Internship | Development of an electrochemical microfluidic reactor for the production of sustainable chemicals

Our society is undergoing a radical transformation; moving away from a fossil based economy towards a more sustainable circular one. In this respect, electrification of the chemical industry together with the use of renewable feedstocks can play a large role. At TNO, we are already working on several electrochemical transformations to produce specialties molecules relevant for the chemical industry using only renewable bio-based feedstocks and green electricity. We have recently demonstrated the feasibility of this approach at pilot scale with productivities of few kg/day. Our goal, is to expand our portfolio of electrochemical reactions to be able to generate molecules relevant to different industries (monomers for the plastic industry, intermediates for pharmaceuticals, molecules for the fragrance industry, etc.).

This project will target the development of microfluidic electrochemical reactor that will be used to screen and gain fundamental insights in electrochemical reactions. The knowledge derived from this project will be directly applied to designing and scaling up electrochemical reactors dedicated to the new chemistries investigated and possibly further implementation in industrial environments.

During the period of the internship you will experience working in a team of TNO scientists and engineers. You will contribute to the development of a novel electrochemical microfluidic reactor to investigate fundamental parameters of different chemistries. Your work will involve performing a brief literature review on state of the art flow reactors, formulate an experimental plan under TNO supervision, develop, test and optimize the microfluidic flow reactor for different chemical reactions at a laboratory scale. Upon successful identification of satisfactory reaction conditions for the production of relevant chemicals, a scaleup will follow with existing TNO infrastructure. You will also learn to analyze, interpret, and present the results from your work to an audience of scientists and learn electrochemical techniques.

Minimum duration of 4 months.

• Being enrolled in a MSc program within a relevant field, i.e. electrochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, sustainable energy, applied physics etc.
• Practical experience in laboratory environment and hands-on skills are required, particularly on electrochemistry.
• Being familiar with organic chemistry and/or battery technologies is an advantage.
• Being familiar with 3D drawing software is an advantage.
• Prior experience working with Python is an advantage.
• Good communication skills in English is expected, particularly for presenting your work and writing reports.

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. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative working environment, with top experts as colleagues.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo- and hbo-students, 390 euro for mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Eight hours of leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet TNO-colleagues 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 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, by the intern, TNO and the educational institution. This agreement is established in cooperation with Universiteiten van Nederland according to the UNL-template. If you are not a student at a Dutch college or university, or if you are a mbo-student, the TNO internship agreement will apply. In that case, a ‘proof of educational institution’ and a ‘proof of internship as part of course’ is needed. TNO doesn’t sign other contracts.
• Furthermore, you have to be registered at an educational institution to be eligible to do a paid internship at TNO. If you are not studying at a university you are only eligible for a work experience internship (unpaid, maximum of 8 weeks).
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. It is not possible to work from abroad.