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Model To Demonstrate Effects Of Mass Transfer And Applied Current In An Electrolytic Cell, George Ankrah

Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)

This study investigates the relationship between applied current and resulting cell potential in an electrolytic system, considering the transport of electroactive species. By applying Michael Faraday's laws of electrolysis and the Nernst-Planck equation, the behavior of electroactive species in diffusion-controlled systems with and without stirring is modeled. The plots demonstrate how stirring enhances ion transport and establishes a stable Nernst diffusion layer, affecting the kinetics of electrochemical reactions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for optimizing electrolysis processes.

Review Of Cyclic Voltammetry Measurements For Uranium In Flinak Molten Salt, Jackson Ivory

Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)

The electrochemical behavior of uranium FLiNaK molten salts is explored, focusing on cyclic voltammetry (CV) as a powerful tool for redox characterization and diffusion studies. Through a comprehensive review of recent research, the study highlights the significance of CV in understanding electrode kinetics, material compatibility, and process optimization in molten salt environments. The findings underscore the potential of FLiNaK molten salt reactors in advancing nuclear energy technologies, fuel processing, and waste management strategies. Collaborative interdisciplinary efforts are emphasized to address challenges and accelerate innovation in electrochemical methods for nuclear applications.

Model Of The Effect Of Voltage On Contact Angle In An Electrolytic Cell Reaction, Aaron Essilfie

Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)

This paper investigates the hypothesis that the contact angle at the meniscus of an electrode-electrolyte can be altered during a redox reaction through the coupled understanding of electrowetting and capillarity rise. Recent studies in electrowetting have focused on dielectric surfaces but research on contact angle at the electrode-electrolyte surface is lacking. The study employs a basic electrolytic cell. By applying principles of electrowetting and capillary rise the research aims to understand the relationship between applied voltage and contact angle, to advancements in electrochemistry and microfluidics.

An Overview Of How To Measure The Kinetic Properties Of An Anode Material For The Chlorine Evolution Reaction, Cameron Vann

Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)

The process of generating chlorine gas using electrolysis in aqueous systems is well established. However, a new process requires chlorine to be generated at high temperatures using molten salt. This harsh environment requires a new study of anode materials for the chlorine evolution reaction. Anode materials can be compared by their kinetic parameters, the transfer coefficient α and the exchange current i0. The basic theory of these properties as they relate to the chlorine evolution reaction has been detailed and an analysis method for finding these effective parameters has been shown and demonstrated.

Living Emission Abolish Filters (Leafs) For Methane Mitigation: Design And Operation, Richard Hamilton, Nicholas Griffith, Peter Salamon, Robert Handler, Marina G. Kalyuzhnaya

Michigan Tech Publications

As one of the most potent greenhouse gases, methane is a critical target for the near-term mitigation of global warming. Efficient, scalable, easy-to-implement, and robust mitigation technologies are urgently needed to assist in reaching methane abolishment. The goal of this research was to test the applicability of active, extremophilic methanotrophic cells as a baseline concept for engineered systems aiming at methane capturing. The system, named living emission abolish filters (LEAFs), represents an array of immobilized biomaterials capable of capturing methane directly from vent streams. The biomaterials were made using cells of Methylotuvimicrobium alcaliphilum 20ZR, a robust halophilic methanotrophic bacterium with …

Melting Point Predictions Of Thermally Stable Ionic Liquids Using A Machine Learning Approach, Jarod Morris

Poster Presentations

Thermally robust ionic liquids hold promise as high-temperature solvents, heat transfer fluids, and high-performance lubricants. These ionic liquids, inspired by thermoplastics like PEEK and PES, incorporate peraryl functional groups that lend them high thermal stability, however they often have melting points greater than 100 °C. A broad liquid range is usually desirable in most applications, so finding thermally robust ILs with lower melting points would significantly enhance their applicability. In this study, machine learning models are developed to make predictions of melting points for these thermally stable ionic liquids using a process called quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPR). The methodology used …

Investigating The Impact Of Secondary Activation Time On The Adsorption Properties Of Activated Biochar For Arsenic Removal From Wastewater, Achyuth Bharadwaj Rayarao

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Biochar, a naturally occurring and renewable carbon material, becomes porous through activation. Activated biochar is an ideal candidate for use as an adsorbent. The objective of this study is to investigate whether activated biochar derived from Colorado soft pine serves as a better adsorbent and demonstrates enhanced adsorption capabilities after undergoing secondary physical activation at various activation times. The effect of secondary action time on physical adsorption properties drawn from the analysis of isotherm plots, surface areas and pore size patterns were examined by using a physisorption analyzer. Chemical structures were identified using both ultimate and proximate analyses, while porosity …

Using Student Interests To Explore Inclusion In Undergraduate Chemistry, Sonja Hoversten

