Innovative materials containing functionalized clays: graphene, piezoelectric and fluorescent clays

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My vision is to successfully create economical materials with intelligent functionality that are derived from readily available materials. This is critical as natural resources will be more strained in years to come. The goal of this research program is to create innovative materials containing functionalized clays. Clays are considered template materials, because they are abundant and available at a reasonable cost. The use of clay is currently limited to passive applications in materials. Three specific advances would greatly enhance the usefulness of clays: 1) conductive clay containing graphene from innovative production pathways; 2) creating an intelligent clay matrix, with the most common being cement and concrete; and 3) encapsulating organic molecules for imaging and sensing applications. My ultimate aim is to create sustainable smart and tunable materials.