Seminars

Various advanced nanostructured functional materials were designed and prepared by reversible deactivation radical polymerization using tools of macromolecular engineering. Copper-based ATRP (atom transfer radical polymerization) catalytic systems with polydentate nitrogen ligands are among the most efficient reversible deactivation radical polymerization systems. Recently, by applying new initiating/catalytic systems, Cu level in ATRP was reduced to a few ppm. ATRP of acrylates, methacrylates, styrenes, acrylamides, acrylonitrile, and other vinyl monomers was controlled by various external stimuli, including electrical current, light, mechanical forces, and ultrasound also in water and open air.  ATRP was employed for the synthesis of polymers with precisely controlled molecular architecture with designed shape, composition, and functionality. Block, graft, star, hyperbranched, gradient and periodic copolymers, molecular brushes, and various hybrid materials and bioconjugates were prepared with high precision. These polymers can be used as components of various advanced materials. Special emphasis will be on nanostructured multifunctional hybrid materials for applications related to environment, energy, healthcare, and catalysis.

Kris Matyjaszewski is J.C. Warner University Professor of Natural Sciences and director of the Center for Macromolecular Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. In 1994 he discovered Cu-mediated atom transfer radical polymerization, commercialized in 2004 in US, Japan and Europe. He Synthesized many advanced materials for biomedical, environmental, and energy-related applications. He has co-authored >1,300 publications, (>200,000 citations, h-index 213) and 72 US patents. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences, European, Australian, Polish, Hungarian, and Georgian Academies of Sciences. He received 2023 NAS Award in Chemical Sciences, 2021 Grand Prix de la Fondation de la Maison de la Chimie, France, 2017 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry, 2015 Dreyfus Prize in Chemical Sciences, 2011 Wolf Prize in Chemistry, 2009 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award, 5 major Awards from the American Chemical Society, and thirteen doctorates honoris causa. 

*Refreshments will be provided plus a chance to talk with the speaker after their seminar till 5pm.