Development of Advanced Functional Biopolymer Composites with Tunable Physicochemical Properties

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

INTRODUCTION: Adsorption processes are vital and ubiquitous in nature and represent a hallmark feature of chemical transformations. Adsorptive removal represents the least expensive and technically efficient method for separation of chemical species in complex matrices. Adsorbent materials based on biopolymer nanocomposites are of considerable scientific and technological interest because their unique properties can be exploited to address a range of technological applications (e.g., environmental remediation, pharmaceutical carrier systems, chemical separations, food processing). Bottom-up synthesis of biopolymer nanocomposites offers wide-ranging opportunities for incremental tuning of their molecular structure and functional properties. OBJECTIVES: The long-term goal of the proposed research is to develop biomaterial-based nanocomposites with tunable properties and to gain a greater understanding of the structure-function relationships related to their heterogeneous sorption properties in aqueous media. This goal will be addressed by focusing on three short-term objectives: 1) the synthetic design of biopolymer nanocomposites using various platform biopolymers via a bottom-up approach, 2) characterization of the structure and physicochemical properties of the biopolymer nanocomposites using established methods, and 3) systematic studies of the structure-function properties of selected biopolymer nanocomposite systems using complementary methods (e.g., spectroscopic, thermodynamic, and kinetic studies) to develop an improved understanding of adsorption phenomena in such systems. This research will be pursued through three parallel thematic projects that integrate with the long-term goal, as follows: 1) Inorganic anion uptake, 2) Uptake of naphthenate species and bio-extracts, and 3) Vapour and water uptake properties. IMPACT: This research program builds upon Wilson's previous success in research and training of HQP. Future trainees will explore original research through advanced training and skills development. Nanocomposite materials design and advanced studies of their sorption properties will address knowledge gaps relevant to adsorption-based phenomena. Original and innovative contributions to fundamental science by studies of structure-function relationships will contribute new knowledge and technological solutions to manifold applications relevant to food and water security, environmental remediation, and sustainable materials. The projects above exemplify the demand for improved sorbent materials for catalysis, chemical separations, carrier systems, and other sorption-based applications for Canada's future. This research program will attract and retain diverse HQP along with ensuring benefits to Canada's economy and environmental sectors by solving diverse practical problems for industry whilst providing advanced training and skills for diverse HQP in areas described by the Government of Canada's Science & Technology strategy.