How can one synthesize high-performance materials addressing the global energy
challenge by benign routes? The START project The hydrothermal route to functional
organic frameworks by Miriam Unterlass is addressing this question by using a method
that is inspired by natural processes taking place in the earths crust: hydrothermal
polymerization. This technique allows for generating very large molecules, so-called
polymers, of outstanding order in solely hot water. The procedures works like cooking in
a pressure cooker: the starting compounds are enclosed in a steel vessel filled with water,
and heated to elevated temperatures. At the end of the process, highly crystalline
structures result. Within this START project, the applicant intends to extend
hydrothermal polymerization to network structures, so-called frameworks, e.g.
honeycomb structures. The target materials provide high ordered porosity, as well as
extreme thermal and chemical stability and functionality that is potentially highly useful
for applications in the context of sustainable energy. These features will allow for
applying these materials in Lithium ion batteries, high-temperature fuel cells and organic
photovoltaics.
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