PhD in Light-Driven Synthesis and Recycling of Bio-Based Polymers

Are you intrigued by the potential of light-driven chemistry to create sustainable, bio-based polymers? Are you passionate about developing innovative recycling technologies that support a more circular use of carbon resources? In this PhD project, you will investigate novel photochemical strategies for the synthesis and chemical recycling of polymers derived from renewable feedstocks. You will also explore the use of these bio-based polymers in the development of durable composite materials. Are you our next PhD candidate in sustainable polymer chemistry?

Your research challenge
In this PhD project, you will develop innovative light-driven strategies for the synthesis and chemical recycling of polymers derived from renewable resources. The project combines fundamental photochemistry with polymer science and materials chemistry, giving you the opportunity to explore how concepts developed at the molecular level can be translated into functional polymeric materials.

You will design and synthesize polymers from a range of renewable feedstocks using mild and selective photochemical methods. By studying the underlying reaction mechanisms and photochemical design principles, you will gain a deep understanding of how light can be used to control polymer formation and structure.

A key focus of the project will be chemical recycling. You will develop photocatalytic approaches to selectively break down the polymers into their original building blocks, enabling the recovery and reuse of valuable bio-based feedstocks. In this way, the project aims to establish more circular strategies for the use of renewable carbon resources.

Beyond polymer synthesis and recycling, you will investigate the use of these materials in durable and mechanically robust composites. This will allow you to connect fundamental molecular design with real-world materials performance and explore how sustainable polymers can be integrated into advanced applications.

By bringing together photochemistry, polymer chemistry, recycling, and materials science, you will contribute to the development of new approaches for designing polymers with built-in sustainability and circularity.

An interdisciplinary and international environment
You will conduct your research under the supervision of Prof. Fabian Eisenreich in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology. You will join the Polymer Performance Materials research group, which focuses on sustainable polymer chemistry. You will also become part of the interdisciplinary Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, which connects TU/e researchers working across polymer science and related fields.

The position is funded through the EuroTech programme, which promotes research collaboration between leading technical universities across Europe. As part of this project, you will work closely with a research partner at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The project includes a six-month research stay at DTU, giving you the opportunity to work in an international research environment, exchange ideas with collaborators, and broaden your scientific expertise. Through this network, you will develop new skills, build valuable academic connections, and explore how your research can contribute to the development of future sustainable technologies.

Working at TU/e
At TU/e, you will work in an environment that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality. You will receive personal guidance while having room to develop your own ideas, ambitions, and talents. Together with supportive colleagues from different disciplines and backgrounds, you will push the boundaries of sustainable polymer chemistry and contribute to research with clear societal relevance.

Ideal start date: November 01 2026