The aim of this project is to investigate polymerization in confined space of pores to modulate ionic transport through pores. The inspiration is taken from nature. Nature transports selectively and gates and directs transport e.g. through water channels (aquaporin) or the nuclear pore complex.

Polymer functionalized porous films or membranes might mimick such transport phenomena. They are e.g. known to gate ionic transport on and off. This transport modulation through nanopores is highly relevant for lab-on-chip devices, drug delivery or membrane function.

One exemplified specific project could be the preparation of RAFT initiators that are capable of initiating a grafting from polymerization under visible light. The initiatior has to be synthesized, grafted to a porous surface and the polymerization has to be investigated and optimized with respect to its controlled character. By this we intend to get insight into confinement (pore size) effects on polymerization control and to develop a method to functionalized pores with nanoscale dimensions using visible light. Doing this in a controlled way is a challenge.

The project is supervised by Prof. Dr. Annette Andrieu-Brunsen.