Eugene Chen Research Group

Colorado State University, Fort Collins

Chen investigates how polymers can be designed for useful performance and a more sustainable life cycle. His research includes intrinsically recyclable and biologically derived polymers, chemical synthesis of biodegradable microbial plastics, and precise control of polymer structure. Catalysis provides a key tool, with work on Lewis-pair polymerization, metal-catalyzed coordination polymerization, and organocatalytic conversion of biomass into fuels, chemicals, and materials. The group connects molecular-level reaction design with larger sustainability questions: how can the chemistry used to make a plastic also shape the options available when that material reaches the end of its use?