RSA CE&C 2015-2021 Group descriptions

68 enormous environmental pollution. A fundamental transition is therefore required in the field of polymeric materials, from synthesis out of fossil-based feedstock and one-time use to the continuous re-use of polymeric products. The focus of our research is on existing polymers and on designing novel polymeric structures which are more amenable to recycling, including smart new monomers that can switch between polymerized and depolymerized states using energy-efficient processes. The key is the incorporation of suitable degradable functional groups or smart monomers into the polymers in their design stage. In addition, we develop repurposing processes in which polymer wastes are converted to building blocks for new value-added polymeric materials. In collaboration with industry and in line with their strategies, research will be initiated to increase the share of recycled material polymer products in order to create a circular economy for future business. Generally, these topics can be considered part of our broader interests in developing functional polymers andmaterials, supramolecular systems andnanostructures for advanced technological applications with special attention to the relationship between the end-use properties, chemical structure and the corresponding synthetic procedures. The interest in these functional polymeric materials ismotivated by the scientific challenge they pose to chemistry and physics, as well as by societal changes driven by economic, technological and environmental megatrends related to sustainable developments. In the longer term, the development of additional research themes in cooperation with other research groups at TU/e and industrial partners is highly attractive. Of particular interest is the study of new polymerization strategies for the creation of well- defined novel polymers and the development of various applications of new high-performance materials with industrial relevance, such as ultralight weight design, super insulation, gas storage, membranes for gas separation, electronics, photovoltaics, supercapacitors, batteries and photocatalytic hydrogen production from aqueous solutions.