Electrochemistry is the branch of chemistry that studies the relationship between electrical energy and chemical reactions, particularly those involving electron transfer. Electrowinning is a method used in industries to obtain valuable metals such as copper, aluminium, and zinc in their refined form.

The water treatment sector produces tons of waste containing high amounts of metals, which ends up being disposed of without valorised routes. Water boards are therefore looking for efficient waste management solutions by encouraging resource recovery. What if it was possible to reduce the metal consumption in this industry?

The complexity of these waste streams hinders the application of the electrochemical processes, mostly due to the wide variety of electron-withdrawing compounds. Because of that, more studies need to be carried out to better understand properly the mechanisms and how to optimize them. Are you ready to help with this?

Your goal 

The goal of this internship is to define the optimal conditions for the electrowinning process of metallic cations.

What will you be doing? We have listed it for you:

• Perform a literature review.
• Perform laboratory experiments.
• Propose which operational conditions promote an efficient metal recovery.
• Make an estimation of the operational costs based on the experimental data.

Who are you?

• Enrolled in a Dutch MSc Electrochemistry, Chemical or Environmental Engineering.
• Available for an internship for a minimal period of 4 months.  
• Flexible and independent.
• Curious and analytical.
• Professional command of the English language in words and writing. Command of the Dutch language is desirable, but not required.

Working for us means

• An internship allowance of € 350,- per month based on full-time employment.
• Possibility of a contract after your graduation.
• A buddy who will show you around in our organization.
• Reimbursement of travel expenses of €0.23 cents per km up to a maximum of 75 km if you live further than 10 km from our office and do not have an Ov-card.
• Learn from knowledgeable and dedicated people.
• Create impact and contribute to critical water challenges.
• Become part of an inclusive and collaborative culture.
• Contribute to sustainability.

As an intern from the Technology & Innovation department, you will take on challenging and important projects along with Process Design Engineers and R&D engineers. You will run a project with your supervisor and a larger team located in Doetinchem and/or other locations (if applicable).

Join our #missionwater