Chemical Sciences Chemistry of Materials Strategic Research Line Factsheet 2015-2016 The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research
This factsheet provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic research line Chemistry of Materials, one of the three strategic research lines of the Council for Chemical Sciences of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research. The factsheet provides highlights of projects and experts granted within several funding schemes; an extensive overview is enclosed in the annex. The Council for Chemical Sciences of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) encourages innovative, fundamental, strategic and applied research. This is realized through the funding of research projects and programmes and the organisation of scientific meetings. NWO Chemical Sciences distinguishes three main strategic research lines: Chemistry of Life, Chemical Conversion and subject of this factsheet Chemistry of Materials. Community building International collaboration Transdisciplinary collaboration Talent scheme Veni Vidi Vici Graduate Programme curiousity driven research Open Competition ECHO TOP TOP-PUNT Gravitation Programme NWO Chemical Sciences society inspired research NWO Innovation Fund Chemistry KIEM LIFT TA CHIPP Thematic Building blocks of life Advanced Research Center (ARC) for Chemical Building Blocks (ARC CBBC) Materials for Sustainability Solar to Products facilities Investment Grant NWO Medium Investment Grant NWO Large National Roadmap Large-scale Research Infrastructure Dutch-Belgian Beamline (DUBBLE) thematic research ChemThem Science for Arts Forensic Science Astrochemistry CO2 Neutral Fuels 2 Factsheet Chemistry of Materials
Facts NWO Chemical Sciences Structural Funding NWO Chemical Sciences (2014) In M 50,3M Molecules assemble to structures with new properties Enabling Healthy Aging Chemistry of Life Tools for targeted intervention Smart materials (self healing, responsive, dynamic) Materials for energy storage Chemistry of Materials Nano/bio materials with controllable properties Biocompatible materials Minimal self-replicating cell Use of waste biomass Pharmaceuticals from non-fossil resources Energy for chemistry Organ on a chip Reduce & recycle, e.g. scarce resources Recycling & circular economy Chemical Conversion Factory of the future (smaller, cleaner) 3 Factsheet Chemistry of Materials
Headlines news Chemistry of Materials Conversion of light into macroscopic helical motion published in Nature Chemistry Breakthrough material for printed solar cells Dutch-Belgian Beamline (DUBBLE) 15 years Cooperation China (NSCF) and The Netherlands in the field of Advanced Materials Bright future for new topcoat semi-organic solar cells Eindhoven Researchers observe shell growth thanks to ion sponge New photo-catalytic coatings 4 Factsheet Chemistry of Materials
Chemistry of Materials Research in this main area is focused on the development of new classes of materials using nanotechnology or self-assembly. Also gaining insight into the atomic and macroscopic behaviour of materials with new theoretical and spectroscopic techniques falls within this main research area. Development of advanced biodegradable and bio-based materials with specific properties and research that increases the understanding and control of complex forms of matter are other challenges that are addressed within this area. Interactions between entities (molecules, cells) of complex organic, inorganic and hybrid systems lead to new features through self-organization on a larger scale in space and/or time. Research within this research line includes physical chemistry, polymer chemistry, solid state chemistry and material science, parts of organic chemistry, spectroscopy and theoretical chemistry, as well as soft condensed matter science. Spinoza Prize Winners The NWO Spinoza Prize is the highest Dutch award in science. NWO awards the NWO Spinoza Prizes each year to researchers working in the Netherlands and who according to international standards belong to the absolute top of science. 2000 Prof. D. Frenkel (University of Cambridge) - Macromolecular Simulations 2001 Prof. E.W. Meijer (Eindhoven University of Technology) - Organic Chemistry 2015 Prof. R.A.J. Janssen (Eindhoven University of Technology) - Molecular Materials and Nanosystems Prof. D. Frenkel Prof. E.W. Meijer Prof. R.A.J. Janssen 5 Factsheet Chemistry of Materials
