The Covalent Adaptable Networks (CANs) subgroup recently published a literature review of the field in Chemical Reviews. The extensive review covers a brief history of dynamic networks, dating as far back as the 1800s and a perspective on the merits of associative vs dissociative exchange mechanisms.…
Lily Felsenthal and Subeen Kim recently published a paper in JACS demonstrating that commercial polyurethane (PU) foams containing residual polymerization catalysts can be reprocessed into films without any additional catalysts. Residual tertiary amine catalysts in PU foam enabled reprocessing PU foam into film as covalent adaptable networks, supported by model studies showing their carbamate exchange capacity and mechanism.…
Zhi-Wei Lin and Subeen Kim recently published a paper in JACS reporting the design of hierarchically porous monolithic adsorbents to capture PFAS from water under a continuous flow setup. The unique macroporous structure of the StyDex monolith enables rapid transport of water and PFAS molecules to meso- and micro-pores, leading to superior PFAS removal efficiency per unit mass compared to commercial benchmarks.…
Prof. Dichtel was quoted in a Washington Post article detailing researchers seeking breakthrough technologies to tackle PFAS contamination. The Dichtel Group has initiated novel work destroying PFAS without using copious amounts of heat. “We’re generating this waste stream where we can destroy them using this low-temperature method as opposed to applying a ton of energy or something requiring a lot of exotic equipment and safety considerations,” Dichtel said.…
Maxine van der Donk has received the First Place Presentation Award for the Undergraduate Research in Polymer Science Symposium at the Spring National American Chemical Society Meeting in San Diego! The award recognizes outstanding undergraduate students in polymer science and engineering.…
Beatrice Bartolomei has been awarded the prestigious Marie Curie Fellowship, one of the highest honors in the field of research. The fellowship, which supports outstanding early-stage researchers, will allow Beatrice to advance her work in Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), creating a synergy between Dichtel’s group at Northwestern University and the Lotsch’s group at Max-Planck institute
for Solid State Research.…
Ansuree Natraj (’24 Ph.D. and DRG alum) has been selected as a 2025 Schmidt Science Fellow. The Fellowship supports auspicious post doctoral scientists in internationally acclaimed labs where they will be encouraged to take their research to new academic horizons beyond their Ph.D.…
Madison recently published a Science paper on a novel solid-state polymerization, titled Mechanically interlocked two-dimensional polymers. This paper marks the development of the first two-dimensional mechanically interlocked material, holding promise for use in high-performance, light-weight body armor and other uses demanding lightweight, flexible and tough materials.…
Prof. Will Dichtel has been recognized by Clarivate as a 2024 Highly Cited Researcher. See the full list here.
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Clover has been honored with the prestigious Ryan Fellowship from the International Institute of Nanotechnology at Northwestern University. This esteemed fellowship will support her groundbreaking research on paired ion frameworks, which hold significant promise for advancing applications in quantum information science.…
