From Molecules to Materials: Interface Chemistry for Multifunctional Carbon Fibre Composites

Title: From Molecules to Materials: Interface Chemistry for Multifunctional Carbon Fibre Composites

Speaker: Luke C. Henderson, The Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University

Abstract: Carbon fibre composites are typically viewed through the lens of their exceptional mechanical properties, yet their performance and functionality are ultimately governed by chemistry occurring across interfaces only a few nanometres in dimension. This presentation will explore how molecular and surface chemistry can be used to manipulate these interfaces, moving from fundamental chemical understanding towards advanced and multifunctional materials. I will discuss our approaches to modifying carbon fibre surfaces and controlling their interactions with surrounding materials, highlighting how relatively small changes in interfacial chemistry can produce significant changes in macroscopic behaviour. An example of translational research will illustrate the pathway from fundamental discovery through to the development of new carbon fibre technologies with potential industrial application. The presentation will then explore our more recent work seeking to move carbon fibre composites beyond their traditional role as passive structural materials. This includes the development of structural energy storage systems in which carbon fibres simultaneously contribute to mechanical performance and electrochemical function. Finally, I will discuss our recent observations of piezoelectric behaviour in ionic liquids and related liquid systems. These findings challenge conventional distinctions between structural, electrochemical and responsive materials and raise fundamental questions about how molecular organisation and confinement can generate unexpected functionality. Together, these examples demonstrate how chemistry at interfaces can provide a powerful platform for translating molecular-level control into new material properties and technologies. 

Biography: Professor Luke Henderson is a materials chemist at Deakin University whose research focuses on using organic, surface and interface chemistry to control the behaviour of advanced materials. Originally trained as a synthetic organic chemist, his research has evolved towards understanding and manipulating the chemistry of carbon fibre and composite interfaces, with a particular emphasis on creating new functionality within structural materials. He has published more than 200 peer-reviewed papers and leads research spanning carbon fibre surface modification, multifunctional composites, structural energy storage and responsive materials. His work has attracted significant competitive and industry funding and has involved collaborations with major national and international industrial partners. He was awarded an ARC Mid-Career Industry Fellowship in 2023 and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute's R.K. Murphy Medal in 2025. A central theme of his research is translating fundamental chemistry across scales, from molecular interactions at surfaces through to macroscopic material behaviour and ultimately industrial application.