Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

New Photovoltaic Acceptors: Synthesis And Characterization Of Functionalized C-Fused Anthradithiophene Quinones, Kerri Shelton

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Stable organic semiconductors are critical to produce inexpensive, efficient and flexible thin film organic solar cells. A current chemical focus is the synthesis of stable, electron-accepting materials to be utilized as an acceptor layer in photovoltaics.¹ The Anthony group has shown that the functionalization of pentacene with suitable electron withdrawing groups provides a catalog of suitable acceptors for this purpose.² These pentacenes can be further modified to pack in a unique 1-dimensional "sandwich herringbone" crystal packing, leading to improved device current.³ To improve the stability of acene acceptors, we have taken two hetero-atom themed approaches. First, we …

Development Of Novel Electrophilic Ruthenium(Ii) And Iridium(Iii) Complexes And Their Applications As Homogeneous Catalysts, Ryan R. Ketcham

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Our aim was to develop the synthetic potential and reaction chemistry of Ir³⁺ and Ru²⁺ electrophiles by preparing well-characterized complexes whose properties are controllable by modification of the ancillary ligand environment Specifically, we prepared a series of ruthenium complexes to serve as selective hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis catalysts of furan derivatives. We also expanded the synthesis of electrophilic Ir³⁺ di-thiolate complexes. These types of compounds could eventually serve as catalysts precursors for the addition of weak nucleophiles to alkynes and nitriles.

Investigation Of The Toxicity And Efflux Of Polychlorinated Biphenyls And Hydroxylated Polychlorinated Biphenyls In Escherichia Coli, Shen Geng

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants. Due to their properties, PCBs accumulate in the food-chain and post a threat to the health of human beings and wildlife. Hydroxylated PCBs (OH-PCBs) are oxidative metabolites of PCBs and are more hydrophilic than their parent PCBs. One of the best approaches to break down these contaminants is through bioremediation, which is an environmental friendly process that uses microorganisms to restore natural environment.

Towards this goal, we have investigated the toxicity and accumulation of PCBs and OH-PCBs in a Gram-negative bacterium, Escherichia coli. We have also determined the role played by a …

Stability Of Spore-Based Sensing Systems, Abhishek Sangal

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

The full exploitation of bacterial whole-cell biosensing systems in field applications requires the survival of bacterial cells and long term-preservation of their sensing ability during transportation and on-site storage of such analytical systems. Specifically, there is a need for rapid, simple and inexpensive biosensing systems for monitoring human health and the environment in remote areas which often suffer from harsh atmospheric conditions and inadequate commercial distribution and storage facilities. Our laboratory has previously reported the successful use of bacterial spores as vehicles for the long-term preservation and storage of whole-cell biosensing systems at room temperature.

In the present research, we …

Functionalization Of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes And The Interactions Of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes In Epoxy Composites, Christopher Fitzwater

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are a relatively new allotrope of carbon that have potentially useful properties that may improve polymer composites. The work of this thesis explores the interactions between MWNTs and functionalized MWNTs within epoxy matrix and the properties of the MWNT/epoxy composite. These interactions were characterized with an emphasis on finding how well the MWNT/epoxy composite flows and how conductive it is after curing.

Synthesis, Characterization And Development Of Catalysts For Co2 Capture, Anitha Suhas Wishrojwar

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Fossil fuel and advanced industrialization techniques contribute to global warming through emissions of greenhouse gases such as CO₂. In order to mitigate climate change, there is a desperate need to reduce CO₂ emissions from different sources. CO₂ capture and sequestration (CCS) play an important role in these reductions.

Naturally occurring enzymes, e.g., carbonic anhydrase (CA), can catalyze these reactions in living systems. Much effort has been focused on complexes of zinc with ligands such as teta, cyclen and tripodal ligands including BIMA and Trispyrazolylborates. These complexes have many interesting CO₂ capture properties, but maintain toxic …

Non-Portland Cement Activation Of Blast Furnace Slag, Anne Elizabeth Oberlink

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

The purpose of this project was to produce a “greener” cement from granulated ground blast furnace slag (GGBS) using non-Portland cement activation. By eventually developing “greener” cement, the ultimate goal of this research project would be to reduce the amount of Portland cement used in concrete, therefore reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere during cement production.

This research studies the behavior of mineral binders that do not contain Portland cement but instead comprise GGBS activated by calcium compounds or fluidized bed combustion (FBC) bottom ash. The information described in this paper was collected from experiments including …

Syntheses, Structures And Magnetic Characterization Of Di- And Trivalent Hydridotris(3,5-Dimethylpyrazol-1-Yl)Borate Cyanomanganates, Minao Tang

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of a series of di/trivalent hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate (Tp*) cyanomanganates were investigated. Treatment of manganese(III)acetylacetonate with KTp* followed by tetra(ethyl)- ammonium cyanide affords [NEt₄][(Tp*)Mn^II(acac)(CN)] (1). Attempts to oxidize 1 with iodine affords {(Tp*)Mn^II(κ²O-acac-CN)}_n (7); a minor complex {[NEt₄][(Tp*)Mn^II(κ²O-acac-3-CN)]₂(µ-CN) (8) was also isolated.

The manganese(II) complex [NEt₄][(Tp*)Mn^II(κ²O-acac-3-CN)(κ¹N -3-NC-acac)] (2) was obtained via treatment of Mn(3-acacCN)₃ with KTp* and [NEt₄]CN. [NEt₄]₂[Mn …