Hydrogels for Separation of Ions Based on Defined Pore Structure (C01)

• Subject Area: Experimental and Theoretical Physics of Polymers
• Term: from 2016 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 259079535

The synthesis and characterisation of exactly defined three-dimensionally cross-linked and functionalised materials reflect important aspects of the collaborative research centre. Positively charged hydrogels will be explored to guarantee the applicability to real seawater containing multivalent cations. In detail, we focus on quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPR) of the network and its resulting macroscopic properties, addressing all length scales starting from the monomer up to the particle shape and size. Examples are the control of functionalities at specific locations in the mesh and the synthesis of spherical gel particles based on microfluidics.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1176: Molekulare Strukturierung weicher Materie
• Applicant Institution: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
• Project Heads: Dr. Leonie Barner; Professor Dr. Manfred Wilhelm