Topic 1: Polymerization Catalyst Design
The Naumann Research Group has a particular interest in the understanding, development and application of polymerization catalysts. We thus work at the intersection of organic synthesis, polymer characterization and material science. Finding and characterizing new catalytically active molecules is at the heart of our research, accompanied by various techniques to illuminate polymerization mechanisms. Robust and scalable solutions (also for large-scale production) constitute a major focus of our activities.
Current specific research topics encompass the development of organic superbases and the investigation of borane-mediated polymerization processes. Some recent research highlights can be found here (ultra-high molar mass polyethers) and here (first metal-free catalyst for the preparation of isotactic poly(propylene oxide)).


See also: S. Naumann, P. B. V. Scholten, J. A. Wilson, A. P. Dove* J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 14439-14445; P. Walther, A. Krauss, S. Naumann*, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019, 58, 10737-10741; A. Sirin-Sariaslan, S. Naumann*, Chem. Commun. 2023, 59, 11069-11072.
Topic 2: Polymerization (Catalysis) and Sustainability
Progress in polymerization catalysis is directly coupled to more sustainable polymer/plastics production: less waste generation, milder reaction conditions, the avoidance of toxic compounds or solvents etc. all contributes to more sustainable processes and is enabled by well-designed polymerization catalysts. Moreover, the introduction of specific properties (such as rendering a polymer biodegradable) or the use of renewable feedstock (such as bio-based monomers) often requires improved or newly developed polymerization catalysts. The Naumann group is active in this field, applying its long-term expertise in catalyst design.
Current interests include for example the integration of renewable lactone monomers in polymeric additives or the polymerization of previously “unpolymerizable” monomers. Some recent research highlights can be found here (degradable PEG from ethylene carbonate).


See also: P. Walther, S. Naumann*, Macromolecules 2017, 50, 8406-8416; P. Walther, S. Naumann*, Polym. Chem. 2017, 8, 3674-3683; N. von Seggern, T. Schindler, S. Naumann*, Biomacromolecules, 2020, 21, 2661-2669.
Topic 3: Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Materials
Within CRC 1333 “Molecular Heterogeneous Catalysis in Confined Geometries” (University of Stuttgart, since 2018), the overarching target is to exploit defined mesoporous support materials to host molecular catalysts (exclusively inside the pores) and impact reactivity by exerting confinement effects and diffusion/transport phenomena. In this context, the Naumann group has developed a specific type of ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC). Via self-assembly, using tailor-made amphiphilic block copolyethers, well-defined and precisely adapted OMCs were prepared. Crucially, we are able to control the diameter of the generated mesopores continuously within 6-20 nm, in a rational and fully predetermined manner.
Materials with defined pore sizes and surface functionalities can be considered artificial analogues to enzymes: when molecular catalysts are immobilized inside small enough pores, the spatial confinement can impact the outcome of catalytic transformations, i.e. by favoring the smaller product. The pore can thus be considered an extension of the ligand sphere of the catalyst and must “fit” to the desired reaction, not unlike the key and lock principle found in nature. The carbon material is also electrically conductive – the above described benefits can thus be transferred to the field of electrocatalysis.


See also: A. Balint, M. Papendick, M. Clauss, C. Müller, F. Giesselmann, S. Naumann*, Chem. Commun. 2018, 54, 2220-2223; F. Markus, C. Vogler, J. Bruckner, S. Naumann*, ACS Appl. Nano Mater. 2021, 4, 3486-3492; M. Huber, P. Sonnenberg, S. Naumann*, Polym. Chem. 2025, DOI: 10.1039/D5PY00107B.