GRK 3082:  Engineering covalent bonds in molecules and materials

• Subject Area: Molecular Chemistry ; Physical Chemistry ; Theoretical Chemistry
• Term: since 2025
• Website: Homepage
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 534930008

The RTG action “Engineering covalent bonds in molecules and materials (Ec=m2)” addresses a core concept of natural sciences and will thus have a lasting impact in both molecular and materials chemistry. The fantastic progress in understanding covalent bonds is based on the ever-increasing availability of novel (functionalized) molecular motifs and the remarkable advances in spectroscopy and theory. Controlling homolytic bond dissociation offers unique and novel opportunities for molecular reactivity and materials’ post-function¬alization. For instance, the creation of weakly coupled, even unpaired electrons will lead to novel applications in (opto-)electronics, magnetism, and electrochemistry. The ease of bond scission critically depends on the constituting elements. It can be further adjusted through (a) variations in the steric environment and electronic properties of substituents, (b) adaption of the solid-state environments, and (c) external stimuli.Exploiting these opportunities in research is a formidable challenge, which the RTG tackles with a holistic research strategy along the entire scientific value chain. This approach comprises (1) the synthesis of molecular species with tunable covalent bonds, (2) addressing the covalent bonds and thus their physical and chemical properties by light, (3) the theoretical modeling of fundamental processes of bond formation and spin interaction, and (4) the implementation of novel and established bonding modes into new materials with superior response to external triggers. Our research program is embedded in dedicated qualification and outreach programs that will foster public awareness of the pivotal importance of covalent bonds and their tuning. The Ec=m2 initiative will facilitate translating fundamental results to applications with societal impact by the next generation of scientists.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Universität des Saarlandes
• Participating Institution: Leibniz-Institut für Neue Materialien gGmbH (INM)
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. David Scheschkewitz
• Participating Researchers: Diego Andrada, Ph.D.; Professor Dr.-Ing. Markus Gallei; Professorin Dr. Tanja Gulder; Professor Dr. Gregor Jung; Professor Christopher W.M. Kay, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Guido Kickelbick; Professor Dr. Tobias Kraus; Professorin Dr. Giovanna Morigi; Professor Dr. Dominik Munz; Professor Dr. Volker Presser; Privatdozent André Schäfer; Professorin Dr. Stella Stopkowicz