Research

At the Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (TMC), researchers are engaged in various fields of technical and macromolecular chemistry. The focus of macromolecular chemistry includes the synthesis and characterization of polymers and polymer materials, as well as polymerization technology.

In the field of Technical Chemistry, the main topics include biomass and CO2-based value creation, the development of reaction engineering concepts for chemical energy storage in Power-to-X processes, and the development of tailored polyoxometalates for advanced catalytic applications.

Macromolecular Chemistry – Research Focus: Technical Polymer Chemistry

In technical polymer chemistry, we work on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of monomers and polymer materials up to a kg-scale. Typical polymers include polyolefins, polyurethanes, polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyethers. Research focuses include catalytic polymerization, optimization of process management, the development of new reactor concepts, such as the spray polymerization method, as well as the processing of materials through extrusion, injection molding, or 3D printing. Additional research areas include the use of bio-based and bio-inspired polymers, as well as plastic recycling. Mechanical, thermal, and rheological testing allows us to establish application-oriented material profiles.

Technical Chemistry – Research Focus: Catalytic Reaction Engineering

In the field of catalytic reaction engineering, we develop concepts for oxidative or reductive value creation from biomass as well as selective hydrogenation of CO2, utilizing oxygen or hydrogen generated by electrolysis. This includes both, catalytic and reaction engineering questions regarding kinetics, residence time behavior, phase behavior, and material or heat transport. For this purpose, we use a variety of laboratory facilities with integrated catalyst recycling and product purification.

Technical Chemistry – Research Focus: Inorganic Technical Chemistry

To develop efficient catalysts, we use various synthesis methods for the production of customized inorganic catalyst materials based on polyoxometalates. A particular focus lies on the targeted adjustment of the redox activity through substitution of the framework metals with suitable transition metals. Furthermore, we are engaged in the synthesis of sturdy CO2 hydrogenation catalysts based on indium for the specific reduction of CO2 to platform chemicals.

Detailed information about the current research areas can be found on the pages of the institute's research groups.

An overview of the publications of the active research groups can be found here.