Internship | Investigation and mitigation of membrane degradation in PEMWE

Green hydrogen plays an important role in the decarbonization of industry. Green hydrogen is generated by electrolyzers that are coupled to renewable electricity sources. Some processes, such as fertilizer production already require tons of H2 annually. Other industrial processes, such as the steel manufacturing industry, could replace fossil fuels (coal) with green hydrogen. This requires a significant increase of the green hydrogen production capacity towards 100+ GW worldwide. The first electrolyzer factories with GW capacity are currently being deployed for this reason. One of the mature techniques is proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis. A significant problem that occurs with time during operation of a PEM water electrolyser is membrane degradation. TNO is investigating this process and is working on innovative technologies that can mitigate this problem.

Join us at the TNO Faraday lab in Petten, North Holland, where you will dive into hands-on experimental research to investigate the degradation mechanism of membranes. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore and contribute to innovative solutions that can potentially reduce this degradation. In the Faraday lab we have the unique opportunity to combine lab-scale electrochemical experiments with PEM electrolyzers that can be operated under industrially relevant conditions including differential pressure operation, accelerated stress testing and long-duration experiments.

This internship can start as soon as possible and the project duration is at least 6 months.

Tasks include the following:

• Literature investigation to understand the degradation mechanisms
• Propose and investigate innovative component/material design
• Carry out experimental work which includes electrochemical characterization in a 3-electrode electrochemical cell
• Validation of improvements in electrolyzer stacks with realistic industrial conditions
• Data analysis and evaluation of all experimental data

• MSc student (currently living in the Netherlands and registered at a Dutch University) in Chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical engineering, material science or related field.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Highly motivated with a problem-solving mindset.
• Practical laboratory experience.

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.