The three subprojects fall within the Focus Areas of the Materials Agenda: Soft/ biomaterials, construction materials, energy materials, electronic materials and infomaterials. Subproject 1 aims to investigate the development of synthetic and hybrid biomaterials to mimic the microenvironment that regulates cell behavior with the ultimate aim to advance cell therapy for breast cancer patients. Subproject 2 aims to investigate the development of conformable hydrogen storage tanks that can fit any space and is based on a 3D-printed design that takes inspiration from natural materials to achieve ultra-high strength and recyclability with low weight. The ultimate aim of this subproject is to contribute to the goal of achieving clean aviation by 2050. Subproject 3 aims to revolutionize electronics by investigating the possibilities of spintronics (spin-based electronics). Within this subproject the researchers will follow up on their previous work and systematically identify the materials for industry.

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Most oceans in our Solar System lie beneath ice on moons orbiting Jupiter and Saturn. These subsurface oceans, warmed by tidal forces, may host life. Saturns moon Enceladus ejects ocean material through plumes. Cassini found these plumes contain salt and organic molecules, hinting at habitability. ESA’s future mission will sample and analyze Enceladus plumes for signs of life. A project at TU Delft will simulate plume conditions to develop methods for collecting and analyzing icy particles, crucial for the missions success in assessing Enceladus potential to support life.

Carbon-based products are crucial to society. However, their production from fossil-based carbon is unsustainable. We will develop a scalable microbial electrosynthesis (MES) process that produces hexanoic acid (C6, a major base chemical) from CO2 and renewable electricity, using microorganisms as catalyst. Our distinctive approach will elucidate how to avoid rate and yield limiting steps from micrometer to meter scale, by guiding experiments and reactor/electrode design with comprehensive multiscale modelling. We will use the attained insights on the working mechanisms of MES to develop a scalable process capable of producing pure hexanoic acid from CO2 under industrially relevant conditions.

How can we develop multi-cycle, multi-scalar and multi-level collaboration that is necessary to drive circular and emission-free housing renovation? Through participatory action research and co-designing interventions in practice cases, CirCol will deliver insights on how to exploit the enabling conditions, and tackle the system blockers, contradictions and mismatch of values.