Chemist Pioneers Greener Plastics Using Inorganic Elements

Research led by Saurabh Chitnis, a professor at the University of Victoria (UVic), is advancing the field of materials science by investigating the potential of inorganic elements in creating greener plastics. Recently appointed as a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Inorganic Polymers and Materials, Chitnis aims to redefine the way we approach synthetic materials, which are primarily derived from carbon.

Traditionally, the focus of chemistry has been on organic elements essential for life, such as carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Chitnis emphasizes that this emphasis has left a wealth of inorganic elements underexplored. “For hundreds of years, chemistry has focused on the organic elements… The other hundred-plus elements remain poorly understood, but offer incredible potential,” he explains. His research seeks to harness this potential to develop innovative materials that could significantly reduce environmental impacts.

Transforming Material Properties for Modern Needs

Synthetic materials, including plastics, fabrics, and adhesives, are ubiquitous in today’s society. However, the carbon-based materials commonly used present limitations such as poor thermal stability and environmental sustainability issues. Chitnis notes that organic polymers often burn easily and become brittle under extreme temperatures, posing challenges in various applications, including the aerospace industry and everyday products like furniture.

Chitnis and his research team are investigating methods to incorporate inorganic elements into organic polymers. Their goal is to create materials that not only exhibit enhanced stability but also possess improved thermal, magnetic, and conductive properties. This shift aims to move away from the reliance on carbon, thereby reducing the environmental footprint associated with plastic production and disposal.

One promising avenue of research involves substituting carbon with nitrogen in polymer structures. While nitrogen is typically found in gaseous form, Chitnis’s team has developed techniques to integrate nitrogen into stable polymer frameworks. This innovation has the potential to lead to the creation of nitrogen-based plastics, which are both sustainable and beneficial for the environment. Given that nitrogen constitutes approximately 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere, it is both abundant and fossil fuel-free.

The degradation of nitrogen-based plastics can also provide nutrients to plants, contributing to a circular economy and fostering sustainability in material usage.

Focusing on Fundamental Research and Future Applications

While the practical applications of his work are significant, Chitnis is deeply motivated by fundamental scientific questions. He believes that the field of inorganic chemistry is ripe for exploration. “When you work in such a new area, it really democratizes science. Anyone can make a big discovery, because not that much is known and there’s so much waiting to be discovered,” he asserts.

Chitnis’s research extends beyond polymers to encompass concepts in metal coordination chemistry aimed at enhancing the efficiency of chemical synthesis. His team specializes in elements such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and bismuth, which is the heaviest stable element. The implications of his fundamental research remain uncertain, but Chitnis is optimistic about its potential to shape future technologies.

Chitnis returned to UVic in July 2025, a significant milestone in his career, as he had previously earned his PhD from the same institution in 2015. Before this return, he completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Bristol and the University of Toronto, and served as a professor at Dalhousie University. His work has been recognized with the prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowship.

“Returning to UVic is gratifying. I am now even more impressed with the institution and the high level of interdisciplinary research being conducted here,” he reflects. With his expertise and passion for innovation, Chitnis is poised to contribute meaningfully to the future of materials science and sustainability.