| Abstract Scope |
A large number of emerging technologies of today need porous materials with carefully controlled combination of properties such as strength, porosity, surface area, permeability, chemical activity, charge transfer, and biological properties. Novel architectures that integrate structural hierarchy with nanoscale specificity can help to balance their diverse functional requirements. This talk will start with a broader discussion of current challenges and possible solutions, followed by selected research examples from our laboratory where design, fabrication and testing of bio-inspired hybrid nanomaterials have enabled creation of porous catalysts, electrodes, and sensors with improved adsorption properties, reaction rates, and electrochemical activities. Special emphasis will be given to bio-inspired hierarchical nano-structured catalysts and sensors for adsorption, catalytic degradation, and detection of halogenated pollutants such as chlorinated compounds and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Results obtained so far and the potential for this family of materials to address current and future environmental challenges will be discussed. |