Development of luminescent inks based on cellulose nanocrystals aimed at 3D printing of prototypes for photonic applications

• Grant number: 24/09532-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: José Maurício Almeida Caiut
• Grantee: Cristielle Ribeiro Gomes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/08111-2 - Development of rare earth based light converters: luminescent markers, optical sensors, and amplifiers, AP.TEM

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has emerged as the next generation of manufacturing technology, covering a wide spectrum of areas including construction, medicine, transportation and textiles. This allows the fabrication of complex structures with high precision through the layer-by-layer addition of various materials. However, to develop additional functionality, it is important to simultaneously control structuring at multiple length scales. In 3D print, this can be achieved through the use of inks with an intrinsic hierarchical order. Systems based on cellulose nanocrystals represent a class of materials with the property of self-organizing into a nanostructure with helical ordering. In this project, we intend to combine this ordering with photo-crosslinking on site to print solid, volumetric objects that present birefringence or structural color through the development of a water-based ink that combines cellulose nanocrystals and 3-glycidyloxy-propyl trimethoxy (GPTMS) in a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. Furthermore, in this project we are interested in making adaptations to a 3D printer homemade low-cost, previously developed as part of the candidate's scientific initiation, in order to obtain new functionalities and adapt them to the needs of the project to be executed, since commercial printing platforms are high-cost and have "closed" code , so, they do not allow us to customize it. Finally, hydrophilic and luminescent nanoparticles doped with lanthanide ions will be used, aiming to integrate optically active components and chiral nematic ordering in the manufacture of functional, printable inks that can provide new opportunities for applications where sustainability, biocompatibility and luminescence are simultaneously required, e.g. in the development of new sensors.