Internship | Modelling of photo-driven green syngas formation

Make your mark on our time. Become an intern at TNO!

About this position

Conversion and storage of sustainable energy is one of the key challenges of the 21st century. At TNO, sustainable energy storage and conversion are addressed through the development of advanced materials and processes for green H2 production CO2 utilization. To enable a future energy system based on renewable electricity, innovative solutions are required that combine materials science, reaction engineering, transport phenomena, and reactor design. Therefore, TNO is looking for an enthusiastic MSc student who wants to contribute to the development of next-generation energy technologies.

What will be your role?

In this project, an experimental and modelling study will be performed on green CO formation from CO2 and H2 using light. Creating insights in how photons, reactants and heat interact is the core of this assignment. Furthermore, the research focuses on understanding how material properties, heat transfer, mass transfer and reaction kinetics affect the performance of green CO production. The work will include (Comsol Multiphysics) model improvement and validation with field data originating from the Interreg Foton project.

The internship will last for at least 6 months, longer is possible if preferred by the candidate.

What we expect from you

• You are a proactive and independent MSc student in Chemical Engineering.
• Knowledge and affinity with advanced transport phenomena, including heat transfer, mass transfer, fluid dynamics and reactor engineering, is essential. Strong interest in physical chemistry and reaction kinetics is required.
• Experience with COMSOL Multiphysics is considered a major advantage. Good communication skills in English, particularly for presenting your work and writing reports, are expected.
• Depending on the requirements of the university, the project can be combined with an MSc thesis.

What you'll get in return

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject-specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of € 615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.