Sustainable Bioproducts

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Dr. Yan's research program focuses on developing sustainable bioproducts using renewable biomass materials as feedstock for replacing fossil fuel-derived chemicals and products. This proposed CRC Tier 1 Chair in Sustainable Bioproducts research program will be concentrated in two key strategical areas, namely developing sustainable bio-based chemicals and engineering green wearable high-performance cellulosic-based sensors. In particular, she will modify the vanillin-based flame-retardant bioepoxy developed by her lab as UV-curable coatings and develop fully bio-based epoxies that can either self-heal or be degraded and recycled. She will explore the novel lignin-containing nanocellulose fibrils for making flexible sensors that can transmit sensing results in real-time remotely. To achieve these objectives, Dr. Yan will explore innovative biomolecule modification pathways and utilize leading-edge nanomaterial synthesis and device fabrication techniques, building on her past success in developing functional bioepoxies and high-performance gas sensors. The proposed research program has potential to create a new paradigm in synthesizing bioepoxies that can be degraded and recycled to allow for a circular economy. Replacing fossil-fuel-derived products by sustainable bio-based chemicals from renewable materials will contribute to the growth of bioeconomy. The new bio-based flame-retardant bioepoxy coatings will help promote a greater usage of wood products in taller buildings, which will strengthen Canadian forest sector's competitiveness and reduce carbon footprint of building constructions. The fully bio-based recyclable and degradable bioepoxies will alleviate plastic waste issues associated with unrecyclable thermosets. Developing eco-friendly disposable wearables using renewable materials will help mitigate the consequences of e-waste. Given the highly interdisciplinary nature of the proposed research program and outstanding training record of Dr. Yan in creating supportive and inclusive training environments for her trainees, the HQPs involved in the program will receive high-quality training and mentorship and be exposed to a wide range of research topics, spanning from biomass materials science, nanotechnology, green chemistry, polymer science, to sensors and devices, which will help them become the future leaders in the new bioeconomy.