Department of Chemistry and Materials Science

Multifunctional Materials Design

The Multifunctional Materials Design research group (MMD) led by Prof. Jaana Vapaavuori focuses on experimental studies of soft materials, as well as inorganic-organic hybrids. Our ultimate goal is to combine multiple functionalities in the same material through supramolecular chemistry and designing hierarchical structures. We also aim to convert external stimuli into useful responses via photoactuation, photovoltaics and photocatalysis.

MMD webpage main image. GIF image by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen

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The butterfly effect – bending and turning artificial muscles with light

In the future, the innovation could be used in for example the development of smart textiles, soft robotics and medicine.

Tekstiiliperhonen, jonka siipiin on punottu valoon reagoivia säikeitä.

Threads of tomorrow – textiles that react to light and heat

A joint Nordic project is developing light- and heat-reactive textiles. In the future, curtains will regulate room temperature, clothing will help monitor blood pressure, and cotton will clean itself in sunlight.

Jaana Vapaavuori and Anne Louise Bang photographed in front of a bright green brick wall.

ENTANGLED: Reimagining Textile Functionalities, Aesthetics and Sustainability (external link)

Aalto Virtual Exhibitions
Cooperating partners: Aalto University - VIA University College - University of Borås - University of Turku - Iceland University of the Arts

Entangled exhibition. Image by Mithila Mohan. Photo by Maija Vaara

Nordic Textiles Podcast (external link)

A podcast hosted by Alicja Lawrynowicz and Matteo Iannacchero, in which they discuss the innovative world of smart textiles, uniquely framed by Nordic perspectives. Different guests will show different points of view: from academic research to innovation on a larger scale.

Beakers / Photo by Aalto University, Aleksi Poutanen

Multifunctional Materials Design research group (MMD)

Department of Chemistry and Materials Science

Multifunctional Materials Design: research group members

Department of Chemistry and Materials Science

Beyond e-Textiles project

Nordic network on smart light-conversion textiles beyond electric circuits

Beyond e-Textiles webpage, main image. Image by Aalto University, Giulnara Launonen, Maija Vaara, Mithila Mohan

AI-yarn project (Bioinnovation)

AI-guided biohybrid assembly platform for e-textiles

AIyarn project main image. Photo by Aalto University / Matteo Iannacchero, Maija Vaara

EARMetal project

Electrochemically-Assisted Aqueous Reduction of Waste Streams for Metals Recovery and Functional Surfaces

EARMetal webpage, main image. Photo by Aalto University, Maija Vaara, Mithila Mohan

MMD FinnCERES: Energy

MMD projects funded by FinnCERES (theme Energy)

MMD FinnCERES projects main image. Photo by Aalto University / Mithila Mohan, Maija Vaara

MMD FinnCERES: Acoustics

MMD projects funded by FinnCERES (sub-theme Acoustics)

Measurement of how sound waves bend towards the absorption material. Photo by Aalto University, Tapio Lokki

ModelCom project

Autonomously adapting and communicating modular textiles

ModelCom webpage, main image, nylon yarn helix. Photo by Aalto University, Maija Vaara

PINT (PREIN) project

Perovskite-inspired indoor photovoltaics for sustainable Internet-of-Things (PINT)

WEARSENSNANO project

Continuous monitoring of hypothermia in elderly people by the novel integrated wearable sensor system based on cellulose hydrogel and metallic nanowires

WEARSENSNANO webpage, main image. Photo by Aalto University, Maija Vaara, Mithila Mohan

SUBSTAINABLE project

Multifunctional, high performance cellulose-based substrates for photovoltaics and optoelectronics

SUBSTAINABLE webpage, main image. Photo by Aalto University, Maija Vaara, Mithila Mohan

SUPER-WEAR project

Super-stretchable functionalized materials and fibers for third generation wearable technology

SUPER-WEAR webpage, main image. Photo by Aalto University, Maija Vaara, Mithila Mohan

Contact information:

We are a group that embraces cross-disciplinary research and co-creative approaches. If you are interested in our projects or to join the group, please contact Prof. Vapaavuori by e-mail.

Mailing address: Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, FI-00076 AALTO, Finland

Visiting address: Office B209b, Kemistintie 1 (Chemistry building), 02150 Espoo, Finland

Lobby service in the Chemistry building:
+358 50 384 1658

You can approach us by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

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YouTube channel of the Multifunctional Materials Design research group (AALTO CHEM).

Latest publications:

Carbon Aerogels Derived from Anion-Modified Nanocellulose for Adaptive Supercapacitor Performance

Yazan Al Haj, Ahmed B. Soliman, Jaana Vapaavuori, Mady Elbahri 2024 Advanced Functional Materials

Nanocellulose-Derived Hydrogels and Aerogels: Advanced Applications in Sustainable Technologies

Yazan Al Haj 2024

Development and characterization of polylactic acid/starch biocomposites – From melt blending to preliminary life cycle assessment

Hossein Baniasadi, Laura Äkräs, Zahra Madani, Frans Silvenius, Mahyar Fazeli, Sami Lipponen, Jaana Vapaavuori, Jukka Seppälä 2024 International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Edible and Biodegradable Wearable Capacitive Pressure Sensors: A Paradigm Shift toward Sustainable Electronics with Bio-Based Materials

Fevzihan Basarir, Yazan Al Haj, Fangxin Zou, Swarnalok De, An Nguyen, Alexander Frey, Ijlal Haider, Veikko Sariola, Jaana Vapaavuori 2024 Advanced Functional Materials

A facile spinning approach towards the continuous production of aligned nanocellulose films

Hamidreza Daghigh Shirazi, Karl M.O. Håkansson, Tiffany Abitbol, Jaana Vapaavuori 2024 Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

Bio-inspired surface structures promote optical transmittance and hydrophobicity in cellulose-based films for self-cleaning perovskite solar cells

Hamidreza Daghigh Shirazi, Seyed Mehran Mirmohammadi, Seyede Maryam Mousavi, Magnus Markkanen, Janne Halme, Ville Jokinen, Jaana Vapaavuori 2024 Communications Materials

Bio‐Templated Silver Nanopatterns for Photothermal and Antifogging Coatings

Swarnalok De, Hoang M. Nguyen, Fangxin Zou, Fevzihan Basarir, Maryam Mousavi, Kristiina Mäkinen, Mauri A. Kostiainen, Jaana Vapaavuori 2024 Advanced Materials Interfaces