Internship | Potential recycling strategies for a developing PV technology

PV is a continuously developing technology and new technologies that require less energy intense materials or processing are being developed e.g. perovskite or Zinc Phosphide (Zn3P2) solar cells. It is often the case though that energy technologies are designed without optimizing upfront for recycling, meaning that at the EoL there will be material loss, waste generation and/or material quality loss. Studying the recyclability of a technology upfront can lead to more circular and sustainable technology design. Can you help contributing to such developments?

Zinc Phosphide (Zn3P2) is an example of a developing PV technology at an early development stage. This means that choices that would facilitate its future recycling can still be incorporated in its design. Unfortunately, many PV recycling strategies require significant energy amounts or the employment of solvents which present a considerable environmental burden that cannot be neglected to achieve a sustainable cell design. Looking at literature available on different recycling processes for PV (Si and other cell types) is it possible to evaluate which recycling routes (or combination thereof) will be the most suitable for Zinc Phosphide (Zn3P2) solar cells? Will the selected recycling pathways lead to important design requirements in order to ensure an optimal material recovery during the EoL process? What would be the environmental impact of the potential recycling strategy of Zn3P2 solar cells?

Steps to be taken include:

1. Literature review of existing PV recycling strategies;
2. Classification of the recycling strategies (e.g. to what technologies can these be applied? What materials do they recover? To what quality?);
3. Select potential recycling strategies applicable to Zinc Phosphide (Zn3P2) solar cells;
4. Data collection regarding production process and recycling of Zn3P2 solar cells;
5. Calculate potential materials (and their quality) recovered from recycling process;
6. Evaluate sustainability of different recycling strategies by means of LCA(Analysis for max 2 recycling strategies);
7. Analyze results: which is the most promising recycling strategy? Does this pose constrains on the design of the cells? What is the impact of the recycling strategy?

• We are looking for a motivated and curious student who likes to work in a research environment.
• A proven interest and basic knowledge in (PV) energy technology is preferred.
• Previous knowledge of LCA is preferred.
• Field of studies: environmental/sustainability/engineering/industrial ecology background.
• Good written and spoken English.

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.

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.