Proposal sought for directive on safeguarding ecological surroundings by the Commission.
University of Konstanz
A Chemist Acknowledged
Maximilian Baur, a chemist at the University of Konstanz, has been honored with the prestigious Karl-Freudenberg Prize by the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences. The accolade recognizes Baur's groundbreaking research on sustainable polyethylenes conducted within the Konstanz working group of Professor Stefan Mecking.
The Karl-Freudenberg Prize is an annual award endowed with €10,000 and bestowed on scientific work in the fields of natural sciences, particularly chemistry and biology. This year, it was presented to Baur on May 25, 2025.
In his Prize-Winning Work, Baur explored methods to selectively incorporate break points in polymer chains without affecting other material properties. His objective was to enhance the material's recyclability. His research contributes significantly to more sustainable handling of polyethylene materials.
Baur successfully created, for the first time, truly high-molecular-weight, keto-modified polyethylenes (Keto-PE) using neutral nickel catalysts and sterically demanding [P,O]-phosphinophenolate ligands. These materials retain the desired properties of conventional polyethylene while being degradable under UV radiation, as expected.
This work paves the way for future developments of new Keto-polyethylenes with selectively controlled material properties through the addition of additional functional monomers. Additionally, catalytic polymerization in an aqueous reaction medium could be possible. The Heidelberg Academy of Sciences commended Baur for his intelligent catalyst design and suitable reaction conditions, which he achieved through the construction of a tailored reactor system.
After completing his doctorate at the University of Konstanz in June 2024, Baur took up a postdoctoral research position at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he is currently working on heterogeneous catalysis for plastic upcycling.
Noteworthy, Baur's research advances sustainable polyethylene by introducing functionalization strategies through innovative catalysis. These strategies enable new chemical pathways for polymer modification and recycling, thereby pushing forward the application spectrum of sustainable polyethylenes.
The Enrichment Data reveals that Baur's research on keto-functionalized polyethylene materials contributes significantly to sustainable polymer science. The strategic incorporation of functional groups into polyethylenes represents an advance in designing materials with enhanced biodegradability, chemical recycling, and versatile applications. Baur's work offers promise in various fields, including packaging materials, advanced coatings, and biomedical applications.
Image material can be downloaded below.
Description: Lutz Gade (r.), board member of HAdW, presents the Karl-Freudenberg Prize to chemist Maximilian Baur (l).
Copyright: HAdW/Tobias Schwerdt
(Source: uni.kn)
- Maximilian Baur's research in environmental science, particularly focusing on sustainable polyethylenes, has been recognized by the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences.
- The health-and-wellness sector could benefit from Baur's innovative keto-modified polyethylenes, as these materials retain desired properties while being degradable, offering potential in biomedical applications.
- As a chemist at the University of Konstanz, Baur is also contributing to the field of science by developing strategies for polymer modification and recycling, contributing to the fight against climate change and environmental degradation caused by plastic waste.
