Microgelzymes

Microgelzymes, functional microgel catalysts with controlled chemical composition, architecture, morphology, and site-specific distribution of variable catalytically active centers will be synthesized and further evolved to light sensitive microreactors to obtain an enhanced and controllable catalytic performance. The targeted incorporation of specific photoswitches and plasmonic nanoparticles together with tailored zinc complexes as catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters will allow to control the architecture and morphology by influencing the swelling degree using light. Thereby correlations between the internal structure and the catalytic activity will allow to aim for an optimal catalytic performance.

Project Management: DFG (German Research Foundation)

Funding reference number: SFB 985 C6