Applied Surface Chemistry forms together with Polymer Technology, Biopolymer Technology and Pharmaceutical Technology the Division Applied Chemistry.

Heterogeneous catalysis

Research at Applied Surface Chemistry is broad in scope and includes both “dry” and “wet” surface chemistry. Within the area heterogeneous catalysis there is an emphasis on emission control catalysis, mainly directed towards automotive applications. There is also research related to industrial emissions. Within the division there is also ongoing research on catalytic cracking, hydrogenation of oils, preparation of fuels through the Fischer-Tropsch process, and catalytic alkylation. The Competence Center for Catalysis, KCK, with a focus on automotive catalysis and with a history that dates back to 1996, is an important part of this research. The petrochemical industry is also heavily involved in the research.

Nanomaterials

Within nanomaterials there are several projects that take advantage of the ability of amphiphiles to self-associate and form distinct structures with dimensions in the nanometre regime. Such structures can be utilized as templates to create inorganic materials – metals as well as metal oxides – with controlled dimensions and geometries. Nanoparticles, nanowires and so-called mesoporous oxide materials have been prepared by this route. Examples of applications include catalysts for emission control, electrode materials for fuel cells, and porous media in which enzymes and metal-organic homogeneous catalysts can be inserted. Within the nanomaterials area there is also research related to thermoelectric materials and to fuel cells. A new research field is nanostructured surfaces for biomedical applications, in particular for medical implants. A company has been established to commercialize the research in this area.

NMR diffusometry 

One group studies structure dynamics of supramolecular materials such as gels, gel emulsions and the cellulose fibre. NMR diffusometry is the most important measuring technique and in some of the projects it is combined with different types of microscopy, in particular confocal laser scanning microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. This combination has proven very powerful for studies of transport in these complex heterogeneous media. The transport can relate to water but also to active substances such as drug molecules. The knowledge created has relevance for the food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as for producers of diapers and other absorbing products. This research is part of the Center for Supramolecular Biomaterials, SuMo. Another important project concerns marine paints. The division is part of a large programme, Marine Paint, which aims at development of new, nontoxic paints for ship hulls. The vision is to govern the release of the active substance in such a way that fouling by barnacles and other marine organisms can be prevented. One group is engaged in encapsulation of pheromones and of antimold compounds into small organic capsules. These are intended for products against insects that are harmful to the forest and for outdoor paints, respectively.

Surfactants and microemulsions

Yet another area concerns surfactants and microemulsions. Novel surfactants that break down readily in the environment are studied in collaboration with companies. New types of cationic surfactants, gemini surfactants and amino-acid based surfactants are in focus. The work comprises both synthesis and physical-chemical evaluation. Organic and bioorganic reactions are also performed in nanostructured media such as microemulsions, surfactant liquid crystals, mesoporous materials, and organic gels.