Internship | Biobased Chemistry and Catalysis

Internship in Biobased Chemistry and Catalysis at TNO

About this position

The chemical industry produces over 250 billion tons per year, with the products forming the basis of our modern economy, with almost all products we use being influenced by chemicals in one way or another. Currently, these are predominantly derived from fossil sources, resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions, out of line with global efforts to combat climate change and meet international climate targets, such as those set by the Paris Agreement. Additionally, the security of supply of chemicals is a forefront issue, having been acutely exposed by the recent geopolitical developments. Finally, there is a growing demand for sustainability from consumers and brand owners alike, with CO2 footprint reduction a major goal. Biobased chemicals offer a promising solution to these problems. Using locally produced, non-food competitive residues as feedstocks for chemicals, rather than petrochemicals, improves the carbon footprint while reducing geopolitical dependencies. To this end, TNO has developed platform technologies to efficiently convert non-edible hemicelluloses to a range of interesting biobased-chemical products for a range of end-user products, based on the platform chemical furfural.

What will be your role?

In this project, you will investigate the conversion of furfural and furfural-derived materials into higher-value, commercially attractive products. Your work will involve screening catalysts and conditions to determine the most promising options and testing the scope of the reaction, where relevant. When necessary, new catalysts will be prepared. Theoretical modelling approaches will be applied, followed by experimental validation whenever possible. A key aspect of the development will be interpreting results using various analytical techniques, such as NMR, GC(MS), HPLC(MS), to quantify conversions, identify intermediates and by-products, and better understand the conversions taking place. Throughout the project, you will collaborate with experienced chemists and engineers from the Biorizon team to propose solutions for further improving the processes.

The main location for this internship is Bergen op Zoom, but work will also be carried out in Rijswijk.

What we expect from you

• Be driven to contribute to the realisation of a greener chemical industry.
• Be enthusiastic and eager to learn about organic chemistry/catalysis.
• Have an affinity for basic engineering (e.g., simple repairs of machinery).
• Have an understanding of commonly used analytical techniques and the interpretation of their outputs.
• Be interested in optimising reactions for yield and selectivity.
• Have a structured approach to your work, and show a great deal of autonomy.
• Be acutely aware of the safety considerations concerned with working with chemicals and reactors.
• Have a flexible approach to working days/hours.
• Be comfortable communicating in English.

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. 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.

More information about this vacancy?

• Jacopo Bellis, de
  • E-mailadres: jacopo.debellis@tno.nl