Grant: Canada Research Chairs

The proposed research is to develop new materials using supramolecular chemistry, where building blocks are organized into complex structures that endow them with remarkable properties. This concept of building hierarchical structures mimics Nature's approach to making remarkable materials, such as bone and shells. In the proposed research, hierarchical materials will be constructed predominantly using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and graphene oxide (GO), nanomaterials that are thinner than 1/10,000th the width of a human hair. More specifically, CNCs and GO will be assembled inside of elastic materials to make photonic structures that respond with colour changes to changes in pressure and stress. In another approach, cellulose nanocrystals will be organized into highly porous structures that can be used to contain oil from oil spills at sea. Finally, development of molecular analogues that mimic the structure and properties of cellulose nanocrystals will provide valuable insight into these remarkable nanomaterials. The target materials are completely new and will be investigated using state-of-the-art techniques such as electron microscopy and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The proposed research is important for developing new materials from renewable resources, and could lead to new applications in pressure sensing, robotics, and oil clean-up.