Bio-inspired nanocomposite materials applicable in environmental remediation

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Industrial processes (e.g., bitumen extraction, fossil fuel combustion, mineral exploitation, chemical manufacturing, etc.) have caused some serious environmental issues, e.g., greenhouse gas emissions, wastewater generating, tailings accumulation, soil contamination, etc. Emerging novel nanocomposite materials are very promising for resolving these problems, which combine inorganic and/or organic compounds incorporated with high-surface-to-volume-ratio nanoscale features, and provide remarkable physical and chemical properties. Significant research efforts have been devoted to the development of nanocomposites applicable in wastewater treatment/remediation. However, despite great efforts, the design and producing of cost-effective nanocomposites in wastewater treatment still remains a major scientific challenge. A basic understanding of interfacial characteristics and interaction forces by nano-scale probes will guide the material development in wastewater remediation. Using eco-friendly approaches to synthesize nanocomposites with minimal use of toxic chemicals is another scientific challenge. Nature provides a school for green material inspiration, e.g., the adhesion and survival capability of mussels in turbulent sea unveils the importance of dopamine in novel and green nanocomposite materials development. The proposed program is to understand fundamental interaction mechanisms in bio-inspired nanocomposites applicable in wastewater remediation and to explore bio-inspired, green and morphology-controllable bottom-up synthetic pathways to grow nanoparticles in nanocomposites. In the proposed research program, I will: (i) develop techniques at micro- and nano-scale and employ direct nano-scale interaction force probes; (ii) learn from nature and develop biomimetic synthetic pathways and biomimetic nanocomposites. The long-term goal is to design and develop novel materials/technologies applicable in energy and environment, such as oil recovery improvement, wastewater treatment, tailings settling enhancement, emission controls, etc. The near-term goal is to design and develop bio-inspired nanocomposite materials which are expected to be highly efficient, biocompatible, biodegradable and cost-effective for wastewater remediation. The major outcomes will be development of bio-inspired green composite materials with enhanced functionality and improved environmental profiles applicable in energy and environment of Canada, especially the remediation of oil sands process affected water. The highly qualified personnel participating in this program will obtain interdisciplinary skills in materials science/engineering, nanotechnology, water chemistry, etc., also they will obtain academic and industrial knowledge and experience that can strengthen Alberta's and Canada's wastewater treatment management.