Research project Sustainable nanomaterials for robust bijels generation
The project aims to develop sustainable nanoparticles - stabilized bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels (bijels) with high physico-chemical stability. Monoliths with unique tortuous and seminal permeable interfacial layers will also be constructed by employing such a soft matter as templates, and then utilized in gas adsorption and/or waste water treatment.
Bijels, an innovative class of soft solid materials, consist of two continuous, interpenetrating domains stabilized by a jammed layer of colloid particles at the interface. The unique tortuous, interconnected structures and semi-permeable interfacial layers impart bijels with multiple functions for a wealth of potential applications as energy storage materials, separation membranes, healthcare products, and microreactors, etc.
In view of the state-of-the-art challenges in bijel preparation, this project aims to synthesize robust bijels by using a well-known class of sustainable, renewable nanoparticles from cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), as stabilizers.