Comparative Kinetic Approach to the Glycolysis of Polycondensates for Textile Waste Recycling (PA/PUR/PET)

The textile industry, responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 20% of water pollution, faces a major environmental challenge. With less than 10% of textile waste being recycled, and an insignificant share for chemical recycling (<1%), it is urgent to develop sustainable alternatives. Synthetic textile fibers (PET, PA, PUR), representing over 60% of textiles, offer potential for chemical recycling through glycolysis, a method capable of breaking down polycondensation polymers into reusable monomers. However, processing complex mixtures poses challenges of selectivity and separation, making an innovative approach necessary.
IFP Energies nouvelles, a leading French research center in the fields of energy, transport, and the environment, focuses part of its work on developing advanced recycling techniques, from fundamental research to industrial-scale applications.
This PhD project aims to study the selective glycolysis of textiles, identifying relevant operational levers (temperature, catalysts, glycol/substrate ratio) and their impact on selectivity. Experimental studies on model molecules and kinetic schematization and modeling work will initially be conducted. The work will then be extended to individual and mixed polymers, and finally to real textile materials. Catalysts will be tested and compared to propose optimal and robust operating conditions.

Keywords: recycling, textile, catalysis, kinetics, model molecule

• Academic supervisor    Dr. Kim LARMIER, IFP Energies Nouvelles, ORCID : 0000-0002-5199-1516
• Doctoral School    ED206 Chimie, Université de Lyon 1
• IFPEN supervisor    David PRORIOL, ORCID : 0000-0003-2880-453X
• PhD location    IFPEN, Lyon, France
• Duration and start date    3 years, starting in the fourth quarter 2026 (Novembre 2nd)
• Employer    IFPEN
• Academic requirements    University Master degree in Chemistry / Catalysis
• Language requirements    English level B2 (CEFR)
• Other requirements    Basic knowledge of kinetics, reactor modelling

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