Project description
A universal approach to converting polymers back into monomers
Controlled radical polymerisation has revolutionised the field of polymer chemistry, enabling the synthesis of a wide range of materials with controlled molecular weight, polymer dispersity and structure. On the other hand, controlled depolymerisation – the recovery of the starting monomer from polymers – has been poorly explored. The overall aim of the EU-funded DEPO project is to develop a universal, quantitative and controlled method of depolymerisation that enables polymers synthesised by controlled radical polymerisation to be converted back into monomers. Although this method will initially target polymers synthesised by atom transfer radical polymerisation systems, it will subsequently be applied to polymers synthesised by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer and nitroxide-mediated radical polymerisation.
Objective
Controlled radical polymerisation has revolutionised the field of polymer chemistry by allowing access to the synthesis of a wide range of materials with controlled molecular weight, dispersity, architecture and end-group fidelity. Although thousands of papers have reported on optimising the polymerisation parameters, very few reports have focused on reversing controlled radical polymerisation. This is a significant oversight, as controlled depolymerisation has the potential not only to reveal intriguing avenues of research, but also to pave the way for promising applications including innovative polymer characterisation methodologies. The overall vision of DEPO is to develop a universal, quantitative and controlled depolymerisation of polymers (i.e. converting polymers back to the corresponding monomers) synthesised mainly by controlled radical polymerisation. Although this strategy will initially be developed for atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP) systems, it will be expanded to include reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) and nitroxide-mediated polymerisation (NMP) protocols. Widely-used polymers synthesised by other methods such as polystyrene will also be modified to permit for depolymerisation. Importantly, this approach will operate at room temperature and will be applicable to a range of polymer classes and architectures (block copolymers, stars, etc.). The fundamental outcomes of this research will inform depolymerisation design strategies and will pave the way for additional opportunities such as advanced polymer characterisation.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-STG - Starting Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2020-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
8092 Zuerich
Switzerland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.