Polymer

Polymer Chemistry

Polymer chemistry at Minnesota encompasses novel synthetic strategies (e.g., for functional polymers, biorenewable polymers, controlled architectures, block copolymers), detailed characterization in solution and in the solid state, and evaluation of properties for a variety of applications. This research is both interdisciplinary in nature and highly collaborative. As a result, connections to and collaborations with other University departments are commonplace. Students at Minnesota enjoy ready access to state-of-the-art characterization facilities as well as the opportunity to interact with technical representatives from many leading industrial organizations.

Some of our research topics include:

  • controlled polymerization and functionalization of model polymers
    • drug-polymer binding, solubilization, and delivery
  • nanostructured soft materials
  • block polymer nanopatterning
  • sustainable polymers
  • metal-catalyzed polymerizations
    • polymer interaction with and toxicity in biological systems
  • polymer membranes
    • molecular characterization (SEC, NMR, and MALDI)
    • structural characterization by scattering (light, x-rays, neutrons) and microscopy (TEM, SEM, cryoTEM)
    • rheological and transport properties
    • DNA and RNA synthesis and polymer-mediated delivery

Faculty

portrait of Professor Frank Bates
Regents Professor, Chemical Engineering & Materials Science
Office
358 Amundson Hall
portrait of Professor Christopher Ellison
Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering & Materials Science
Office
384 Amundson Hall
portrait of Professor Marc Hillmyer
Professor, Chemistry
Office
209 Smith Hall
portrait of Professor Thomas Hoye
Professor, Chemistry
Office
422 Smith Hall
E-mail
Portrait of Jessica Lamb
Assistant Professor, Chemistry
Office
335 Smith Hall
Phone
Portrait of Professor Timothy Lodge
Regents Professor, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Materials Science
Office
235 Smith Hall
E-mail
portrait of Professor Mahesh Mahanthappa
Professor, Chemical Engineering & Materials Science
Office
389 Amundson Hall
portrait of Professor Aaron Massari
Director of Graduate Studies, Associate Professor Chemistry & Chemical Physics
Office
245 Smith Hall
portrait of Professor Theresa Reineke
Professor, Chemistry
Office
239 Smith Hall
portrait of Professor J. Ilja Siepmann
Professor, Chemistry, Chemical Physics
Office
227 Smith Hall
portrait of Professor Ian Tonks
Associate Department Head, Associate Professor, Chemistry
Office
568A Kolthoff Hall
portrait of Professor Jane Wissinger
Professor, Organic Lab Director
Office
468A Kolthoff Hall
E-mail