Internship | Electrochemical CO2 reduction towards formic acid

Addressing climate change and reducing dependence on fossil resources are among the most pressing global challenges. To meet international climate targets and enable a sustainable industrial future, innovative technologies are needed to close the carbon loop and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at scale. A promising approach is the electrochemical CO₂ conversion into valuable chemicals and fuels using renewable energy. By converting CO₂ into products, it enables the reuse of emissions as feedstock for chemicals, fuels, and materials. Integrated with renewable electricity, electrochemical CO₂ reduction supports greener production processes and contributes to building a low-carbon, circular economy aligned with global climate goals.

During this internship, you will become part of a multidisciplinary team of TNO scientists and engineers within the Sustainable Processes and Energy Systems department. This position offers hands-on experience in the electrochemical conversion of CO₂ into valuable chemicals and fuels, with a specific focus on formic acid production. Under the guidance of TNO, you will develop an experimental plan and investigate strategies to improve performance and long-term system stability. Throughout the internship, you will also gain experience in data analysis and interpretation, and presenting your findings to a scientific audience. Besides, you will learn and apply electrochemical techniques as cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, chronoamperometry and analytical techniques as Gas chromatography and High-performance liquid chromatography.

• Being enrolled in a MSc programme 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 electrochemical CO2 reduction, and/or electrode fabrication is an advantage
• Good communication skills in English are expected, particularly for presenting your work and writing reports.
• Enjoy developing innovative solutions to technically challenging problems and have the right mix of intellectual curiosity and pragmatism.
• Minimum duration of 6 months, possibility of being a master thesis. Preferred starting date: 13-10-2025

You want an internship opportunity 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 work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals 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, equity 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. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.