Werner Kunz

Professor Werner Kunz serves as Head of the Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Physical Chemistry II at the University of Regensburg. His research group, the Solution Chemistry Group (PCII), focuses on developing environmentally friendly chemical processes and sustainable alternatives to conventional industrial practices.

Professor Kunz's research interests center on solution chemistry with emphasis on sustainable approaches. His work challenges established paradigms in surfactant chemistry, particularly micellar catalysis, demonstrating that many reactions previously thought to require surfactants can be performed more efficiently in simple water-alcohol mixtures. His group also develops novel surfactants using natural osmolytes, investigates green solvents like gamma-valerolactone, and creates innovative ionic liquids through ethoxylation strategies. These research directions all share a common goal of creating more sustainable chemical processes for industrial applications.

Professor Kunz has received significant recognition for his contributions to sustainable chemistry, including:

• Pierre-Fillet-Preis from the French Chemical Society for decades of contributions to sustainable products, particularly in cosmetics and cleaning agents
• Steinkopff-Preis 2019 from the German Colloid Society

He leads an active research group with numerous PhD students working on various aspects of solution chemistry. His group collaborates with both academic institutions like TU Dresden and industrial partners, with one project currently developing a 2,000 tons/year pilot plant for green solvent production. The Solution Chemistry Group operates state-of-the-art laboratories focused on characterizing complex and nano-structured liquids and their interfaces, with particular attention to environmentally friendly chemicals and consumer product formulation.