Molecular assemblies in solution and on surfaces.

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The research program in the Kraatz group is active at the interface of biological chemistry and electrochemistry, pursuing solution and surface studies in tandem. Research focuses on developing the chemistry of peptide bioconjugates, understanding their properties, including their interactions and aggregation forming soft gels, metal binding sites, and how these materials can be exploited for bioanalytical or materials' applications, including CO2 capture and reduction. Based on our interest to unravel fundamental issues related to the design and use of stable peptide foldamers, their aggregation into gel materials, and the use of electrochemical methods to probe the properties and reactivities of these materials, this research program focuses on two broad areas - gel materials and CO2 electroreduction. In both cases, we are exploiting the assembly of molecules to gain additional functions. Specifically this program will focus on: a) the preparation, characterization, and study of innovative stimuli responsive peptide conjugates and an investigation into the sequence-structure-function control through modulation of the hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance within the conjugate, a study of gel kinetics versus thermodynamics, and the study of new hybrid gel materials. b) the study of modified surfaces and a detailed study of the environmental effects for carbon dioxide capture and reduction. This research program will result in a more comprehensive understanding of soft gel materials and lead to a more systematic approach to tailor hydrogel materials to a given application, ranging from the removal of organic pollutants from water to influencing cell growth to drug delivery and tissue scaffolding. Research on CO2¬ electroreduction with a focus on combining direct atmospheric capture and reduction is expected to innovative solutions to the existing CO2 problem. The proposed research program creates unique and stimulating cross- disciplinary training opportunities for HQP from diverse backgrounds to work in an area of research that involves electrochemistry, biological chemistry, material chemistry as well as surface science and train the next generation of HQP for Canada's knowledge economy.