In a Chemistry World profile, Blavatnik Award–winning chemist Frank Leibfarth describes how his work in polymer chemistry is driven by purpose as much as discovery, with a focus on upcycling plastics and capturing persistent “forever chemicals” (PFAS). By redesigning how common polymers behave at the molecular level, Leibfarth aims to add value to plastic waste rather than simply recycling it into lower-grade materials. His research also explores new polymer systems that can selectively bind and remove harmful contaminants from water. Together, these efforts illustrate how thoughtful materials design can address sustainability and public-health challenges, underscoring why his work has been recognized with a Blavatnik Award for advancing chemistry that is both rigorous and socially relevant. Read the full article here.
Embodying Polymer Chemistry with a Purpose by Upcycling Plastics and Trapping PFAS
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