Name Activity "Chemical Engineering and Industrial Chemistry" "The research in the Department of Chemical Engineering aims at developing creative solutions to challenging problems in the field of separation technology and catalysis by exploiting the new possibilities in materials engineering and nanotechnology. Key to this development process is a thorough understanding of the fundamental events, from the molecular scale to the real life application level. In our group, advanced experimental techniques (microfluidics technology, ultra high pressure instruments, high-throughput experimentation, ...) are combined with state-of-the-art computer modeling methods, including molecular modeling and computational fluid dynamics, to obtain insight in the fundamental adsorption, diffusion, reaction and mass transfer effects. Integration into the traditional engineering methods allows a rational design of improved or innovative applications. The research of the CHIS-department is organized along three tightly linked research themes: Adsorption (G. Baron & J. Denayer) The research entity is active in several areas of chemical, biochemical and environmental engineering. Activities are focused on several aspects of the use of (micro)porous or structured materials in gas and liquid separation both by physical adsorption and chemisorption or heterogeneous chemical reaction. Adsorbent and catalyst material characterization, the study of adsorption and diffusion effects in heterogeneous catalysis and non-conventional reactor design are dominating our activity. In collaboration with industrial and academic partners, fundamental and applied research is performed. Selected research topics are given below. - High throughput experimentation in adsorbent and catalyst research - Studying molecular interactions in nanoconfined systems - Modelling of adsorption, diffusion and catalytic processes: from the molecular level to the chemical plant - Optimization of reaction and separation processes by intelligent design - Use of micro and mesoporous solids for controlled release of bio-active compounds - Separation processes in gas and liquid phase - Advanced reactor systems for environmental applications - Multiscale modelling of adsorption and reaction processes Transport Modelling and Analytical Separation Science (G. Desmet, S. Eeltink) In this research line, the emphasis is on obtaining a better understanding (mainly through computer simulations of the flow and diffusion) of the methods and systems currently used to conduct (bio-)analytical separations, mainly high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) and Cappilary LC. These insights are also used in combination with the latest advancements in the fields of micro-fabrication and nano-technology to design and develop improved analytical separation devices. - HPLC-Column Technology (monolithic columns, coated capillaries, chip-based columns) - Multi- dimensional separations - New Separation Methods & applications - Flow and Mass Transfer Phenomena in HPLC - The Kinetic Plot Method µFlow (W. De Malsche) Recently, the tight cooperation between the adsorption and the TMAS²-group has lead to the creation of a third research line on microfluidics and microreactor technology. This research line is fed by the vast know-how in micromachining (ranging from sub-micron lithographic etching to micro-precision CNC machining), by the department's extensive know-how in flow modeling (CFD), as well as by the application know-how in the fields of catalysis and separation science of the TMAS²- and the adsorption group. The ability to position very accurately shaped and localized micron-sized structures by precision machining enables novel physical and chemical operations (generally involving mixing and separation). These chip-based concepts are conceived, translated into fabrication schemes and validated. Besides on-chip characterization procedures by means of fluorescence microscopy and other on-chip detection methods, the validation of the prototypes occurs with commercially available characterization equipment. Some currently explored research topics are given below. - Analytical pillar array columns (interaction-based and size exclusion chromatography, field-flow-fractionation, gas chromatography, etc.) - Pillar array columns for ultra-narrow RTD (residence time distribution) reactors: crystallization and production of unstable intermediates - Continuous emulsification and de-mixing devices for multi-phase operations - Emulsified-stratified-segmented flow reactors - Membrane reactors for extraction and reaction rate shifting - New generation mixers and flow distributors" "Laboratory of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry" "The main activity of the research group of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry is the study of environmentally friendly, chemical methods to the synthesis of high-tech, nanostructured inorganic materials.A water based sol-gel method is developed and optimized successfully for the preparation of ferroelectric, piezoelectric, conductive and dielectric metal oxide powders and thin films (with thicknesses from several hundreds down to a few nm), which are strategically important for future developments in nanoelectronics.  These materials have applications in for instance MOSFETs, DRAM, non-volatile memories such as flash or FERAMs, MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems), biosensors and transparant electrodes.  