Research

With fundamental and more applied molecular chemistry research, the Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry contributes to the three important transitions that our society faces: the energy, resource, and materials transitions.

Research at ISCC focuses on molecular chemistry, with catalysis, synthetic chemistry, environmental chemistry, and analytical sciences, specifically in-situ and operando spectroscopy and microscopy, as recognized core strongholds of the members. Scientific topics include, among others, CO₂ utilization, plastics circularity and recyclability, biomass conversion, and chemistries beyond thermal conversion.

In general, our research aims at closing the element loops, using benign (i.e., clean, energy-efficient and resource-efficient) conversion and manufacturing processes. Such processes should then yield products that are both circular-by-design and safe-by-design. This can only be achieved by molecular redesign and the adoption of a systems approach to chemistry, including end-of-life studies (environmental impact) and related risk assessment. Such research clearly requires a multi- and interdisciplinary line of action, which is achieved through collaboration with toxicologists as well as technoeconomic and life cycle analysts.

Our research

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  Organic Chemistry & Catalysis Research group affiliated with the Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry.
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  Inorganic Chemistry & Catalysis Research group affiliated with the Debye Insitute for Nanomaterials Science.
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  ARC CBBC Consortium by Utrecht University, Groningen University, Eindhoven University of Technology and partners from the chemical industry.