Detection Of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Using A Colorimetric Gold Nanoparticle Air Cassette Filter,
2021
Virginia Commonwealth University
Detection Of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Using A Colorimetric Gold Nanoparticle Air Cassette Filter, Andrea I. Ferrer Vega
Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is an explosive commonly used during military and terrorist activities. Current methods to identify this compound require sampling, transport and analysis at a forensic lab using analytical instrumentation. However, on-site detection is needed to assist efforts to prevent detonation. Gold nanoparticles have been used as sensors throughout the years due to their versatility and surface enhanced Raman scattering properties in the presence of an analyte and low limits of detection. By taking advantage of the Meisenheimer complex that TNT forms in the presence of amines, it is possible to determine its presence at picogram levels. Subsequently, adhering amine …
The Critical Role Of Dynamic Surface Tension Of Surfactants On The Impact Dynamics Of Water Droplets,
2021
Virginia Commonwealth University
The Critical Role Of Dynamic Surface Tension Of Surfactants On The Impact Dynamics Of Water Droplets, Amir Esmaeili, Reza Mohammadi
Graduate Research Posters
Due to their time-dependent surface tension, the addition of surface-active agents or surfactants to water for specific applications has made controlling the impact dynamics of these droplets a complex phenomenon. This work investigates the influence of the molecular weight, concentration, and ionic nature of the surfactants as well as the substrate surface characteristics on the impact dynamics of surfactant-laden droplets using a high-speed camera at 10000 frames per second. Sodium dodecyl sulfate, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, and n-decanoyl-n-methylglucamine were used as anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants, respectively. We used hydrophilic glass slides, hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene, and superhydrophobic alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) as substrates. …
Biomass-Derived Electrode Materials And Sustainable Processes For Supercapacitors,
2021
Virginia Commonwealth University
Biomass-Derived Electrode Materials And Sustainable Processes For Supercapacitors, Katelyn M. Shell
Theses and Dissertations
Biomass is one of the most abundant natural resources and has been used as a source of energy for thousands of years. Biomass as a precursor for energy storage materials is still relatively novel and faces several obstacles before becoming commonly used in today’s electrical devices. Currently, energy storage devices, such as batteries, capacitors, and supercapacitors, utilize petroleum-derived graphitic carbons for anodes, generating a need for more sustainable materials. Biomass, as a carbon-rich source for electrode materials, presents a viable and economically feasible alternative due to the prevalent lignocellulosic compounds: lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. Preliminary studies on the solid residues …
Enhancing Emulsion Liquid Membrane System (Elm) Stability And Performance For The Extraction Of Phenol From Wastewater Using Various Nanoparticles,
2021
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Enhancing Emulsion Liquid Membrane System (Elm) Stability And Performance For The Extraction Of Phenol From Wastewater Using Various Nanoparticles, Faris H. Al-Ani, Qusay F. Alsalhy, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Emulation liquid membrane (ELM) technology has recently garnered attention as an efficient alternative for separating pollutants, but it faces the problem of instability during the application, as well as emulsion breaking. With this in mind MgO, Al2O3, and three magnetic Fe2O3 nanoparticles (of different sizes) were utilized to fabricate a new Pickering ELM system (PELM). The extraction efficiency of phenol from aqueous solution by PELM was studied with different NPs types and with different phenol concentrations (1,000; 500; 100; and 50 ppm). It was found that the type of NPs and concentration of …
Assessing Solvent Viscosity Impact On The Physical Characteristics Of Polymeric Organogels,
2021
Bucknell University
Assessing Solvent Viscosity Impact On The Physical Characteristics Of Polymeric Organogels, Cameron Hong
Honors Theses
Traditionally, studies of polymeric organogels focus on the impact of polymer factors (e.g., molecular weight and polymer concentration) on the gels’ mechanical and transport properties. Alternatively, this study seeks to assess the impact of altering solvent viscosity, while holding polymer factors constant. The gels in this study were composed of different viscosity mineral oils, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) triblock copolymer as a gelator, and oleic acid (OA) as a model drug. Samples were formulated to have 6.5, 11.2, and 15.7 wt% SEBS copolymer for each mineral oil, varying in viscosity from ≈30 mPa*s to ≈500 mPa*s. Uniaxial mechanical testing was performed to …