The aim here is to achieve high-quality properties at the lowest possible processing temperatures.  Furthermore, the research group is also developing research activities concerned with preparation, via hydrothermal routes and microemulsion methods, and application of metal oxide nanomaterials: 1) Porous nanocrystalline ZnO and TiO2 films as well as ordered one-dimensional ZnO and TiO2 nanostructures with controlled geometry, for hybrid and dye-sensitized solar cells.2) Metal oxide nanoparticles with a well defined morphology for photocatalysis, UV protection, antifouling applications, etc.3) More fundamental nanoscientific and nanotechnological challenges such as the deposition of ultrathin uniform films and substrate based ordered nanopatternsA great deal of attentation is paid to chemical synthesis aspects as well as chemical-structural characterization of starting, intermediate and finished products.  These characteristics are related to the morphological, functional (electrical, electro-optic,...) and other properties of the material systems as they should be applied, which provides the research with an interdisciplinary character. The research group of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry has at its disposal an elaborate set of analysis techniques for the characterization of intermediates and finished products.  Techniques used on a daily basis are: Thermogravimetry (TGA), possibly coupled on-line to mass- (TGA-MS) and infrared spectrometry (TGA-FTIR) to study the outgassing of samples, applied for instance to the identification of functional groups and unraveling the mechanisms in the decomposition of the precursors to the final product.  High temperature diffuse reflection (HT-DRIFT) provides complementary information on the chemical structure of the decomposing precursor, while in-situ high-temperature XRD (HT-XRD) allows the (trans)formation of crystalline oxide phases.  Other FTIR based methods, which are frequently used are transmission FTIR, (attenuated total reflectance) ATR and grazing incidence ATR for thin films.Nanoparticles are characterized by zeta-potential measurements and particle size distribution analysis using dynamic light scattering (DLS).  Techniques for crystallographic and morphologic characterization are XRD, XRR (X-ray reflectometry), AFM (atomic force microscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), cryogenic and cross sectionTEM (transmission electron microscopy) which are available at the Institute for Materials Research.  Starting from 2010 a deep UV-micro Raman triple spectrometer will be taken into use for the characterization of a broad spectrum of precursors and (nano)materials.By participation into projects and networks, less conventional techniques such as EXAFS (extended x-ray absorption fine structure) and neutron diffraction are available as well.The research group is part of the Institute of Materials Research.  The research is carried out in close collaboration with IMEC (Interuniversitair Micro-elektronica Centrum), the independent research center in nano-electronics and nano-technology situated in Leuven.  Furthermore, direct involvement of industrial partners in the research is ensured in several research projects (link below).  The group is a partner in different Flemish, national and international research projects and networks." "Organic and Bio-polymer Chemistry" "The research group ''''Organic and (Bio)Polymer Chemistry'''' (OBPC) focuses on the synthesis, characterization and applications of advanced functional (macro)molecular materials. The group encompasses several subgroups with a specific and complementary expertise, closely collaborating and operating within the spearhead research domains of the Institute for Materials Research (IMO) of Hasselt University. The group is also linked to the IMEC associated laboratory ''''imomec''''. Fundamental as well as more applied research is conducted and specific attention is devoted to PhD training. The OBPC group also has a longstanding tradition in joint scientific R&D within European, national and regional projects, as well as servicing for industry and research centers. In recent years, a specific expertise on flow chemistry has been developed.- ''''Biomolecule Design Group'''' (BDG) Prof. Dr Wanda Guedens, Prof. Dr Peter Adriaensens: The BDG group focuses on the in vitro/vivo functionalization of biomolecules and optimization of the covalent oriented coupling of these biomaterials to (solid) supports.- ''''Design & Synthesis of Organic Semiconductors'''' (DSOS)Prof. Dr Wouter Maes, Dr Laurence Lutsen (imomec): The key competence of the DSOS group relates to the design, synthesis and characterization of organic semiconducting materials - conjugated polymers as well as related ''''small'''' molecules - and their integration in opto-electronic devices (photovoltaics, photodetectors, LEDs, transistors, chemo/biosensors,...) and theranostics, pursuing rational structure-property relations. These activities are strongly embedded in the Institute for Materials Research (and the associated laboratory imomec), facilitating interaction with materials and device physics experts and providing access to state of the art equipment.- ''''Nuclear Magnetic Resonance'''' (NMR) Prof. Dr Peter Adriaensens: The UHasselt NMR group focuses on quantitative and non-invasive elucidation of the microstructure, molecular dynamics and phase morphology of (among others) polymer materials by means of modern liquid and solid-state NMR (relaxation) experiments in order to elucidate macroscopic material properties.