There are four spearheads within the research of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry:

Macro-Organic Chemistry and Molecular Materials
This program focuses on the design, synthesis, characterization and possible applications of complex molecules, as well as on macro-molecular assemblies and materials with special functionalities including supramolecular architectures and organic materials for electronics. The research aims at introducing novel molecular concepts in polymer, materials and organic chemistry.

Polymer Chemistry and Materials
Relationships between the (micro-) structures of polymers and multi-materials and their structural and functional performance are investigated, This includes the control of structures and morphology as well as interfacial phenomena. The research aims towards the actual realization of advanced new materials with special functionalities such as conducting polymers, solar cells, and displays. The research also aims to develop innovative production concepts such as new catalytic routes to produce existing polymers in a cheaper and more environmentally friendly manner, using renewable resources.

Reaction and Process Intensification
The cluster Reaction and Process Intensification consists of seven full time and part-time chairs and integrates world-class research on and understanding of multi-scale multi-phase flow, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, design and synthesis of new (reactive) affinity solvents/solids, use of renewable feed stock and (polymer) chemistry into the design, intensification, development and construction of new reactor, separator and process concepts from micro- to meter-scale. The chairs collaborate with chemical industry to make their processes more sustainable by increasing their energy and feed stock efficiency, by the development of novel chemical/physical operating windows, and by the use of renewable feed stock. The chairs implement their novel process and equipment concepts in close collaboration with the chemical industry and engineering firms and equipment manufacturers. Valorisation of research takes also place through spin-off companies.

Catalysis and Energy Conversion Processes
This program focuses on the molecular basis of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis relevant to the development of clean and sustainable processes for the production of energy, fuels and chemicals. Molecular surface chemistry based on methods from inter alia inorganic chemistry, spectroscopy, microscopy, computational chemistry, surface science and chemical technology are used to design novel and improved catalytic processes for valorization of existing and renewable feedstocks. The research aims towards the conceptual description of catalysis at a molecular level, the predictability of the catalytic reactivity, and the design of reactions.