Internship | Oxygen Activation in Second-Generation Solvents via Dissolved Oxygen

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. In this context, managing and understanding solvent oxidation is crucial to allow good techno-economics but also to reduce the environmental impacts of CO₂ processes

Briefly outline what the internship is about, the context in which the student will be working, and why this topic matters. Write in clear, accessible language for a student who may not yet be familiar with TNO. Avoid jargon and unnecessary details; the goal is to spark curiosity and give a clear sense of the assignment and the working environment.

During this internship, you will work on the oxidation of second-generation amine solvents under different O₂ activation pathways, including but not limited to (i) UV activation (ii) Metal activation (iii) degradation products activation (iv) temperature activation using Dissolved Oxygen measurements. The aim of this project is therefore to measure the effects of different activation pathways in the kinetics of oxygen consumption in second generation solvents. Eventually the results will be used to suggest a mechanism of solvent degradation in CO₂ capture plants. The internship comprises mostly experimental work with different phases, including but not limited to:

• Conceptual redesign of an existing experimental setup and its implementation to measure Dissolved Oxygen in amine-based solvents
• Work in a lab environment and learn different physicochemical methods (e.g. acid titration, FTIR measurements, etc)
• Build and carry out an experimental plan to systematically study different O2 activation pathways

Along the way you will learn about the selection and installation of several instruments (mass flowmeters, thermocouples, Fluorescence-decay sensors, etc) but also about different aspects of solvent-based CO₂ capture. This work will be done in the context of several projects such as MeDORA and DRIVE and will help the scientific community to better understand the discrepancies between lab-scale models and pilot scale degradation measurements of oxidative degradation of amine-based solvents.

• Master’s students from a chemistry background with interest in industrial chemistry and reaction mechanisms are best suited for this project.
• Work in a structured way, be a team player and be capable of multitasking.
• Interest in practical laboratory work
• Adhere to safety practices when working with chemical substances, high temperatures, and pressures in the lab.
• Be capable of communicating and reporting in English.
• Students should be comfortable working in an international, diverse, and multidisciplinary environment.
• The duration of the internship is minimum 4 months (starting date is flexible).

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject‑specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of € 615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.

At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

You can apply for this internship position until the 9th of October, 2026. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

TNO will arrange an appropriate internship agreement. If you have any questions about the content of the internship or the application procedure, you can contact the person listed below.

If you start an internship with us, we will also ask you to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

Important to know before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, an internship agreement must be signed. For students enrolled at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences, TNO uses the UNL-template, supplemented with several TNO‑specific agreements. For students from foreign educational institutions and MBO (secondary vocational education) programmes, 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 for the duration of the internship, and;
  2. the internship forms part of your study programme.

The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.

• Interns at TNO must have a registered residential address in the Netherlands at the start of the internship. Carrying out internship activities from abroad is not possible.
• Are you an international student? Please note that you must have a BSN (Dutch citizen service number) before the start of your internship. Applying for a BSN can take several weeks, so make sure to start this process well in advance.