Dion Smink researched the topic of Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) at University of Twente.
Compared to the currently used Kraft process, delignification using DES is more energy efficient, thus providing opportunities for valorising the side streams. While in the CO2 neutral Kraft process the ‘byproduct’ lignin is burned for its energy, by using the DES process the lignin can be isolated and used as an alternative feedstock for the chemical industry, thereby decreasing CO2 emissions.’
Dion Smink chose this research topic because he enjoys the complex and sustainable nature of biomass and it is a subject that is still very practical and industrially applicable. ‘I was inspired by the sustainable nature of the project and by the large number of companies and organizations that collaborated to reach this common goal.’
DES project
Smink was told about the DES project by his professor, Boelo Schuur. ‘At that time, I was doing my Master of Science assignment under his supervision’.
Before his PhD, Dion Smink studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Twente. He was raised in a small village called Silvolde, but he has been living in Twente for 10 years now. After his PhD, he started working for Hosokawa Micron, a company that designs, manufactures and supplies powder processing systems and equipment. In his spare time, he likes to do horse riding.