Martijn de Heer Kloots

PhD candidate
Wageningen University and Research

Department

Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter

Contact information

Room
Helix (building number 124), room 7061

Email address
martijn.deheerkloots@wur.nl

Key expertises

Polyelectrolytes, waterborne coatings, phase separation, spectroscopy, microscopy

About me

Hi! My name is Martijn and I was raised in the village of Holten (Overijssel, the Netherlands). Early on, I had an affinity for chemistry, especially combined with biology and physics, prompting me to study Molecular Life Sciences (BSc & MSc, focus on physical chemistry) in Wageningen. During my studies, I became increasingly interested in materials science and spectroscopy, finishing my MSc with a thesis on dynamic covalent polyimine materials. In September 2022, I started my PhD in Wageningen.

About my research

My research is focused around the single-step formation of dense polyelectrolyte coatings from a homogeneous solution, by changing the pH through the evaporation of a volatile base. Specifically, I aim to instill functionality in these coatings in order to obtain multifunctional coatings. One of the things I love about this project is that it requires highly diverse approaches. For example, it is imperative to assess the homogeneity of the coating, mechanical properties, drying dynamics and functionality. This variety and multidisciplinary approach resonates strongly with me, and the bigger picture of the transition towards future-proof and green materials excites me greatly.

Academic career

PhD Candidate

2022-now: PhD candidate in the group of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter at Wageningen University, under supervision of Prof. dr. ir. Jasper van der Gucht and prof. dr. ir Wiebe de Vos (University of Twente), in collaboration with AkzoNobel and BASF.

Early Stage Researcher

2019-2022: MSc Molecular Life Sciences (spec. physical chemistry) at Wageningen University. MSc thesis at the groups of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter and Organic chemistry, working on Raman spectroscopic analysis of phase separation in dynamic covalent polyimine materials. MSc internship at Unilever on modelling enzymatic lipid oxidation in model food emulsions.

Simultaneously involved in talent program (COAST MSc⁺, analytical chemistry), VLAG graduate program (PhD grant application, made it to final round), and employed to write a review article on supramolecular and dynamic covalent polymer materials.

2016-2019: BSc Molecular Life Sciences at Wageningen University (minor: Physical Modelling). BSc thesis at the group of Biophysics, on fluorescence spectroscopy of leaves and chloroplasts.

Awards and scientific honors

Honorable Mention KNCV Golden Master Award 2022

ARC CBBC publications

Evaporation-Induced Polyelectrolyte Complexation: The Role of Base Volatility and Cosolvents

J. Li, M.H.P. de Heer Kloots, G. van Ewijk, D.J. van Dijken, W.M. de Vos, and J. van der Gucht