Chemist Rebekka Klausen is researching three dimensional silicon structures to create polymers that are tougher and longer lasting than traditional carbon based plastics. This research aims to reduce environmental waste by replacing fragile materials with more resilient silicon alternatives. Supported by the Brown Investigator Award, the project explores how silicon's unique bonding properties can lead to new materials with advanced electronic and energy storage capabilities.
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Tougher materials are great for reducing waste, but the real test is the cost of synthesis. If these silicon polymers cost ten times more than standard plastics, they will stay in the lab.
The mention of energy storage is the more interesting part here. Does this mean better stability for battery electrolytes or something else entirely?
Replacing carbon plastics with silicon could shift the entire lifecycle analysis of these products. We need to see if the production of these polymers is actually lower emission than the plastics they replace.
