My research group focuses on polymers for energy and sustainability, with the goal of addressing pressing global challenges through advanced materials design. We study how macromolecular structure influences functionality, and how this relationship determines the morphology and properties of polymeric materials. Our work spans the full research chain—from molecular design and synthesis, over self-assembly and detailed materials characterization, to applications. A key objective is to develop multifunctional polymer systems by combining innovative synthetic strategies with fundamental studies of structure–property relationships.

Current Research Areas

Ionic polymers and membranes for energy conversion and storage
We molecularly design, synthesize and study durable proton- and anion-exchange membranes for applications in fuel cells, water electrolyzers, and redox-flow batteries. These membranes are also central to water purification technologies such as reverse osmosis and nanofiltration.

Bio-based polymers and sustainable materials
We design and synthesize monomers and polymers from renewable resources, contributing to the development of sustainable plastics and environmentally responsible materials.

Methods and Approach

We employ a broad range of polymerization techniques—including anionic, radical, and condensation polymerization—combined with post-polymerization modification strategies. Our materials are analyzed using advanced characterization methods to understand molecular structure, nanoscale morphology, and key thermal, mechanical, and transport properties.

About

I received my Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering from Lund University in 1996. Following this, I was a postdoctoral fellow at Risø National Laboratory in Roskilde, Denmark (now part of the Technical University of Denmark) from 1996 to 1998. In 1998, I joined the Department of Chemistry at Lund University as a Research Fellow, where I established a research group focused on polymers for energy technologies. I was appointed Full Professor of Polymer Technology in 2010 and was a Visiting Professor at the University of Tartu during 2017-2022. Since 2023, I serve as editor of Solid State Ionics (Elsevier).

Undergraduate courses in the Chemical Engineering and the Engineering Nanoscience study programs at Lund University.

•  Materials and Polymer Technology - KASF05
  
•  Functional Materials - KASF10
  
•  Polymer Chemistry - KASN25
  
•  Polymer Physics - KASN20
  
•  Project in Chemistry - KASN01
  
•  Degree projects in Polymer Technology - KASM15