Internship | Materials for Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction in Geleen

About this position

In this internship, you will work at the exciting intersection of electrochemistry, materials science and clean technology. Together with a multidisciplinary team, you will design, test and improve electrode materials, translate experimental results into new insights, and help bring CO₂ conversion one step closer to practical application. You will investigate copper-based catalysts, known for their promising selectivity, and explore how electrode design, material composition, stack assembly and operating conditions influence performance.

What will be your role?

Build your scientific foundation

Explore the latest literature on CO₂ electroreduction and synthetic fuel pathways

Understand catalyst materials, especially copper based systems for ethylene production

Learn about electrochemical reactor and cell design

Create and improve electrode materials

Design and fabricate novel electrodes

Investigate materials and processes that improve conductivity, selectivity, and durability of the electrodes

Run experiments and uncover insights

Perform electrochemical CO₂ reduction experiments

Optimise operating conditions such as temperature, feedstock flow and current density

Analyse performance in terms of efficiency, selectivity, and stability

Collaborate, communicate and shape the project

Discuss results with a multidisciplinary team

Contribute ideas and improvements to the project

Present your findings in reports and presentations

What we expect from you

You are available for an internship of at least 6 months, ideally during your MSc phase.

You have a strong interest in the energy transition and sustainable technologies

You have previous hands-on experience working in a lab

You are curious, proactive, and enjoy tackling complex challenges

You are comfortable working independently as well as collaborating within a team

You communicate clearly in English

Students from disciplines such as materials science, nanotechnology, chemistry, chemical engineering or related fields are especially encouraged to apply and will be considered a strong match for this internship.

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 € 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 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.