- ''''Hybrid Materials Design'''' (HyMaD) Prof. Dr Dirk Vanderzande, Dr Laurence Lutsen (imomec): The HyMaD group focuses on the design and synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid materials with specific electrical and/or optical properties. Particular attention is paid to the use of supramolecular interactions that contribute to the formation of nano-structured hybrid material systems that exhibit functionality in both the organic and inorganic components. Potential applications in the fields of solar cells, LEDs and detectors are investigated as well.- ''''Polymer Reaction Design'''' (PRD) Prof. Dr Tanja Junkers: The PRD group strives for the development of new materials via state of the art polymer synthesis methods. From fundamentals and kinetics of polymerizations to the design of new polymer reaction pathways, all elemental steps are addressed and custom-made materials are constructed." "Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)" "Pieter Billen" "iPRACS aims at supporting decisions in chemical process design by early stage projections of environmental and economic performance, with expertise focus on applied catalysis and green solvents. Given the thus far unknown validity of such projections based on early process ideas, iPRACS develops new methods in addition to currently used life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA), which are to date mainly used for assessment of processes at much higher technological readiness levels. This framework will internally also be used to give direction to the development of processes with a high potential for improved sustainability. Examples of such projects in the group's expertise domain are heterogenization of catalysis through metal organic frameworks (MOFs), application of deep eutectic solvents (DES) in (bio)catalysis, synthesis of monomers from fatty acids, and (thermos)chemical recycling of polymers." "Combustion and Robust optimization" "The research topics of BURN are:- Novel combustion technologies:combustor (flameless, oxy-fuel), internal combustion engine (LTC engines), micro gas turbine (mHAT)- Kinetic mechanism reduction:Tabulation of Dynamic Adaptive Chemistry, Principal Component Analysis- Non-conventional fuels:H2 enriched fuels, biofuels and biomass- Pollutant formation:particulate matter- Turbulence/chemistry interaction- Robust optimization and uncertainty quantificationsensitivity analysis, validation of kinetic mechanisms, UQ large number of uncertainties, coupling of UQ with optimization, development of surrogate models" "Materials and Packaging Research &Services" "Roos PEETERS" "Materials and Packaging: Research & Services (MPR&S)ExpertiseThe research spearhead 'packaging technology' is broadly defined with a focus on characterization and optimization of materials/packaging. From the services and research, we support the education within the program of engineering technology in chemistry - option food processing and packaging.Detailed information about the activities of the MPR&S research group can be found on the MPR&S website as well as on the imo-imomec website.ServicesWith modern characterization and testing techniques and a correct scientific interpretation of the measurement results, MPR&S supports the business world in the responsible choice or adaptation of packaging concepts.These activities focus on 5 items:gas permeability testing of materials and packaging for oxygen, water vapor, carbon dioxide and non-corrosive and non-explosive gasesPhysical/mechanical materials characterizationSeal performance - investigation in the frame of material and techniqueConditioning - accelerated aging with impact investigation of temperature and light, whether or not in combination with moistureTransport simulation and performance research at box and pallet level (equipment for vibration, compression, falling, shock) shaking and/or falling research with extensive registration possibilitiesPackaging optimization and diagnosticsFundamental research2 research lines: 'Smart, safe and sustainable packaging' led by Prof. Buntinx; 'Optimization of material characteristics by nanotechnology' led by Prof. Peeters.In addition to traditional plastics, fundamental research has recently turned to bioplastics as renewable materials. The objective is to 'improve' bioplastics into materials with properties that are comparable to or better than those of 'traditional' plastic packaging materials. This will give bioplastics a wider industrial application in various sectors. It is fundamental applied research with special attention to industrial application possibilities.Applied project researchThe MPR&S research group commits to various opportunities for project collaboration with universities, organizations, companies, etc. Examples are TETRA, CORNET, intercluster projects, ... Examples are the BIOFUN (compostable packaging), Multi2Recycle (recycling polypropylene packaging concepts), REPAC² (coated paper-based packaging)." "Materials Chemistry" "Peter ADRIAENSENS" "The research group ""Materials Chemistry"" (MATCHEM) focuses on the synthesis, characterization and application of advanced functional materials. The group encompasses several expertise groups with specific and complementary expertise, closely collaborating and operating within the spearhead research domains of the Institute for Materials Research (IMO) of Hasselt University. The group is also linked to the IMEC associated