Assessing The Impact Of Block-Selective Homopolymers On The Diffusion Of Payload Through Polymeric Organogels,
2021
Bucknell University
Assessing The Impact Of Block-Selective Homopolymers On The Diffusion Of Payload Through Polymeric Organogels, Ian Coates
Honors Theses
Styrenic polymer gels have received recent attention for their application in transdermal patches due to their unique properties. Previous research in the pharmaceutical industry has identified that polymeric gels, specifically styrenic gels, have the potential to encompass multiple functions of the transdermal delivery patch including controlling mechanical and delivery properties. To tailor styrenic gels either the gel nanostructure or the drug complex can be controlled. Specifically, this thesis investigated the effect of gel nanostructure in an attempt to control the gel diffusivity and mechanical properties. To control gel nanostructure a phase selective styrene homopolymer was used at varying concentrations. It …
Determination Of Hydrogel Degradation By Passive Mechanical Testing,
2021
Bucknell University
Determination Of Hydrogel Degradation By Passive Mechanical Testing, Avery Rosh-Gorsky
Honors Theses
This paper details a new technique to measure the mechanical properties of ETTMP PEGDA hydrogels using Hertz Contact Theory and simultaneously analyze both the model drug release and gel erosion in situ. This method involves curing a drug loaded hydrogel in a standard cuvette and placing a glass bead and phosphate buffer solution (PBS). Over time, the cross-linked network of the hydrogel breaks down, and, as a result, the ball sinks into the hydrogel. This method provides a macroscopic and inexpensive way to continuously and passively measure properties of the hydrogel as the hydrogel degrades. By plotting both the …
Advanced Raman Spectroscopy Detection Of Oxidative Damage In Nucleic Acid Bases: Probing Chemical Changes And Intermolecular Interactions In Guanosine At Ultralow Concentration,
2021
Old Dominion University
Advanced Raman Spectroscopy Detection Of Oxidative Damage In Nucleic Acid Bases: Probing Chemical Changes And Intermolecular Interactions In Guanosine At Ultralow Concentration, Francesca Ripanti, Claudia Fasolato, Flavia Mazzarda, Simonetta Palleschi, Marina Ceccarini, Chunchun Li, Margherita Bignami, Enrico Bodo, Steven E.J. Bell, Filomena Mazzei, Paolo Postorino
Bioelectrics Publications
DNA/RNA synthesis precursors are especially vulnerable to damage induced by reactive oxygen species occurring following oxidative stress. Guanosine triphosphates are the prevalent oxidized nucleotides, which can be misincorporated during replication, leading to mutations and cell death. Here, we present a novel method based on micro-Raman spectroscopy, combined with ab initio calculations, for the identification, detection, and quantification of oxidized nucleotides at low concentration. We also show that the Raman signature in the terahertz spectral range (<100 >cm(-1)) contains information on the intermolecular assembly of guanine in tetrads, which allows us to further boost the oxidative damage detection limit. Eventually, we …
Doping Graphene With Substitutional Mn,
2021
KU Leuven
Doping Graphene With Substitutional Mn, Pin-Cheng Lin, Renan Villarreal, Simona Achilli, Harsh Bana, Maya N. Nair, Antonio Tejeda, Ken Verguts, Stefan De Gendt, Manuel Auge, Hans Hofsäss, Steven De Feyter, Giovanni Di Santo, Luca Petaccia, Steven Brems, Guido Fratesi, Lino M. C. Pereira
Advanced Science Research Center
We report the incorporation of substitutional Mn atoms in high-quality, epitaxial graphene on Cu(111), using ultralow-energy ion implantation. We characterize in detail the atomic structure of substitutional Mn in a single carbon vacancy and quantify its concentration. In particular, we are able to determine the position of substitutional Mn atoms with respect to the Moiré superstructure (i.e., local graphene-Cu stacking symmetry) and to the carbon sublattice; in the out-of-plane direction, substitutional Mn atoms are found to be slightly displaced toward the Cu surface, that is, effectively underneath the graphene layer. Regarding electronic properties, we show that graphene doped with substitutional …
Cold Plasma Enhanced Active Sites On Supported Nip Nanoparticles For The Oxygen Evolution Reaction,
2021
The University of Akron
Cold Plasma Enhanced Active Sites On Supported Nip Nanoparticles For The Oxygen Evolution Reaction, Michael Ricci
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
