Funding & Projects
1.) Individual Grants
Dual Catalysis as a Tool to Achieve High Performance at Maximum Simplicity
2016-2020 (project number: 323277263)
Dual catalytic pairs consisting of an organocatalyst and a non-modified metal salt will be employed for ring-opening polymerization of O-heterocyclic monomers. The synergistic effects of such combinations will be investigated in a comprehensive study, in an effort to unify and rationalize a field where so far only scattered, yet highly promising reports exist.
Project Publications: See here.
Highly Polarized Olefins: Enabling Polymerization Catalysts for Homo- and Copolymers Based on “Non-Polymerizable” gamma-Butyrolactone
2018-2022 (project number 411719654)
This project aims for the development of practicable, efficient (co)polymerization processes to utilize gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) for materials science. This five-membered cyclic ester has historically been largely ignored for application as monomer on account of adverse thermodynamics; until recently, only oligomers would result from the harshest of conditions. However, new research has revealed the compelling properties of poly(GBL) as a fully recyclable, tunable polyester, whereby crucially the feedstock, GBL, is abundantly available, cheap and potentially bio-sourced.
Project Publications: See here (example).
Chiral Diborans as Metal-Free, Cooperative Catalysts for the Stereoselective Polymerization of Propylene Oxide
Since 2023 (project number 519885019)
In view of the advances in borane co-catalyzed polymerizations in recent years, this project aims to join two borane functionalities in one molecule via a chiral backbone, to achieve high catalytic performance (kinetic benefits, diborane vs. bimolecular mechanisms), excellent selectivity (>90% mm, to allow for semi-crystalline polymer) and functional group tolerance.
Project Publications: See here (example).
2.) Collaborative Research Centers (DFG CRC/SFB)
Mesoporous Carbons by Block-Copolymer Templating
2018-2022 (project number: 358283783)
An approach based on N-heterocyclic olefins as novel organopolymerization catalysts is employed to synthesize triblock copolyethers in a highly controlled manner (ABA- and BAB-type, A = poly(ethylene oxide), B = poly(propylene oxide)). These copolymers will be used as tailored structure-directing agents to control the pore size of ordered mesoporous carbons resulting from a self-assembly process (targeted diameter: 2-10 nm). Variations in the degree of surface hydroxylation will then enable the independent assessment of the parameters “pore size” and “pore wall polarity” for catalysis. The introduction of functional groups exclusively inside pores will be realized by the application of macromolecular reagents.
Project Publications: See here.
Electrocatalysis under Confinement: CO2-Reduction with Molecular Catalysts Immobilized on Ordered Mesoporous Carbons
2022-2026 (project number: 358283783)
Ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) films with distinct pore sizes in the range of 3-18 nm and an adjusted wall polarity will be synthesized to design thin film electrodes (TFE) and gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) for an optimized electrocatalytic reduction of CO2. The catalysts are selectively immobilized inside the mesopores via a silylation strategy. Confinement effects and the activity/selectivity of the electrocatalysts will be electrochemically characterized, and full cell measurements will be conducted to evaluate the stability and the scalability of the confinement effects. Relevant microscopic processes will be elucidated via simulations in order to set up an adequate continuum-based reaction-diffusion model for the full electrocatalytic cycle. PIs: Stefan Naumann, Elias Klemm (Stuttgart), Christian Holm (Stuttgart).
Project Publications: See here.
3.) Industry Cooperations
Novel Process for Sustainable Polyesters
2022-2023
Bio-based co-monomers for the preparation of polyester-type additives via a dual-catalytic process.
Borane-Based Epoxide Polymerization
2022-2024
Borane catalysts are synthesized and screened for epoxide poly- and oligomerization under large-scale-friendly conditions.
Project publications: see here.
Functionalized Polymers for Novel Applications
Since 2025
Highly functionalized monomers and tolerant, high-performing catalysts to result in novel polymer applications.
New Catalysts for the Curing of PU and Epoxy Coatings
Since 2025
High-performing and robust catalysts for curing applications, focusing on swift polymerization kinetics, low catalyst loadings and scalable components..