Research

Polymers for energy and life-like acting polymers for ionotropic purposes

We design, synthesize and characterize ion conducting polymeric materials. In particular we focus on proton conducting polymers (sulfonated polymers) for ionotropic application and Li-ion conducting polyelectrolytes (polymers containing charged groups) for Li-ion transport and manipulation. Also, we have the ambitious target to make material capable of working following the out-of-equilibrium logic that will bring the field of life mimicking materials a step close to living systems.

We study the structure of these polymeric based materials using X-ray based techniques (SAXS/WAXS), calorimetry (DSC) and spectroscopy (FTIR). Transport properties are mostly investigated using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS).

Check the following publications on this topic:

• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adfm.201300376

• https://www-annualreviews-org.proxy-ub.rug.nl/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-anchem-071114-040202

• https://chemistry-europe-onlinelibrary-wiley-com.proxy-ub.rug.nl/doi/full/10.1002/celc.201700464

• https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2017/cs/c6cs00738d#!divAbstract

Thermoelectric polymeric materials

Thermoelectric materials are able to convert temperature difference into electricity. Thermoelectric systems are thus interesting to recover waste heat in different processes or using temperature gradient to power small devices. We aim to understand the structure-properties and to optimize the power efficiency on thermoelectric polymeric materials based on the conducting PEDOT:PSS complex.

Thin films and coatings

Using mostly surface sensitive X-ray scattering (GISAXS and GIWAXS) and microscopy techniques such as AFM and SEM, we investigate the structure formation in polymer thin films and coatings. This project often involves collaboration with companies interested in the morphology and properties of polymer-based coatings. Formation and incorporation of metallic and inorganic nanoparticle into polymer films is also studied.

Check the following publications on this topic:

• https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsapm.9b00601

• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/chem.201701493

In-situ and real-time polymer characterization

Due to our long standing experience in using synchrotron radiation, we run projects aiming to study structural evolution and phase transitions in polymeric systems subjected to severe cooling rates and under elongation/shear. We study the structural and morphological evolution of polymeric materials using in-situ X-rays based techniques (SAXS/WAXS or GISAXS/GIWAXS) often coupled with other techniques such as laser scattering/reflectometry.

We directly apply our knowledge in the investigation of industrially processed materials (cast film, blown film, composites), in close collaboration with our industrial partners.

Check the following publications on this topic:

• https://doi.org/10.1107/S0021889813027076

• https://www.mdpi.com/776942

• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adfm.201806741

• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/adfm.201702516

Polymer-based nanoparticle systems for drug delivery

While polymer based gels have been extensively studied for drug delivery applications, the use of low molecular weight gelators (LMWG) yielding physical supramolecular gels in the form of drug nanocarriers is still under investigation. In this project we focus on exploiting low molecular weight hydrogelators (LMWHGs) in order to achieve nanogel particles that can be loaded with drugs and can be easily internalized by cells.

After nanogel formation is achieved, we will conduct a precise characterization of the nanogel properties, before and after drug loading, in buffer solution, using light and X-ray scattering (DLS and SAXS). Droplets response when exposed to a complex biological environment such as serum will be investigated. Tests on human cells will be conducted.