Identifying materials to efficiently facilitate the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is key to advancing water electrolysis, an essential technology in the pathway towards a sustainable energy future. Here, we explore cold-plasma treatment as a facile method to enhance the activity of NiP nanoparticles supported on activated carbon. NiP nanoparticles were synthesized on an activated carbon support using a solid-state method and were then treated with argon, oxygen, and hydrogen plasmas for extended times. In all cases, plasma treatment reduced the number of active sites on the support. OER activity was evaluated by testing the materials in alkaline conditions. The activities …
Testing The Effectiveness Of Various Fabrics For Use In Protective Face Coverings,
2021
The University of Akron
Testing The Effectiveness Of Various Fabrics For Use In Protective Face Coverings, Isaac Daley
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
Facemask requirements have been heavily implemented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to test various fabrics that could be used in face coverings and determine which materials are best for reducing virus transmission rates. Of the seven fabrics tested, five were conventional home-use fabrics and the other two were surfaces modified with hydrophobic organosilanes. Wettability and droplet adherence tests were performed on each material. The materials that performed the best were decyltrichlorosilane (DTS) modified cotton, perfluorotrichlorosilane (FTS) modified cotton, and polyester. Contact angles for water droplets on these fabrics were 106°, 93°, and …
Wetting Transition On 3d-Printed Featured Surface,
2021
The University of Akron
Wetting Transition On 3d-Printed Featured Surface, Hannah Pineault
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
The primary objective of this research project was to gain a better understanding of surface characteristics to produce a long-lasting superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic surface. In other words, when will a droplet of water remain on top of a featured surface and when does the transition occur to water filling the grooves of the surface? This research focused on how to best fabricate porous structures that would stay completely dry at all times by preventing the liquid from penetrating. In particular, we followed the behaviors of water droplets placed on top of 3-D printed featured surfaces with various geometries and surface …
Comparison Of The Effects Of Hofmeister Ions On Transition Temperature Of Two Thermoresponsive Polymers,
2021
The University of Akron
Comparison Of The Effects Of Hofmeister Ions On Transition Temperature Of Two Thermoresponsive Polymers, Ashley Knight
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
It has been hypothesized that poly(vinylmethylether) (PVME) could be used to replace poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAM) in various thermoresponsive applications based on literature searches and previous lab experiments. PVME is cheaper and easier to process, and would make pNIPAAM applications more cost effective. In order to verify this, experimental data was gathered on the effects of four anions from the Hofmeister series (SO42-, Cl-, I-, and SCN-) on the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of pNIPAAM and compared to previous data collected on PVME. Commercial pNIPAAM from Sigma Aldrich and Polysciences were used. The reported LCST range for pNIPAAM is …
Investigation Of Surface Charge Using Faraday Bucket Measurements: Analysis On Electrospun Polyvinylidene Fluoride Fiber Mats,
2021
The University of Akron
Investigation Of Surface Charge Using Faraday Bucket Measurements: Analysis On Electrospun Polyvinylidene Fluoride Fiber Mats, Ryan Kantenwein
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
Piezoelectric polymer materials such as polyvinylidene fluoride exhibit beneficial properties for use in personal protective equipment (PPE) against viral contaminants and other foreign microparticles. The electrospinning process of this material allows for surface charge to develop over a controlled surface area. Kynar 761 at 10 wt% demonstrates increased surface charge after withstanding a flow of aerated NaCl particles from a TSI 8130 instrument. Utilizing voltage measurements from a Faraday bucket, 18 wt% Kynar 761 and MG-15 exhibit surface charge when undergoing an electrospinning process; however, Kynar MG-15 displays lower charge values than that of Kynar 761. Several critical factors such …
Simulation Of Water Loading In Filter Medium,
2021
The University of Akron
Simulation Of Water Loading In Filter Medium, Anthony Mole
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
This research will model fluid flow through a filter plugged with water droplets using FlexPDE software. After simulations are run at various initial conditions, curves will be developed to correlate the permeability of the filter to variables like water droplet distribution and size.
