (e.g. pH, temperature, electrolyte, electrode materials), study the effect on the reaction kinetics and influence on product selectivity . With guidance, you will propose solutions on how to optimize the process (e.g. different catalyst architectures), work with experienced process engineers and electrochemists and contribute to the process design and optimization (e.g. conversion, yield, energy consumption).

Your tasks:

• Synthesis and characterization of selected metal-based nanostructures
• Development of a setup and a procedure for self-assembly of nanoparticles (e.g. through templating).
• Characterization of synthesized structures and materials (e.g. SEM and/or TEM Microscopy).
• Functionality assessment via surface sensitive analytical techniques.
• Kinetics study and optimization of the electrochemical conversion process (e.g. voltammetry studies, electrochemical cell operation).
• Reactor conditions optimization
• Analysis of experimental data
• Contribution to project meetings and the preparation of technical reports.

We're looking for a master's student in the last phase of their Master in chemistry, chemical engineering and/or materials science related programmes. Experience working in a laboratory is a plus. The important thing is your motivation for the project and the desire to engage in innovative material synthesis and application in a topic field, through experimental investigations. Project Duration: 6-12 months.

You want to work 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 internship and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Naturally, we provide suitable internship compensation.

TNO is an independent research organization whose expertise and research make an important contribution to the competitiveness of companies and organizations, to the economy and to the quality of society as a whole. Innovation with purpose is what TNO stands for. With 3000 people we develop knowledge not for its own sake but for practical application. To create new products that make life more pleasant and valuable and help companies innovate. To find creative answers to the questions posed by society. We work for a variety of customers: governments, the SME sector, large companies, service providers and non-governmental organizations. Working together on new knowledge, better products and clear recommendations for policy and processes. In everything we do, impact is the key. Our product and process innovations and recommendations are only worth something if our customers can use them to boost their competitiveness.

You will be part of the catalysis team, in the department Materials Solutions, that is involved in many multidisciplinary R&D topics, typically performed in collaboration with universities, industrial partners and other departments at TNO. As an intern at TNO working on nanoscale materials, you will further develop technical skills but also get a flavor of complexity in interdisciplinary projects, where different disciplines merge.