Chemical Recycling of Plastic Materials: Experimental Study and Modeling of PET Depolymerization via Glycolysis

In a context where environmental and societal challenges related to plastic waste management are becoming increasingly urgent, the chemical recycling of plastic materials, such as the glycolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), emerges as a complementary solution to traditional mechanical recycling. By aligning with a circular economy approach, this innovative method aims to valorize existing resources while limiting the extraction of new raw materials.
IFP Energies Nouvelles is a leading French research center in the fields of energy, transport, and the environment. It focuses part of its work on developing these advanced chemical recycling techniques, ranging from fundamental research to their application on an industrial scale. In this context, process modeling, particularly of reactive systems, is essential both for understanding the underlying phenomena (dissolution, mass transport, catalysis, reactions, etc.) and for supporting the development of industrial processes.
The objective of this PhD thesis is to study and model the primary and secondary depolymerization mechanisms of PET. Particular attention will be given to the impact of the polymer's structure (crystallinity, chain length, etc.) and the raw material (additives, impurities, etc.) on the decomposition process, as well as the nature of the oligomers and monomers formed. Modern modeling approaches, based on population balance equations, will be explored. An extensive experimental program, including the setup and monitoring of experiments in a batch reactor along with advanced analytical methods (SEC-RI-UV, MALDI/MS, etc.), will support the construction and selection of the most relevant model.
This PhD project represents a unique opportunity for comprehensive training in scientific research, combining experimental work and advanced modeling. The candidate will develop valuable and versatile expertise in the field of chemical engineering.

Keywords: Plastic advanced recycling, PET, glycolysis, kinetics, modelling

• Academic supervisor    Dr Damien HUDEBINE, IFPEN, ORCID : 0000-0002-0697-0329
• Doctoral School    ED206 Chimie, Université de Lyon 1
• IFPEN supervisor    Dr Léo VIOLET, leo.violet@ifpen.fr, ORCID : 0000-0002-6554-9016
• PhD location    IFPEN, Lyon, France
• Duration and start date    3 years, starting in the fourth quarter 2026 (Novembre 2)
• Employer    IFPEN
• Academic requirements    University Master degree in Chemical Engineering/Chemistry    
• Language requirements    English level B2 (CEFR) + Willingness to learn French   
• Other requirements    Basic knowledge in kinetics and reactor engineering 

To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to the IFPEN supervisor indicated here below.