Projects

Mistra SafeChem is a research programme that aims to create a sustainable chemical industry and reduce exposure to hazardous substances.

Mathew and team is active in Mistra SafeChem for textile recycling and upcycling. Cotton-based textiles are converted into nanocellulose using acid hydrolysis or oxidation in a water-based system. The development of a new milder processing route was investigated, where citric acid was used for acid hydrolysis. The aim is to develop safer process routes and reagent recycling for improved environmental performance compared to other textile recycling routes.

By use of analytical non-target screening tools based on mass spectrometry, the content of potentially hazardous chemicals in both recycled material and waste streams can be assessed, enabling evaluation of the environmental performance.

CircuLab@WISE is a platform to experimentally develop and validate safe synthesis, processing and applications of circular and sustainable soft matter materials in a fast and efficient manner. The platform is funded by Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE) (2024–2033) and co-funded by Stockholm University.

PRISMAS – PhD Research and Innovation in Synchrotron Methods and Applications in Sweden – is a new doctoral programme training the next generation of leading synchrotron experts. PRISMAS has received funding through an EU COFUND action, a part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) program within the European Commission framework Horizon Europe.

Mathew and team is working with in situ SAXS and XANES studies to probe the structure and chemistry of nanocellulose based water treatment materials. The work is carried out in collaboration with MAX IV, RISE, Alfa Laval AB.

BioLUSH (Biomass Valorization for Sustainable and High-Quality Fibres) is an EU Horizon Consortium of 12 partners led by Stockholm University with focus on circular use of plant biomass leading to decarbonization and reduced eutrophication. The project aims to retain the value of the EU’s fibrous biomass and promote the growth of the European fibrous bio-economy.

Within Stockholm University, BioLUSH brings together the Department of Materials Chemistry (Kemikum) and Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences (DEEP). SUCCeSS Director, Prof Aji P Mathew is the scientific coordinator for this consortium.

Flexible nanocellulose based substrate with 2D materials (hBN, MoS2, GO..) for directional thermal conductivity.

Collaboration with Linköping University, University of Maribor Slovenia, IMRA Europe France, and ParsNord Sweden.

GENMAT is a Horizon CL-4 project focusing on AI-powered molecular design through manufacturing to end-use applications, enabling rapid development of sustainable materials critical for Europe’s green and digital transitions.

In situ microscopy, X-ray scattering, and computational modeling for unraveling the synthesis and performance of nanocellulose based membranes in an aqueous medium.

The project develops experimental procedures to probe biobased hybrids in liquid medium/wet conditions using atomic force microscopy and spectroscopy and in situ X-ray scattering, combined with computational chemistry to evaluate and predict the self-assembling between nanocellulose and other nanoparticles and understand how the self-assembled morphologies drive the pore structure formation and adsorption in biobased membranes and filters used for water purification.

Biobased membranes and hybrids for water treatment and antifouling surfaces.