PhD Position: Selective Chemical Recycling of Textile Fibres via Mechano-Catalysis
Innovative PhD opportunity to develop sustainable chemical recycling of synthetic textile fibres using mechanochemistry.
Best for:Best for chemistry PhD candidates with expertise in polymer science, mechanochemistry, or catalytic processes, seeking interdisciplinary research in sustainable materials.
Overview
This PhD position at IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) focuses on advancing sustainable textile recycling through mechanocatalysis—a solvent-free approach to depolymerize polyester, polyamide, and polyurethane fibres. The candidate will study depolymerisation mechanisms using two milling technologies and various catalysts, aiming to achieve selective depolymerisation of fibre blends. The work includes computational modelling to derive mechanistic insights and optimize processes. As part of the MSCA Doctoral Network ‘MECAT’, the PhD will involve international collaboration, including research stays at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (Germany) and Syensqo (France). The project aligns with IFPEN’s mission to develop clean, efficient, and sustainable energy and environmental technologies.
What you'll do
- Investigate depolymerisation of synthetic textile fibres (polyester, polyamide, polyurethane) using mechanocatalytic approaches with two milling technologies.
- Study selective depolymerisation of fibre blends to optimize monomer recovery and process efficiency.
- Apply computational modelling to rationalise experimental results and derive mechanistic insights for process optimisation.
- Conduct research at IFPEN in Lyon, including two international research stays at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (Germany) and Syensqo (France).
- Collaborate within the MSCA Doctoral Network ‘MECAT’ to integrate international research and training.
- Develop and validate new methods for sustainable textile fibre recycling, contributing to circular economy solutions.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; no specific proficiency test mentioned
Instruction: English
- Proven expertise in polymer chemistry or mechanochemistry
- Experience with experimental techniques in catalytic processes
- Familiarity with computational modelling or data analysis tools
- Strong laboratory skills in chemical synthesis and analysis
- Must not hold a doctoral degree
- Cannot have resided or worked in France for more than 12 months in the past 3 years
- Eligible for MSCA Doctoral Network funding (EU residency rules apply)
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-30 (Europe/Paris)
Applicants must submit their application through the IFPEN PhD thesis portal. The application should include a CV, a cover letter, a research proposal, and academic transcripts. Three reference letters are also required. Applications must be submitted before the deadline.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research proposal
- Academic transcripts (BSc + MSc)
- Three reference letters
Contact
Ana Teresa Fialho-Batista· PhD Supervisor
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