Analytical Chemistry Commons^™

Oxygen Reduction Reaction By Copper Complex Based Electrocatalysts, Congling Zhang

Doctoral Dissertations

My research focuses on catalysis of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) by a series of Cu(II) [copper with positive two valence] -1,2,4-triazole complex-based electrocatalysts at the cathode of PEMFC (polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell), an efficient and environmental friendly energy conversion system compared to internal combustion engines in use today. The sluggish kinetics of ORR considerably limited the performance of PEMFCs. Understanding of ORR mechanism is important for developing affordable, active and durable ORR catalysts for such devices.

The first part of my work focused on improving the ORR performance of Cu(II)-1,2,4-triazole complex-based catalysts in an acidic environment by exploring synthesis …

New Approaches To Electroanalysis Of Metals And Pretreatment Of Biological And Environmental Samples, Stefanie Bragg

Doctoral Dissertations

Biological and environmental sample pretreatment followed by electrochemical sensing are the focus of this dissertation. The Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) treatment using aqueous hydrogen peroxide and UV irradiation with acid deactivation of the enzyme catalase in blood has been developed and optimized. The kinetics of whole blood AOP in a single-cell reactor was studied, and the effect of pH on the AOP process has been investigated. A new method of dry ashing whole blood has been developed and optimized for trace metal analyses. The new method and subsequent metal analyses in the blood samples has been used to confirm results …

New Electrochemical And Optical Detection Methods For Biological And Environmental Applications, Royce Nicholas Dansby-Sparks

Doctoral Dissertations

Detection of chromium and vanadium is of interest for biomedical and environmental applications. The two metals have narrow limits between being essential and toxic for humans. Ultra-sensitive techniques have been studied to measure Cr and V at low concentrations found in human blood and environmental samples. Bismuth film and mercury-alloy electrodes have been developed as alternatives to traditional Hg-based electrodes for Cr and V detection. While catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetry (CAdSV) has been used to detect Cr and V, little is known about the process. The mechanisms of CAdSV have been probed to provide a better understanding of its exceptional …