Internship | Master thesis: Reclaiming of second generation amine-based solvents for CO2 capture.

Within the Department of Sustainable Process and Energy Systems, the gas processing team works on minimizing the carbon footprint of chemical and energy processes by capturing CO2 via solvent absorption and on its eventual further transformation into synthetic fuels. Our team focuses on the development and scaling-up of strategies to remove and purify CO2 coming from a wide range of industries, including but not limited to waste-to-energy plants, cement production facilities, and large container ships.

As part of this master’s thesis project, you will work on the thermal reclaiming of amine-based solvents for CO2 capture. CO2 capture via solvent absorption is the most viable technology for CO2 capture from flue gases; however, amine-based solvents get degraded in time. This degradation reduces the CO2 removal rate, and then the used solvent needs to be replaced with fresh solvent, increasing the operational costs and generating additional byproduct treatment costs.

The aim of this master’s thesis is, therefore, to study how to recover used second-generation amine-based solvents to minimize the need to feed fresh solvent to the CO2 capture process. This thesis involves a literature review of current second-generation amine-based solvents followed by lab-scale experiments (using a VLE) to select the more suitable solvent to be recovered by a thermal separation process. In the third step, you will design, build and operate a reclaiming pilot unit to demonstrate the feasibility of reclaiming the selected solvent.

• Be enrolled in a master program as a student preferably in Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology
• Background in amine-based solvents and in thermal separation processes.
• Work in a structured way, be a team-player and be capable of multi-tasking
• Keep safety during tasks involving chemical substances, high temperatures, and high pressures.
• Be capable of communicating and reporting in English.

You want to work on the precursor of your career; a work placement 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. Naturally, we provide suitable work placement compensation.

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 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.

Students must reside in the Netherlands before the start and also throughout the internship or graduation project at TNO.