Internship | Literature Review on NOx Chemistry for Cleaner Industry

About this internship

Internship | Literature Review on NOx Chemistry for Cleaner Industry

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are present in many industrial flue gases and can strongly influence the performance and robustness of downstream gas‑treatment processes. In the framework of CO₂ capture, understanding how NO and NO₂ interact with liquid solvent systems is therefore essential for reducing emissions, avoiding operational issues and enabling cleaner industrial operation. In this internship, you will contribute to the scientific foundation needed for more reliable and sustainable gas‑cleaning technologies. By consolidating knowledge on NOx–solvent interactions, your work will support innovations that help industry reduce air‑pollution impacts while progressing toward long‑term climate and environmental goals.

What will be your role?

You will conduct a structured literature review on NOx reactions in aqueous solvent systems in the framework of gas treatment and CO₂ capture. Scope includes reaction pathways (nitrosation/nitration, nitrite/nitrate formation), kinetics/equilibria, impacts on solvent degradation, corrosion and emissions, and mitigation strategies (additives, scrubbing configurations). In the end of the project, a searchable reference database, reaction‑network maps per solvent class as well as key knowledge gaps will be delivered.

You will join TNO’s Gas Treatment team within the Sustainable Process & Energy Systems (SPES) department, collaborating with scientists working on solvent development, emissions control and pilot operations of CO₂ capture. You will receive close guidance, while interacting with colleagues across modelling, experiments and techno‑economics. Preferred start date: 20 May 2026 (flexible); duration: 4 months.

What we expect from you

You are curious, structured and proactive. You enjoy diving deep into papers, comparing methods and drawing clear, defensible conclusions. You communicate findings clearly in both writing and slides, and you collaborate comfortably in an international, multidisciplinary team.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• You understand aqueous reaction chemistry and gas–liquid absorption processes.
• You have experience conducting systematic literature reviews and managing references (e.g., Zotero).
• You are familiar with solvent‑based CO₂ capture.

What you'll get in return

• 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.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. 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.

Contact: eirini.skylogianni@tno.nl