Stereospecific nano-catalysts supported on cellulose and chitin nanocrystals.

In this project we aim to study the thermodynamics of interactions of metal salts and metal nanoparticles with cellulose and chitin nanocrystals, to relate how molecular interactions between nanoparticles influence the structure of cellulose and chitin nanocrystals. Calorimetric experiments will be performed to elucidate the thermodynamics of interactions, and will be associated to structural characterization of these complexes formed. We will employ the results obtained to use cellulose and chitin nanocrystals as a support for metal nanoparticle growth, and to use self-assembled cellulose and chitin nanocrystals as a template to create ordered structures of nananoparticles supported on cellulose and chitin nanocrystals. We will test the ability of the nano-catalyst prepared to act as stereospecific catalysts.

Keywords:Thermodynamics of interactions, Self-assembly of nanoparticles, Stereospecific Catalysts

Disciplines:Thermal analysis, Nanochemistry, Chemical thermodynamics and energetics, Surface and interface chemistry