RSA CE&C 2015-2021

6. Strategy for the next six years 45 At an international level,TU/e is clearly scientifically leading in interactivepolymermaterials.Over the last decades, a focused scientific strengthening of expertise and coordinated investments in polymer chemistry, polymer processing, functional supramolecular systems, advanced characterization and analysis methods of soft matter, chemical biology, and regenerative medicine have resulted in this very strong position in understanding complex molecular systems at the most fundamental level in order to shape the future of materials for health and life itself, amongst other things. Researchers from different disciplines and departments (Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Physics) collectively work together in this area in the Institute of Complex Molecular Systems. The recent granting of the Gravitation program Interactive Polymeric Materials Research Center (2022-2032) is, amongst others, a clear example of the continuing scientific excellence and strength in this area. Following the example of interactive polymer materials, we want to strengthen and expand the department’s activities in two areas over the coming decades: molecules, materials and processes for 1) energy conversion and storage and 2) the recovery of resources and circular processes. Although the exact focus requires further discussion, on the basis of recently attracted scientific talents and the department’s involvement in the Eindhoven Institute of Renewable Energy Systems, coordinated actions in materials for energy conversion and storage will be set up to focus on catalyst and electrode materials, electrochemistry, membrane science, technology for photo and electrochemical conversions, and flow cell technology. Regardingcircularity,the focuswill beon theselective recoveryof components,circularpolymers, sustainable conversion processes, process integration and intensified reactor concepts. To expand on this, strong coordinated activities and investments are required that build on an understanding of transport phenomena through interfaces, organic and inorganic materials chemistry, separation technology, chemical reactor engineering, multi-scale computational reactor engineering, big data, and artificial intelligence. Possibilities for a TU/e Institute for Circularity will be explored.