Here we present an overview of our basic research in the perspective of possible application. For each of our research themes we have compiled a PDF file containing project details and contact information. Should you have general questions please don't hesitate to contact us via hims@uva.nl.

Sustainable chemistry

Development of new, cheap and sustainable catalysts to improve the efficiency of chemical transformations and to efficiently convert solar/electrical energy to fuels (electrocatalysis, photocatalysis) and vice versa (fuel cells). Strengths in catalyst design, synthesis, kinetics, (spectroscopic) characterization, modeling and testing catalysts under applied conditions.

• Homogeneous and supramolecular catalysis
• One-pot metallo-radical approach to 2H-chromenes
• Functional polymers via ‘carbene polymerization’
• Smart systems for small molecule activation
• Understanding catalysts and their performance
• Conversion of biomass into high-value chemicals
• Metal-organic frameworks as selective adsorbers
• Advanced electrochemical devices for efficient power generation, energy storage and chemicals production
• Multistep synthesis of valuable complex compounds
• Synthetic applications of C-H bond activation strategies
• Biocatalytic routes for the sustainable manufacture of valuable chemical products

Molecular Photonics

Power house of photochemical and photophysical expertise covering the complete trajectory from designing and constructing novel molecular systems to their application in areas of primary importance to society such as energy, sustainability, and health.

• Molecules and photons at work
• Multidimensional infrared spectroscopy
• Functional photonic nanomaterials
• Fluorescence microspectroscopy in materials science
• Photoinduced electron and energy transfer in molecular- supramolecular- and nano-systems: from solar cells to solar fuels

Computational Chemistry

Molecular simulations and multiscale modelling. Development of computational tools to model and predict, from first principles, the behavior of complex chemical, biological, and physical processes. 

• Atomistic insight in biomolecular processes
• Understanding soft matter
• Solvent Effects in Chemical Reactions
• Nanoporous Materials and Surfaces
• Multiscale Modelling of Complex Materials
• Gelation in crosslinking polymerization: multiple radical sites that matter

Analytical Chemistry

Developing, improving and optimising analytical (separation) methods and technologies. Development of advanced software (‘chemometrics’) to turn large amounts of data into useful information. Applications in forensics, chemistry, materials, art, food and medicine.

• Towards HYPERformance liquid chromatography
• Separation methods for macromolecules and particles
• Bayesian statistics to deal with data analysis automation
• Mass spectrometry powered biomolecular systems analysis
• Developing new chromatographic technology and methods for sustainable chemistry and proteomics