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Open Competition TOP, TOP-PUNT and ECHO grants TOP Towards accurate predictive calculations on reactions of molecules on metal surfaces, Prof. G.J. Kroes (Leiden University). This proposal addresses four challenges facing theorists whose aim is to make quantitatively accurate predictions for reactions of molecules on metal surfaces. The research is curiosity driven, but also of practical importance to a more accurate description to overall heterogeneously cata - lysed reactions, which play a role in the production of more than 90% of man made chemicals. TOP Grants are for excellent, established research groups active in this sub-area of chemistry. The research group can use the grant to strengthen or renew challenging and innovative lines of research. TOP-PUNT Superficial Superstructures: Control of Colloidal Ordering at Interfaces, Prof. D.A.M. Vanmaekelbergh (Utrecht University), Prof. W.K. Kegel (Utrecht University) and Prof. A. Meijerink (Utrecht University). Two-dimensional semiconductors and metals with a superimposed nanogeometry are of enormous interest for the development of materials with novel electronic and photonic properties. The objective of the proposed research is to develop a design tool for creating periodic twodimensional structures, with periods ranging from nanometers to micrometers, based on interface-templated self-assembly. This requires a detailed understanding of surface-mediated directional interactions between either nanocrystals or colloids. Outstanding research groups can jointly set up, strengthen or renew lines of research in the established chemical centers of excellence with a TOP-PUNT grant. ECHO Influence of nanocrystal shape on dynamics of charges and trions, Prof. L.D.A. Siebbeles (Delft University of Technology). The research program is focused on the nature and dynamics of charge carriers and excited states in molecular materials with potential applications in e.g. LEDs, solar cells or nanoscale molecular electronics. Materials being studied include (blends of) conjugated polymers, discotic organic materials, inorganic nanoparticles and DNA. ECHO grants grants offer excellent researchers the opportunity to carry out a high-quality, curiositydriven research project. 7 Factsheet Chemistry of Materials
Public Private Cooperation CHIPP, TA, LIFT and KIEM grants 8 Factsheet Chemistry of Materials
CHIPP Nanoparticle-based EUV resists, Prof. A. Meijerink (Utrecht University). In lithography EUV radiation is used to write patterns in the production of chips. The researchers will examine photosensitive materials composed of anorganic nanoparticles. The experimental and theorethical research project is focused on characteristics of these materials under influence of EUV radiation, on the primary processes that occur and the smallest patterns that can be realised with these materials. Chemical Industrial Partnership Programmes (CHIPPs) are collaborations between one company and at least two knowledge institutions. The company and NWO each pay half of the project costs. That means that for every euro contributed by industry, NWO contributes one euro. TA Development of a Vibrational Optical Activity analysis toolbox: from chiroptical spectra to molecular stereochemistry and conformation, Prof. W.J. Buma (University of Amsterdam). Two university groups and two companies join forces to create a new toolbox for chiroptical analysis. The absolute configuration of a chiral molecule can be determined with the use of a technique called vibrational circular dichroism, but these data cannot be analysed with the current tools. Being able to determine the absolute configuration of a chiral molecule is incredibly important however, especially in for example the pharmaceutical industry. The development of new tools will bring chiroptical analysis within reach of industrial labs. Technology Areas (TAs) are collaborations between at least two companies and at least two knowledge institutions. The participating companies jointly contribute one-third of the project costs; NWO contributes two-thirds. That means that for every euro contributed by industry, NWO contributes two euros. in cooperation with private partner Scientific Computing & Modelling N.V. (SCM) and BioTools Inc LIFT Antifouling coatings based on zwitterionic dendrimers, Prof. H. Zuilhof, (Wageningen University). Surfaces as used in a variety of biological applications, like biosensors or implants, suffer significantly from fouling by biological components. This biofouling can largely be prevented by coating a surface with a very thin, doubly charged (zwitterionic) polymer layer. Such zwitterionic polymer brushes can be prepared with a high degree of definition, but their large-scale applicability is rather low due to the very high experimental complexity (oxygen-free conditions, non-stable catalyst, etc.). This research introduces the crucial elements of such a coating in an entirely novel manner, namely via specifically synthesised dendrimers. LIFT is intended for public-private co-operation of at least one company and at least one knowledge institute. LIFT is funded for 1/4 by the industry and for 3/4 by NWO. KIEM Refreshing 3D print waste, B.A.J. Noordover PhD ( Eindhoven University of Technology). The industrial applied 3D print technique Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is causing a growing amount of plastic waste powder. During this process products are being created in an environment of unused powder. Only half of this old material can be reused, that is why a search is going on in order to find a manner to refresh the waste. A KIEM is a project involving an SME together with one or more knowledge institutions that is aimed at answering research questions in practice. 9 Factsheet Chemistry of Materials
