Internship | Online monitoring of amine solvents in a CO2 capture plant using FTIR

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.

This internship project aims to determine the feasibility of ATR/FTIR technology to monitor the solvent quality during a CO2 capture (CC) process. In the first stage, the intern will design the experiments to determine the number of calibration samples. The calibration samples must represent the different solvent compositions in a plant during the CC process. The second stage comprises preparing multiple calibration and validation samples and obtaining the FTIR spectra for each sample. In the final stage, the calibration is performed using the manufacturer's software and Excel/Python. The calibration will also be validated using prepared samples and CC plant samples. The ideal candidate should have skills in coding, be knowledgeable about working safely in a lab, and have a strong background in analytical chemistry.

• Master students from analytical chemistry background with a basic understanding of solvent based CC are best suited for this project;
• Work in a structured way, be able to transfer your knowledge to other team members;
• Keep safety practices during tasks involving chemical substances, high temperatures, and pressures;
• Be capable of communicating and reporting in English;
• Students should be comfortable working in an international, diverse and multidisciplinary environment.

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.