Priyanka Sharma, PhD
Western Michigan University
Biography:
Dr. Sharma is an assistant professor at Western Michigan University. She is the recipient of the Blavatnik Young Scientist Award 2018, the PSIPW-International Creativity Prize 2021, and a finalist for the Women in Science Incentive Prize 2022. She has been working on sustainable development using plant biomass. Her significant contributions to cellulose research include the development of the nitro-oxidation process, the development of low-cost adsorbents, and an understanding of micro- and nanoscale interactions in cellulose polymer. She is the author of +50 publications, 4 issued and licensed patents, and 6 patent applications.
Abstract:
Nanocellulose is the most sustainable material, derived from the most abundant plant fibers. This talk covers the development of the nitro-oxidation process from lab to scale-up, enabling the facile fabrication of high-negative-surface-charge nitro-oxidized cellulose nanofibers, predominantly from non-wood fibers. Additionally, it will discuss the use of such fibers to remediate toxic metal ions and nutrient impurities, as well as their recyclability and reuse. Overall, the presentation will briefly cover research conducted by our team on the sustainable extraction and use of nanocellulose for environmental remediation.
Dr. Sharma is an assistant professor at Western Michigan University. She is the recipient of the Blavatnik Young Scientist Award 2018, the PSIPW-International Creativity Prize 2021, and a finalist for the Women in Science Incentive Prize 2022. She has been working on sustainable development using plant biomass. Her significant contributions to cellulose research include the development of the nitro-oxidation process, the development of low-cost adsorbents, and an understanding of micro- and nanoscale interactions in cellulose polymer. She is the author of +50 publications, 4 issued and licensed patents, and 6 patent applications.
Abstract:
Nanocellulose is the most sustainable material, derived from the most abundant plant fibers. This talk covers the development of the nitro-oxidation process from lab to scale-up, enabling the facile fabrication of high-negative-surface-charge nitro-oxidized cellulose nanofibers, predominantly from non-wood fibers. Additionally, it will discuss the use of such fibers to remediate toxic metal ions and nutrient impurities, as well as their recyclability and reuse. Overall, the presentation will briefly cover research conducted by our team on the sustainable extraction and use of nanocellulose for environmental remediation.