Gravitation Programme The Gravitation Programme is intended for consortia of excellent scientists who conduct innovative and influential research within their professional discipline. The purpose is to encourage research that can be among the world s top to actually achieve an international breakthrough. Research Centre for Functional Molecular Systems Prof. E.W. Meijer (Utrecht University), Prof. B.L. Feringa (Groningen University), Prof. R.A.J. Janssen (Eindhoven University of Technology), Prof. R.J.M. Nolte (Radboud University), Prof. J.C.M. van Hest (Radboud University), Prof. S. Otto (University of Groningen). This center is a partnership of the organic and macromolecular chemistry teams of the Eindhoven University of Technology, the Radboud University Nijmegen, and the University of Groningen, brought together to extend the frontiers of chemical self assembly. Four research programs have been established to complete a single grand challenge: the construction of functional life-like molecular systems. 10 Factsheet Chemistry of Materials
Talent Scheme The Talent Scheme offers individual grants to talented, creative researchers. This enables them to conduct the research of their choice. The Talent Scheme has three funding instruments tailored to various phases in researchers scientific careers. Veni The design of smart materials to realize nano-robots functioning inside a human body, L. Albertazzi PhD (Eindhoven University of Technology). Researchers will create smart materials that self-assemble : able to build themselves. This approach will be used to realize nano-robots able to function inside the human body. These devices will transport drugs into the body or attack viruses to cure a variety of diseases. A Veni grant allows young talents to perform research for a period of three years. Vidi Sticky when wet: bioinspired nanostructured complex coacervate adhesives for wet environments, M.M.G. Kamperman PhD (Wageningen University). Catalysis plays a key role in the conversion of raw materials to the products that we use in our daily life. A large part of catalytic processes used in industry rely on precious (or noble ) metals that are scarce, expensive and raise concerns due to toxicity when retained in the final product. Replacing these elements with base metals or main group elements that are more abundant and benign is thus highly desirable: successful implementation has the potential to completely reshape the catalysis landscape. The Vidi grant gives talented researchers the opportunity to develop their own line of research and to build up their own research group. Vici Molecular Recognition and Self-Replication in Dissipative Molecular Networks, Prof. S. Otto (University of Groningen). Dissipative, far-from-equilibrium systems are the rule in biology but still an exception in chemistry. Yet, the behavior of far-from-equilibrium systems is infinitely richer than that of equilibrium systems. This project is about introducing dissipative dynamic molecular networks as a new workhorse for systems chemistry. The idea is to operate dynamic combinatorial libraries of disulfides under conditions where the library members are continuously being formed and degraded through independently addressable chemical reactions. The Vici grant enables the laureates to do research for the next five years and to build up their own research group. Vici is one of the largest grants for individual scientists in the Netherlands.years. 11 Factsheet Chemistry of Materials
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European Grants of the European Research Council (ERC) ERC Starting Grant H.M. Cuppen PhD (Radboud University), A.A.W. Elemans PhD (Twente University), Prof. P. Jonkheijm (Twente University), R. van Ommen PhD (Delft University of Technology), Prof. S. Otto (University of Groningen), Prof. S.G. Lemay (Twente University), R. Luttge PhD (Twente University), N. Katsonis PhD (Twente University), Prof. R.G.H. Lammertink (Twente University), Prof. M.A. Stohr (University of Groningen), B. van de Meerakker PhD (Radboud University), E. Garnett PhD (Amolf), Prof. G.H. Koenderink (Amolf), Prof. R.J. Chiechi (University of Groningen), I.K. Voets PhD (Eindhoven University of Technology). ERC Starting Grants aim to support up-and-coming research leaders who are about to establish a proper research team and to start conducting independent research in Europe. ERC Advanced Grant Prof. H.W. Zandbergen (Delft University of Technology), Prof. M.A. Cohen Stuart (Wageningen University), Prof. R.J.M. Nolte (Radboud University Nijmegen), Prof. A. van Blaaderen (Utrecht University), Prof. H.S.J. van der Zant (Delft University of Technology), Prof. T.H. Oosterkamp (Leiden University), Prof. R.A.J. Janssen (Eindhoven University of Technology). The ERC Advanced Grant funding targets researchers who have already established themselves as independent research leaders in their own right. ERC consolidator Grant (introduced in 2012) Prof. E.P.A.M. Bakkers (Eindhoven University of Technology/Delft University of Technology). ERC Consolidator Grants are designed to support researchers at the stage at which they are consolidating their own independent research team or programme. 