The Assignment
Chemical recycling of waste streams such as plastics or biomass is an important route to a circular economy. Pyrolysis oil from PP and PE plastic waste can be reused, for example in steam crackers, but the quality of this oil must be clearly understood. In this internship, you will investigate chlorinated compounds (both organic and inorganic) in pyrolysis oil and compare your results with relevant guidelines, such as the “Guideline on end-of-waste status of pyrolysis oil, March 2025”.
You will quantitatively determine chlorine compounds using chromatographic techniques, such as gas chromatography or ion chromatography. In addition to chlorine-containing compounds, you will also examine other relevant components in the oil. Corsair in Bergen op Zoom supplies the samples, and you will conduct the majority of the research at MNEXT in Breda, where the necessary analytical capabilities are available.
An important part of your assignment is the method development of a 2D-GCxGC-MS technique. This advanced chromatographic method is highly suitable for complex pyrolysis oils, but still needs to be further developed and optimized within the ATLS lab. You will collaborate with the ALST Analysis Research Group and the MNEXT Research Group on this.
For this assignment, we are looking for a student with a background in analytical chemistry who enjoys getting stuck into lab work, data analysis, and method development.
Interested students are invited to email:
CV
A short cover letter
to:
Email: mm.vandeursen@avans.nl
About MNEXT
MNEXT is the Centre of Expertise for the Materials and Energy Transition. Together with companies, governments, researchers, and students, MNEXT bridges the gap between innovation and society and works on practice-oriented research for a sustainable future. Projects fall within three main themes: transition and value creation, sustainable energy technologies, and biobased and circular materials (mnext.nl). As an intern or graduating student, you will participate fully in a multidisciplinary research team and work on real-world issues from the professional field. Between 40 and 50 students intern at MNEXT every semester, allowing you to collaborate intensively with other students, build a large network, and make many social connections.
In addition, you automatically participate in an internship program featuring more than ten workshops, in which you strengthen both your research skills and your career competencies. Examples include sessions on the use of AI in desk research, research integrity, the professional use of LinkedIn, and coaching to advance a start-up idea. For your efforts, you will receive an internship allowance of €350 per month.