RSA CE&C 2015-2021 Group descriptions

Molecular Systems and Materials Chemistry (MSMC) 51 suited for applications in electronic materials, nanolithography and self-oscillating materials (the so-called ‘polymers in motion’). To this purpose, we have developed molecular design strategies that enable us to create oligomers and polymers with the desired functionalities at specific sites in the molecules. Unique options are foreseen for chiral one-dimensional structures from surfaces for piezoelectric and ferroelectric functions or spin selection for spintronics. Together with the group of Dick Broer, new switchable systems are being made for micro-robotics. Finally, part of our dream to make new materials with controlled morphology for applications such as nanolithography is to close the gap between organic and macromolecular structures. More recently, our interest has also broadened to the use of supramolecular materials as a new avenue for the simple recycling of polymers. Major accomplishments in the evaluation period Research quality and scientific relevance Our most significant results in the period 2015-2021 are summarized as follows: 1. Spatiotemporal control and super-selectivity in supramolecular polymers usingmultivalency. 2. Tough stimuli-responsive supramolecular hydrogels with hydrogen-bonding network junctions. 3. Synthesis and self-assembly of discrete dimethylsiloxane lactic acid diblock co-oligomers: the dononacontamer and its shorter homologues. 4. Pathway complexity in the enantioselective self-assembly of functional carbonyl-bridged triarylamine trisamides. 5. Insights into the mechanism of the formation of ordered supramolecular (co)polymers. 6. Making waves in a photoactive polymer film. 7. The first example of spin control in water splitting using chiral-induced spin selection (CISS effect). 8. Unravelling the importance of the role of solvent in supramolecular assemblies. 9. High circular polarization of electroluminescence achieved via self-assembly of a light- emitting chiral conjugated polymer into multi-domain cholesteric films. 10.Our supramolecular polymers are now used by many research groups worldwide and at many companies. Valorization and societal impact The fact that a large number of young scientists/chemists educated in our group find their way in society is the most import output of the group. Although our research is fundamental in nature, the outcomes are applied and are valuable for industry and society. In many cases, it takes a very long time before a new molecule finds its way to the marketplace. However, the poly(propylene imine) dendrimers introduced by the group are part of the basic element of the drug Kiklin for the treatment of an electrolyte disturbance known as hyperphosphatemia when the patient is affected by chronic kidney disease and is on dialysis. Kiklin is produced by Astellas, Japan. More recently, Xeltis – a company that develops biomaterials for the tissue engineering of heart valves and vascular grafts – has been using our supramolecular polymers that were further developed by SupraPolix – a start-up from our own group. SupraPolix is also involved in many other topics with industry to use supramolecular polymers as circular materials. The group often has industrial researchers as guest researchers (five from Japan in this period), while the contract research company SyMO-Chem is closely related to our group.