13 Factsheet Chemistry of Materials
International Cooperation India, Functional Materials Functional nanoporous membranes based on liquid crystalline and hyperbranched polymers, Prof. R.P. Sijbesma (Eindhoven University of Technology). The researchers will use of the unique features of hyperbranched polymers and facial liquid crystals to create unprecedented functional nanoporous materials. Nanoporous polymer membranes with well-defined pore sizes ranging between 0.5 and 5 nm that can be used for filtration and separation. The project consists of 4 separate, but integrated venues to develop this exciting class of materials and incorporate them in devices: the two synthetic approaches are (I) design and synthesis of degradable hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) as porogens functionalized at the periphery (II) design and synthesis of a supramolecular system of a facial amphiphile with a hyperbranched or dendritic polymer as sacrificial component. The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) cooperate in this programme on the topic of Functional Materials. China - Advanced Materials Device Integrated Smart Infrared Reflective Polymer Materials for Energy Management, Prof. A.P.H.J. Schenning (Eindhoven University of Technology), Prof. G.F. Zhou (South China Normal University). Intelligent control of infrared light transparency of windows is vital for reduction of energy use in buildings, cars, greenhouses and other indoor spaces. For visual comfort (buildings) and/or safety reasons (cars), it is desired to preserve the transparency of windows in the visible wavelength region as much as possible. In this project, stimuli-responsive polymer coatings will be developed and studied that allow for controlled reflection of incident infrared sunlight and are transparent in the visible wavelength region. The autonomous adaptable coatings will be developed in the Netherlands while electrically switchable polymer systems and the devices and prototypes will be fabricated and characterized in China. The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) are long-term partners in international research co-operation. They offer funding opportunities for bilateral research co-operation between Dutch and Chinese research groups. The thematic priority of the 2015 Sino-Dutch call of Advanced Materials. 14 Factsheet Chemistry of Materials
Facilities and equipment Investment grants BAZIS and NWO Medium, for medium-sized and large investments in scientific equipment. BAZIS - Prof. W.J. Buma (University of Amsterdam), Photons for Chemistry. - Prof. P.J.M. van Haastert (University of Groningen), Single-Crystal X-ray Diffractometer for Functional Materials Research. - Andrei Petoukhov PhD (Utrecht University), Facilitating Debye Synchrotron Studies on the Self-Assembly of Colloids. - Prof. J.J.L.M. Cornelissen (Twente University), Giving a pulse to supramolecular chemistry in Twente. - Prof. dr. C.C.A.M. Gielen (Radboud University), A closer look at complex molecular systems. - Prof. H. Irth (VU University), Amsterdam Laboratory for Computational Chemistry. - Prof. E.W. Meijer (Eindhoven University of Technology), Mass spectrometry for identifying supramolecular complexes. NWO Medium - Prof. F.P.J.T. Rutjes (Radboud University), Putting a Spin on Nijmegen Molecular Research (NMR). - Prof. M.A. Cohen Stuart (Wageningen University), Automated Force Spectroscope for measuring interactions in supramolecular structures. - W. Bras PhD (DUBBLE), A new Pilatus SAXS detector for the DUBBLE beam lines. Roadmap large scale research facilities - Prof. M. Baldus (Utrecht University), An ultra-high field NMR facility for the Netherlands (unmr-nl). - ir. M. Luizink (Twente University), NanoLabNL. - Prof. N.E. Hussey (Radboud University), High Field Magnet Laboratory HFML. The Dutch government acknowledges the importance of large-scale research facilities. Therefore a Dutch roadmap was commissioned, a strategic advice that singles out the large-scale research facilities that are essential for the robustness and innovativeness of the Dutch science system. 15 Factsheet Chemistry of Materials
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