Qi Zhou

My research aims to develop bio-based composite materials with multi-functionalities and well-defined structures derived from wood, wood components and other renewable raw materials, such as marine biomass. In particular, my research focuses on surface functionalisation of natural materials through a combined chemical and enzymatic strategy. The material design includes bottom-up assembly of nanoscale components, which mimics biological structures or the processes controlling their synthesis, and top-down approaches using wood or plant fibres as a large-scale biotemplate for functionalisation at multiple scales. The processing-microstructure-property relationships is the key to optimisation and design of bio-based composite materials for energy and biomedical applications.