Intership | Kinetic modelling of oxidative degradation of amines in post-combustion CO2 capture

The gas treatment team at the Department of Sustainable Process and Energy Systems works to reduce the carbon footprint of energy and chemical processes by absorbing CO2 using solvents and eventually converting it 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 internship project, you will study the oxidative degradation of second-generation amines using oxygen depletion measurements. In the first stage, you will work in a lab environment, getting kinetic data of oxygen gas consumption in solvents at different temperatures and CO2 loadings. In the second step, the data from the first step will be used as input for a kinetic model in Python or Excel, which will be integrated into Protreat to reproduce pilot plant solvent degradation data. The aim of this industrial internship is, therefore, to measure the kinetics of oxygen consumption in different solvents and to model this data into a kinetic model that can be used in process simulation software. The expected duration of this industrial internship is 4 months.

• Master students from a chemistry, process or chemical engineering background with an understanding of reaction engineering are best suited for this project.
• Work in a structured way, be a team player and be capable of multi-tasking.
• Keep safety practices during tasks involving chemical substances, high temperatures, and pressures.
• Be capable of communicating and reporting in English.
• Students should be comfortable working in an international, diverse and multidisciplinary environment.

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.