Catalysis is one of the main principles of green chemistry. Professor Schaper’s group researches the synthesis and characterization of inorganic complexes that catalyze reactions important to research and industry. In particular, it is developing new catalysts for the polymerization of cyclic esters into biodegradable polymers.

Professor Zhu’s group focuses on the synthesis, characterization and development of new polymeric materials, including hydrogels, degradable polymers, shape-memory materials and nano- and microparticles, for biomedical and industrial applications.