Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
Structure-Property Relationships of Ionic Liquid-Functionalized Cellulose
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Biochemistry
Minor
Spanish
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Kevin Miller, PhD
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
In recent years there has been a large push for more research into sustainability as we face growing environmental issues. Functionalized biopolymers like cellulose and chitin are strong candidates to replace non-natural polymers that are not able to degrade or be reused. Previous research conducted in the Miller lab has shown the addition of ionic liquid groups to the backbone of cellulose results in materials with significantly different thermal, mechanical, and conductive properties. We have utilized azide-alkyne “click” chemistry to synthesize mono- and di- functionalized cellulose with ionic liquids. Once synthesized, the ionic liquids can be substituted to create cellulosic materials with varying properties. In this project, the substituents tested ranged from benzyl groups to longer chain alkyl substituents. Each resulting material was cast as a film and then put through various mechanical tests to determine properties such as Tg and conductivity.
Fall Scholars Week 2024 Event
Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
Spring Scholars Week 2025
Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
Structure-Property Relationships of Ionic Liquid-Functionalized Cellulose
In recent years there has been a large push for more research into sustainability as we face growing environmental issues. Functionalized biopolymers like cellulose and chitin are strong candidates to replace non-natural polymers that are not able to degrade or be reused. Previous research conducted in the Miller lab has shown the addition of ionic liquid groups to the backbone of cellulose results in materials with significantly different thermal, mechanical, and conductive properties. We have utilized azide-alkyne “click” chemistry to synthesize mono- and di- functionalized cellulose with ionic liquids. Once synthesized, the ionic liquids can be substituted to create cellulosic materials with varying properties. In this project, the substituents tested ranged from benzyl groups to longer chain alkyl substituents. Each resulting material was cast as a film and then put through various mechanical tests to determine properties such as Tg and conductivity.
