The presentation elaborates how inherent features of plant-based building blocks and cell wall functions can be exploited in biobased materials engineering. The inherent response of plant components towards water (e.g. high hygroscopicity and water transport functions) are harnessed to develop novel materials for water and air purification purposes. The concrete solutions will draw the inspiration from structure, property and function of plant-based components perfected by nature. Material structuring is carried out using highly hydrophilic and hygroscopic 2D and 3D architectures of cellulose nanofibrils which simultaneously provide nanoscaled porosity. In the presence of water, strong capillary forces and diffusion (transport functions) convey ions, molecules and particles including even microplastics inside the 2D/3D structure. The mechanisms playing a key role are based on water interactions and water transport mechanisms in plant cell wall, and capturing of constituents on the fibril surface takes place via specific attractive surface interactions. Furthermore, by exploiting the hygroscopicity of the nanocellulosic materials, water vapour can be used as a carrier for emissions in the form of aerosols, gases and nanoparticles.

Bioinspired concepts for clean water and air

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.