Both cellulose nanocrystals and gold nanoparticles show immense potential for biochemical and chemical applications. Gold nanoparticles are hybridised with cellulose nanocrystals to form stable, catalytically active inorganic-organic hybrids using a green synthesis method. Hydrothermal treatment generates electrostatic attraction between the gold nanoparticles and the cellulose nanocrystals, resulting in the formation of a colloidally stable sol. In the hybrid structure, nanocellulose acts as a stabilzer for the nanogold, serving as a 'green' supporting material. The gold nanoparticle/cellulose nanocrystal hybrid is photocatalytically active and responds to changes in humidity.

Трэйси Ш., Сидунец Ю.А. (науч. рук. Кривошапкина Е.Ф.) Environmentally-friendly Au@CNC hybrid nanoparticle synthesis for humidity sensors // Сборник тезисов докладов конгресса молодых ученых. Электронное издание. – СПб: Университет ИТМО, [2020]. URL: https://kmu.itmo.ru/digests/article/3742