RSA CE&C 2015-2021 Group descriptions

Molecular Systems and Materials Chemistry (MSMC) 87 simultaneously form reversible non-covalent bonds and dynamic covalent bonds. We investigate the synergy between these motifs and different polymer backbones and how this affects the material properties and re-processability. Whereas many investigations in this area focus on sustainable alternatives to thermoplastic and thermoset bulk materials, we focus on crosslinked networks present in coatings to aid the reuse and longevity of coated objects and utensils, which are important in medical devices and implants as well as in networks used in electronic skins. Major accomplishments in the evaluation period Research quality and scientific relevance Our most significant results in the period 2019-2021 are summarized below: 1. Controlling supramolecular copolymer structure from solution to bulk. 2. The development of re-processible materials based on supramolecular motifs. 3. Fundamental understanding of how amphiphilic polymers fold in water. 4. The stabilization of the 3D structure of SCPNs in cells and complex media. 5. The development of catalytically active SCPNs for photoredox catalysis in water. 6. Understanding the factors governing the activity of transitionmetal-based SCPNs in complex media. Valorization and societal impact The most important outputs of the SCC group are the bachelor’s and master’s students that are trained in the group. Our research is fundamental in nature but spans different disciplines and has a strong multidisciplinary nature. Notably, the bio-orthogonal catalysis work has great potential for societal impact as it could be applicable to prodrug activation in cancer therapies. Research facilities The Supramolecular Chemistry and Catalysis group is part of the inter-departmental Molecular Science and Technology (MST) division and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) and shares equipment and responsibilities for equipment with the Macro-Organic Chemistry and Supramolecular Polymer Chemistry groups, all located at HEO4. Within MST and ICMS, many instruments are shared and are fully accessible to the group. All molecular characterization techniques (high-field NMR, IR, mass spectrometry, etc.) and a large variety of separation techniques (HPLC, GLC, HPLC-MS, SEC, etc.) are available and are run by highly dedicated and experienced staff. More specific instruments that are available are circular dichroism spectroscopy, UV spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray scattering, light scattering, (cryo)TEM, SEM, DSC, DMTA and many more. In general, the facilities are of high quality. Most important are the versatile synthesis labs in the Helix building. Prospects Development of the research field The field of controlling polymer conformations through covalent and non-covalent interactions has attracted a great amount of interest. With respect to the combination of conformationally controlled polymers to achieve enzyme-like catalysis in particular, the SCC group is at the forefront of many new developments. Our research is also directed towards applications in important societal areas such as green catalysis, bio-orthogonal catalysis and reusablematerials. We strongly believe that a bottom-up approach in which attaining fundamental understanding