title: Functional materials from cellulose-derived liquid-crystal templates.
abstract: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), known for more than 50 years, have attracted attention because of their unique properties such as high specific strength and modulus, high surface area, and fascinating optical properties. Just recently, however, their potential in supramolecular templating was identified by making use of their self-assembly behavior in aqueous dispersions in the presence of compatible precursors. The combination of the mesoporosity, photonic properties, and chiral nematic order of the materials, which are available as freestanding films, has led to a significant number of interesting and promising discoveries towards new functional materials. This Review summarizes the use of cellulose derivatives, especially CNCs, as novel templates and gives an overview of the recent developments toward new functional materials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1 (Canada).
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Giese
authors.forename: Lina K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Blusch
authors.forename: Mostofa K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: MacLachlan
keywords: cellulose; functional materials; liquid crystals; mesoporosity; photonic crystals