2024 Materials Chemistry Horizon Prize: Stephanie L Kwolek Prize Winners
Van der Waals Thin Films
For the development of van der Waals thin films with high electronic performance, mechanical stretchability, and permeability for highly flexible, adaptable and breathable bioelectronic membranes.
Van der Waals Thin Films is a team from UCLA working with collaborators from the University of Texas Austin and Hunan University.
2024 Materials Chemistry Horizon Prize: Stephanie L Kwolek Prize Winners
NSF Center for Molecularly Optimized Networks
For demonstrating the potential and impact of embedded mechanochemical reactivity on the mechanical limits of cross-linked polymer networks.
The NSF Center for Molecularly Optimized Networks brings together researchers from several institutions across the USA, spanning multiple areas of chemical expertise.
| Year | Name | Institution | Citation |
| 2023 | Microporous Membranes Team | Ion-selective membranes for flow batteries | Awarded for the development of ion-conducting polymers of intrinsic microporosity and applications as next-generation membranes in redox flow batteries for grid-scale energy storage. |
| 2023 | Electrocatalytic Urea Synthesis Team | A green electrocatalytic approach to produce urea | Awarded for the development of efficient electrocatalysts to support conversion of nitrogen towards a more sustainable and economical method of producing urea, a key compound for fertilisers. |
| 2022 | E-TAC water splitting | Membrane-free water splitting for hydrogen productions | Awarded for the development of an innovative membraneless water splitting technology for low-cost production of green hydrogen at scale. |
| 2022 | The Chiral Materials Team | Chiral organics for spin control | Awarded for the discovery of chiral organic materials that allow high control of photon and electron spin. |
| 2021 | Protein-based lighting | Stabilising fluorescent protein materials for bio-LEDs | Awarded for stabilisation of fluorescent proteins in polymer coatings and their use in bio-based lighting technology. |
| 2021 | CrystalGrower | New software to simulate crystal growth | Awarded for the development of Monte Carlo software, CrystalGrower, that simulates both crystal habit and nanoscopic surface topography of any crystal structure. |
Re-thinking recognition: Science prizes for the modern world
This report is the result of an independent review of our recognition programmes. Our aim in commissioning this review was to ensure that our recognition portfolio continues to deliver the maximum impact for chemical scientists, chemistry and society.