laboratory 'IMOMEC'. Main activities focus onnew materials for energy generation and energy storage;life sciences materials;materials obtained from waste recycling. The group regularly acts as partner in different European, Flemish, national and international research programs and networks and has a longstanding tradition in joint research and servicing with industry and research centers.Detailed information about the activities of the MATCHEM research group can be found on the imo-imomec website as well as on the EnergyVille website.The expertise groups within MATCHEM are:Design & Synthesis of Organic Semiconductors (DSOS): Prof. dr. Wouter Maes.The key competence of the group relates to the design, synthesis and (structural and optoelectronic) characterization of advanced organic semiconducting materials (polymers as well as smaller chromophores), with particular emphasis on the rationalization of structure-property relations, and their integration in optoelectronic devices (photovoltaics, photodetectors, light-emitting diodes, transistors, chemo/biosensors, ...) and theragnostic applications for personalized healthcare.Hybrid Materials Design (HyMaD): Prof. dr. Dirk Vanderzande and dr. Laurence Lutsen.The group focuses on the design and synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid materials with specific electro- optical properties and their application in the fields of solar cells, LEDs and detectors. Particular attention is paid to supramolecular interactions that result in the formation of nano-structured hybrid material systems that exhibit functionality in both the organic and inorganic components.Design and synthesis of inorganic materials (DESINe): Prof. dr. Marlies Van Bael and Prof. dr. An Hardy.The main activity is the study of environmentally friendly, chemical methods for the synthesis of high-tech, nanostructured inorganic materials. Solution based synthesis routes, including aqueous and non-aqueous sol(ution)-gel methods, hydro/solvothermal routes, combustion synthesis, co-precipitation, thermal decomposition synthesis, etc. are created for the preparation of functional inorganic nanomaterials. Historically, the main focus was on superconducting, ferroelectric, piezoelectric, conductive and dielectric metal oxide powders and thin films for applications in nanoelectronics, including memories and sensors, in addition to solar cells. In the last decade, the focus shifted to oxide-, metal-, polyanionic- and sulfide-based materials for energy storage in batteries and energy efficiency.  Most recently, the group's expertise is being put to full use in catalysts in the context of ""power to molecules"". Applications include lithium-ion, sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur batteries, as well as thermochromic windows, CO2 reduction and hydrogen production via photocatalysis, photoelectrochemical routes and electrolysis.Biomolecule Design Group (BDG): Prof. dr. Geert-Jan Graulus, Prof. dr. Peter Adriaensens, and Prof. dr. Wanda Guedens.The key competence of the group relates to the development of in vitro/vivo methods for a unique and site-specific functionalization of proteins.  On the one hand, the research is focussed on the bioorthogonal and uniform conjugation of nanobodies to various constructs that pave the way towards improved biosensor, bioimaging and controlled drug release applications. On the other hand, biomimetic structural proteins are designed to enable the effective transplantation of (stem) cells in tissue engineering applications.Advanced Functional Polymer group (AFP): Prof. dr. Louis Pitet.The AFP group focuses on the theme of sustainable polymer technology, with topics like polymers for health care (e.g. tissue engineering), synthesis of polymers in continuous flow (e.g. for manufacturing complex architectures), and polymer technology for a circular economy (e.g. polyester and polyamide waste stream upcycling). Contemporary synthetic tools are explored in a variety of contexts, pushing the boundaries of polymer technology for improved material properties, efficient synthetic protocols, or designed recyclability. The group strives to establish fundamental structure-property relationships in complex polymer scaffolds for advances in a variety of applications.Analytical and Circular Chemistry (ACC): Prof. dr. Wouter Marchal, Prof. dr. Dries Vandamme, Prof. dr. Peter Adriaensens, and dr. Annelies Sels.The focus of the group lies on the design, development and application of suitable analytical strategies for material characterization in order to unravel advanced structure-functionality relationships by advanced and hyphenated physico-chemical techniques. The analytical toolbox is applied to explore processes relating to circular chemistry, including biomass and waste stream valorisation, green extraction and thermal conversion (pyrolysis), and water purification. In addition, environmental issues such as nanoparticle leaching, outgassing and carbon sequestration are addressed. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR): Prof. dr. Peter Adriaensens.The group focuses on the quantitative description of the structure, molecular dynamics and phase morphology of (polymer) materials by modern liquid and solid-state NMR spectroscopy and relaxometry experiments in order to elucidate macroscopic material properties. Expertise in NMR-metabolomics is also present and focuses on the search for metabolite markers for early diagnosis and therapy follow-up of (lung) cancer."