Relating Modified Ergun's Equation To Hindered Settling Correlations,
2021
The University of Akron
Relating Modified Ergun's Equation To Hindered Settling Correlations, Ryan Zahniser
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
Correlations were developed between the Modified Ergun’s and Hindered settling correlations under the condition of dense packing of particles in the bed. As the porosity of the slurry increases, so does the interference between particles in the solution which mimics the behavior of a packed or densely concentrated fluidized bed. The similarity between the two sets of conditions was modeled using mathematical equations to calculate settling velocities and pressure drops by means of the Hindered Settling correlations and Modified Ergun’s equation at porosities ranging from 0.4242 to 0.89. The results showed that a porosity of 0.52 and 0.009 ft particle …
Quantifying Mafenide Release From 3d Printed Phenylalanine-Coumarin Copolyester Scaffolds,
2021
The University of Akron
Quantifying Mafenide Release From 3d Printed Phenylalanine-Coumarin Copolyester Scaffolds, Jacob Seeh
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
This project addressed burn wound healing through controlled release of the antibacterial drug mafenide encapsulated by a copolyster into 3D printed scaffolds. Scaffolds were printed at 25oC and 0.77-1 bar in a cross-hatch pattern with uniform thickness, distance between parallel layers, and diameter then photo-crosslinked. The number of scaffolds available for testing was limited by the amount of polymer that could be synthesized. A high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed specifically for this experiment and used to determine daily release of mafenide from the scaffold into a 2-mL phosphate buffer solution. During the first 24 hours a large …
Water Absorption Enhancement Of Sodium Poly Acrylate And Poly(2-Acrylamido-2-Methylpropane Sulphonic Acid) Based Hydrogel Mixtures,
2021
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Water Absorption Enhancement Of Sodium Poly Acrylate And Poly(2-Acrylamido-2-Methylpropane Sulphonic Acid) Based Hydrogel Mixtures, Sohair A. Darwish, Ibrahim M. Ibrahim, Nasser Y. Mostafa, Mostafa A. Radwan, Mohamed A. Sadek, Hany A. Elazab
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Introduction: Hydrogels are hydrophilic polymers which are cross-linked to form three-dimensional structures, which can absorb, swell and retain huge amounts of water or aqueous fluids. Objective: This paper reports the preparation and characterization of Poly (2-Acrylamido-2-Methylpropane Sulphonic Acid) (PAMPS) hydrogel with different crosslinking intensities. Methodology: 2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) monomer was purchased from Alfa Aesar Company as reagent grade. It was used as received (>98% purity) without any further purification. PAMPS hydrogel was prepared by free radical crosslinking solution polymerization of AMPS in water at room temperature under a nitrogen blanket in cylindrical glass tubes. The characteristics of the …
Better Heat And Power Integration Of An Existing Gas-Oil Plant In Egypt Through Revamping The Design And Organic Rankine Cycle,
2021
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Better Heat And Power Integration Of An Existing Gas-Oil Plant In Egypt Through Revamping The Design And Organic Rankine Cycle, Mamdouh A. Gadalla, Alaa Elmasry, Ibrahim Alhajri, Fatma H. Ashour, Hany A. Elazab
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Objective: The current study aims mainly to Maximize Condensate Recovery (NGLs), focusing on a gas processing train of Gas-Oil Separation Plant (GOSP) located in Egypt with a capacity of 4,230 kmole/h. Methods: The research study accounts for the constraint of Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) specification, which makes the storage in floating roof tanks is of a great risk. The study proposes the installation of the cryogenic train that recovers condensates (C4+). This train comprises of compression unit, expansion unit, three-phase separators and a re-boiled absorber. The problem of RVP will no longer exist because of the re-boiled absorber achieving RVP …
Equilibrium And Kinetic Study On The Biosorption Of Trypan Blue From Aqueous Solutions Using Avocado Seed Powder,
2021
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Equilibrium And Kinetic Study On The Biosorption Of Trypan Blue From Aqueous Solutions Using Avocado Seed Powder, Tamer T. El-Idreesy, Omar Khoshala, Amin Firouzi, Hany A. Elazab
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
This research aims to investigate the removal of trypan blue dye from aqueous solutions by employing ground avocado seeds powder, a low-cost biowaste adsorbent (biosorbent), under various experimental conditions. The effect of contact time, initial dye concentration, and adsorbent dose on dye removal were studied. The experimental kinetic data were fitted to pseudo-first order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Results imply that adsorption of trypan blue on the avocado seed adsorbent nicely followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Equilibrium isotherms were analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, where Langmuir isotherm described the isotherm data with a high-correlation coefficient (R2=0.9948) closer to unity, …
