Doctoral candidate Han Tao from Aalto University, recently visited the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Spain. This collaboration aimed to push the boundaries of photonic cellulose nanocomposites, integrating cutting-edge nanoimprinting nanotechnology and plasmonic mesostructures into biobased photonic materials.
During Han Tao's first visit to Barcelona, the initial goal was to characterize the chiroptical performance of the samples prepared at Aalto University. However, the results did not meet expectations. Drawing on the expertise of the host group, Han Tao restarted the entire process, from gold nanoparticles synthesis, PDMS templates preparation, to plasmonic nanoparticles assembling. Importantly, Han Tao resolved the crucial step to successfully imprinted the periodical plasmonic patterns to the surface of photonic CNC materials. Despite the limited time, through rigorous discussions and collaboration with the research team, they successfully produced their first promising sample at the end of the first visit.
Reporting the importance of this breakthrough, Han Tao received extension for his visit in ICMAB from the FinnCERES Go Globe program. During a shorter 27-day visit, Han Tao completed a series of sample production, and the measurements for optical activities using the lab-developed optical instruments. Remarkably, they observed strong induced extrinsic chirality in the plasmonic-photonic hybrid CNC films, driven by the periodical plasmonic nanoparticle arrays. This collaboration not only strengthened the scientific ties between Aalto University and ICMAB but also showcased the potential of interdisciplinary research in creating innovative biobased nanomaterials.
