Anufriev, I.; Debbeler, J.; Traeger, A.; Nischang, I.: Analysis of Macromolecular Systems as Enabler for Energy and Life Science Applications. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics 225 (2024), p. 2400055/1-17
10.1002/macp.202400055
Open Access Version
Abstract:
Ideas concerning the conceptual existence of macromolecular and colloidal systems found their inception at the beginning of the last century. The experimental technology developed to discover and characterize those systems can be associated with seminal pioneers laying the foundations for microscopic, hydrodynamic, and light scattering approaches. In this perspective, we focus our attention on the origins of the discovery and characterization of macromolecular and colloidal systems with selected examples from the beginnings to the present. This perspective attempts to directly interconnect the design of new macromolecular as well as colloidal systems and the simultaneous development of using advanced characterization techniques for design verification. While not claiming a complete coverage of the entire field of modern polymer science, our selected examples concern the field of life science and the recently and rapidly developing area of energy materials. Macromolecular and colloidal systems represent a complex and extensive field of research. This perspective gives a brief historical overview of the major historical achievements in the experimental assessment of such systems. Based on this line of enabled discoveries, the authors' perspective on the enabling role of analysis in energy and life science is described with examples.