Internship | Catalyst development for light-driven reforming of methane to produce syngas

Introduction:
Beyond efforts to reduce carbon emissions, carbon capture and utilization (CCU) is envisioned to play an important role in transitioning to a circular carbon economy.[1] Amongst the various CCU routes, the conversion of carbon dioxide and methane (both greenhouse gases) to syngas is of particular interest given its importance as chemical feedstock in industry. However, conventional dry reforming of methane (DRM) requires harsh operating temperatures (700-1000 °C), leading to significant catalyst degradation through coke deposition and sintering processes.

Using (solar)light to drive the DRM reaction offers several advantages: (1) local heating of the catalyst bed can be achieved rather than heating the entire reactor volume; (2) the high endothermicity of the reaction allows for high energy efficiencies; (3) non-thermal contributions can lead to higher process selectivity and enhanced catalyst stability as demonstrated for the light-driven DRM process.[2]

At TNO, ongoing research focuses on the development of active and durable photocatalysts, enabling high energy efficiencies in the light-driven DRM process. Many state-of-the-art catalyst systems employed for light-driven DRM rely on the use of CRM (e.g. Ru, Rh). To reduce the reliance on CRMs and to improve the light-absorption properties of the catalyst, the partial substitution of CRMs by earth-abundant transition metals and metal oxides is envisioned. The combination of plasmonically active metals (e.g. Cu) and catalytically active materials (e.g. Ni, Ru) to form a so-called ‘antenna reactor’ is a promising strategy to improve photocatalytic efficiency and selectivity.[3]

[1] The Renewable Carbon Initiative Published the New Study "Making a Case for Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)" - CO₂ Value Europe
[2] Light-driven methane dry reforming with single atomic site antenna-reactor plasmonic photocatalysts | Nature Energy
[3] Plasmon-induced selective carbon dioxide conversion on earth-abundant aluminum-cuprous oxide antenna-reactor nanoparticles | Nature Communications

What will be your role?
In this internship, you will be developing catalyst materials for the (sun)light-driven DRM process to optimize the activity, selectivity and stability of the catalyst. To that end, light-absorbing materials will be combined with materials known for their catalyst performance in the DRM process to form antenna-reactors. An approximate description of the activities to be encountered during this project are:

• Literature research and assessment of TNO’s catalyst portfolio, to come up with a proposal/experimental plan.
• Synthesis of promising photocatalyst candidates through (mostly) wet-chemical synthesis techniques.
• Structural, compositional, and optical characterization of the prepared catalysts with techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis/FT-IR spectroscopy, electron microscopy, ICP-OES, etc.
• Assisting in the performance validation of the developed catalysts in a customized photoreactor, equipped with several types of light sources, and subsequent data analysis.

You will be presenting your work in a small team on a weekly basis and occasionally in a larger group of scientists and engineers working on photocatalysis and reactor engineering topics. 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. Please clearly mention duration availability and starting period in your application letter.

You are a proactive and independent student (preferably MSc candidate) with a background in Materials Science or Chemistry. Knowledge of and experience with inorganic chemistry, catalyst preparation & characterization are beneficial for this specific position. However, curiosity and willingness to learn are equally important. 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.

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.