Internship | Electromembrane separations towards sustainable industrial electrification

Within industry, 45 to 55% of the energy is consumed in separation processes. Separation processes, such as distillation or adsorption/desorption, use heat to achieve the separation of components. Recovery of components present in low concentrations is further energy intensive. These processes can also involve the release of CO2 to the atmosphere. Electrically driven separation techniques can offer similar separation goals with reduced energy consumption due to the possibility to use renewable sources of energy and by discarding heating needs. Although membrane-based technologies are under the spotlight as preferred separation technologies, the ones based on electro-separation have not yet been widely adopted across the process industry. The growing demand for production and separation of chemicals with low CO2 footprint present a potential towards industrial electrification. Electroseparation technologies are additionally advantageous due their flexibility in modular designs and scalable features, according to the requirements for the components separation. However, most electroseparation technologies are today developed and deployed for the water sector (desalination and water treatment), and further R&D efforts are still needed to oppitmize such technologies for new industrial applications (e.g., selective organic acids and metal recovery). Identifying and strengthen these technologies is the current challenge towards a sustainable industry.

During the 6-month internship you will experience working in a team of TNO researchers and engineers within the Sustainable Processes and Energy Systems department. You will contribute to the identification of most promising electromembrane technology/application combination by performing proof-of-principle tests of selected use cases. You will formulate an experimental plan with your supervisor, test selected cases at a laboratory scale, and analyse results with a critical thinking. Besides the proof-of-principle and process development, you will learn and apply analytical techniques, such as HPLC(MS). You will also learn to organize and communicate the results of your work to an audience of scientists. The result of your internship might lead to the publication of a scientific paper in a peer reviewed journal or a patent application.

The assignment can be performed as a master thesis. Applications until 31st December. Preferred start date: March 2025.

• Being enrolled in a MSc course within a relevant field, i.e. electrochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, process engineering, etc.
• Hands-on attitude and demonstrate basic knowledge of working in a laboratory (adhere to safety rules, preferably have a VCA certificate)
• Prior knowledge on fundamentals of electrochemistry is a strong requirement. Being familiar with electroseparation technologies (electrodialysis, capacitive deionization, or related processes) will be considered an advantage.
• Show good communication skills in English, 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.

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 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.