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Research Topics

The Naumann Research Group focuses on unifying molecular, catalytic approaches with challenges arising from material design. We strive to impart polymers with a tailored spectrum of functionalities and properties, usually by improving the way these macromolecules are made. To achieve this, principles known from organic chemistry (such as organobase design, Lewis pair formation, cooperative catalysis) are transferred into the polymer context. This is often a surprisingly direct route to hitherto unexpected material applications, even for well-established polymers.

Our current research activities can be clustered into three interlinked modules. These include (1) (organo-)catalyst design, based on the principles of catalytic cooperativity and simplification, (2) the pursue of more sustainable polymerization processes, in particular by innovative catalyst development and a focus on renewable/circular feedstock (3) the preparation, characterization and application of ordered mesoporous carbons (powders and self-supporting films/membranes) for pore size-sensitive applications.

Topic 1: Polymerization Catalyst Design

Topic 2: Polymerization (Catalysis) and Sustainability

Topic 3: Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Materials