Toward More Eco-Friendly Materials
Materials play a central role in our society. However, they are not always produced or used in a sustainable manner. This is particularly true of organic materials (most commonly derived from petroleum products) and hybrid materials (which are part organic and part inorganic). In addition to being derived from raw, non-renewable materials, these types of materials are often damaging to the environment in their preparation and their use.
Dr. Jerome Claverie, Canada Research Chair in Organic and Hybrid Advanced Materials, is developing new, greener methods to produce these types of materials.
These new methods are multifunctional. For example, they can be used to prepare epoxy resins that are partially biosourced, free of bisphenol and offer excellent thermal and mechanical properties. They can also be used to develop new photocatalysts (components that accelerate certain chemical reactions in the presence of light), which can be used to remove water or air pollution, or to produce non-fossil fuels.
Ultimately, Claverie and his research team are helping to solve the scientific, technological and economic challenges associated with designing, producing and using materials in a sustainable manner.