Internship | Developing Electrocatalysts for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

The matter of energy storage is a key challenge in the transition towards a net-zero society. Beyond generating renewable energy, we must also address how to store it effectively to balance the energy grid, reduce reliance on fossil feedstocks, and to drive the transition towards a sustainable chemical industry. Relying on wind and solar energy implies an inherent connection to the intermittency of these renewable energy sources, and hence energy storage strategies should be compatible with that. Amongst others, the production of green hydrogen from solar energy is a investigated at TNO as promising route to store energy chemically. In order to do this, an economically viable way to produce green hydrogen from solar energy is required. Green hydrogen can be produced by a photovoltaic-electrolyzer combination or photoelectrochemically (PEC) to directly use the renewable energy source for hydrogen production, resulting in a product with a very low carbon footprint and no direct polluting emission. The PEC technology combines the properties of semiconductors to create electron-holes pairs and an electrolytic cell allowing to achieve water-splitting. The main advantages of the PEC technology are the direct solar energy conversion, the separate production of O2 and H2, a simplified cell engineering, and the possible use of non-noble materials. The major challenge is to reduce its cost, currently varying between 10-15$ per kg of hydrogen.

In this internship, you will be developing and evaluating electrocatalysts for photoelectrochemical water splitting. To that end, photoabsorbers will be functionalized with electrocatalysts to enhance the kinetics of the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions (OER, HER) as well as the stability of the photoelectrodes. Your tasks will include:

• Literature research, combined with studying previous research in our group to come up with a proposal/experimental plan.
• Synthesis and deposition of electrocatalysts on various substrates using techniques such as spin/spray coating, sol-gel, electrodeposition.
• Structural, compositional, and optical characterization of the prepared electrocatalysts with techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis/FT-IR spectroscopy, profilometry, etc.
• Electrochemical characterization of the prepared materials using methods as linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
• Performance testing of the developed materials in PEC water splitting using custom-built setups.
• Assisting in optimizing the hardware used for performance assessment may also be part of the project.

You will be presenting your work on a weekly basis in a small team. The project will be disseminated through a report and a final presentation. The minimum duration is 6 months, with the possibility of extension based on your availability and interest.

You are a proactive and independent student (preferably MSc candidate) with a background in Materials Science, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. Knowledge and affinity to inorganic chemistry (synthesis) and physical chemistry are required. Experience with electrochemistry and potentiostats are advantageous. Good communication skills in English and/or Dutch, particularly for presenting your work and writing reports, are expected.

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.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

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.