News

24-05-2017

Call for participation: MSCA Individual Fellowship

Biorizon co-initiator VITO is looking for strong candidates interested in a post doc position (2 years) to look at the electrocatalytic modification/ functionalization of lignin-derived compounds (monomers – oligomers) to promote their suitability for different application fields, e.g. adhesives, coatings, plastics and other industrial applications by increasing their reactivity, and hence to contribute to creating new wood/lignin applications.

Lignin: excellent alternative feedstock for the elaboration of chemicals and polymers

Lignin is the most abundant renewable carbon source on earth, after cellulose. Woody plants typically contain 20-30 % of lignin. An estimated 60-70 million tons of lignin is formed (liberated) into different pulping spent liquors in global pulp and paper industry, with Kraft and sulphite pulping being the two dominating process technologies. More than 95 % of this type of lignin matter is used, together with other dissolved compounds, as a biofuel to generate heat and power. Only less than 5 % of dissolved lignin is recovered from the pulping spent liquors for chemical and material applications. However, the high functionalization of lignin represents an inherent advantage for producing molecules with greater complexity and wider application scope. Hence, lignin represents an excellent alternative feedstock for the elaboration of chemicals and polymers which is currently rarely exploited, rather than just being burnt as a process energy source. By generating methods for the material utilization of lignin, the gap in the value chain of complete lignocellulose processing to value-added products can be closed.

Postdoctoral research

The aim of this postdoctoral research is to look at the electrocatalytic modification/ functionalization of lignin-derived compounds (monomers – oligomers) to promote their suitability for different application fields, e.g. adhesives, coatings, plastics and other industrial applications by increasing their reactivity, and hence to contribute to creating new wood/lignin applications.

For this subject, VITO, the Flemish Institute for Technological Research wishes to support young graduates in preparing their application for a postdoctoral research mandate. VITO is looking for strong candidates interested in a post doc position (2 years). VITO will help candidates in preparing a Marie Sklodowska Curie proposal.

Contact

Do you have a PhD in related research areas and a good spirit for team work? Then contact us for more information and apply online at the VITO website or contact Kelly Servaes (kelly.servaes@vito.be).

Photo: VITO