CSB and SJU Distinguished Thesis

For students who are not chemistry majors, but who are on a career track requiring four chemistry courses, taking the final reactivity chemistry course (CHEM 251) for pre-health students can be daunting. For this reason, this research is focused on the CHEM 251 course at The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University (CSBSJU) which is one of the four required chemistry courses for pre-medicine and some pre-physician assistant students, and all chemistry and biochemistry majors. Student perception of inclusion in the course increased through the implementation of group assignments including prompts for individual application of the material. The …

Photodynamic Treatment Of Staphylococcus Aureus With Non-Iron Hemin Analogs In The Presence Of Hydrogen Peroxide, Badhu Prashanthika Sivasubramaniam, Benjamin M. Washer, Yuichiro Watanabe, Kathryn E. Ragheb, J. Paul Robinson, Alexander Wei

Department of Chemistry Faculty Publications

Bacteria subjected to antiseptic or antibiotic stress often develop tolerance, a trait that can lead to permanent resistance. To determine whether photodynamic agents could be used to counter tolerance, we evaluated three non-iron hemin analogs (M-PpIX; M = Al, Ga, In) as targeted photosensitizers for antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) following exposure to sublethal H2O2. Al-PpIX is an active producer of ROS whereas Ga- and In-PpIX are more efficient at generating singlet oxygen. Al- and Ga-PpIX are highly potent aPDI agents against S. aureus and methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA) with antimicrobial activity (3 log reduction in colony-forming units) at nanomolar concentrations. The …

Design, Synthesis, Self-Assembly, And Applications Of Functional Bottlebrush Architectures Through Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization, Yipei Zhang

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Shear-thinning hydrogels are a class of materials with unique rheological properties that enable them to undergo a reversible reduction in viscosity under shear stress, which allows for easy injection. The injectability of shear-thinning hydrogels is particularly important when considering their use in biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing. However, before advancing to these applications, it is crucial to evaluate the “injectability” of new shear-thinning hydrogels to avoid clogging of the needle for injection. Injectability is typically associated with determining suitable viscosity, storage/loss moduli, and other factors, such as injection force (e.g., needle length and gauge …

Enabling More Efficient Solar Thermal Energy Production And Storage, Allan Wilson

Poster Presentations

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) stores & transfers energy using a Thermal Energy Storage Fluid (EIA AEO 2022)

Formation Of Diazirine Functionality For Propellant Applications, Abby Mock

Poster Presentations

Overall, this research focuses on a cost-effective approach which minimizes synthetic overhead when assembling compounds with diazirine functionality. The goals are to prevent the surplus use of ammonia in the formation of the diaziridines and use electrochemistry to perform the oxidation of diaziridines. In addition, this project will evaluate the efficiency of different diazirine molecules as propellants.

The Effects Of Free Volume And Processing On The Development Of Gas Separation Membranes, Jacob Schekman

Dissertations

Structure, thermal, mechanical, gas transport, and free volume properties of thiol-ene based systems are investigated and discussed. In the pursuit of generating low energy-cost polymer membranes for gas separation, it became apparent that UV-curing of thiol-ene materials presented several routes toward achieving this goal. Network structure plays a vital role in determining the gas transport properties of membrane materials. UV photopolymerization techniques provide a means to rapidly vitrify network morphologies which can be tuned depending on choice of monomer. Thiol-ene monomers offer a broad range of precursor materials from which to choose for the design of functional membrane materials.

Chapter …

Enabling High-Rate Thermoplastic Composite Manufacturing Through Structure-Processing-Property Relationships Of Polyphenylene Sulfide, Lina Ghanbari

Dissertations

In this dissertation, relationships between polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) chain structure and melt processing parameters are linked to thermoplastic composite (TPC) properties and mechanical performance. Deviations from linear PPS structure and the formation of branching/crosslinked moieties upon exposure to TPC manufacturing steps presents an opportunity to systematically uncover the interdependencies of melt-state thermal history on polymer rheology, crystallization, crystal structure, and translate these properties to the continuum level. This work first explores unreinforced PPS and how the formation of non-linear chain architectures yield altered rheological states when held at melt processing temperatures. These hindered chains exhibit unconventional crystallization behavior and non-uniform …

Modification, Transport, And Sources Of Hydrocarbon Oxidation Products From Groundwater At Crude Oil And Diesel Spill Sites In Minnesota: Unveiling Common “Theems” Via Spectroscopy & Chromatography, Eduardo E. Turcios Valle

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, petroleum-contaminated groundwater from three spill-affected Minnesota sites—two contaminated with crude oil; one with diesel—is investigated to elucidate whether differences in degradation products from different parent oils exist. After spill events, parent molecules from the leaked oil seep underground and undergo microbial degradation over time, transforming into hydrocarbon oxidation products (HOPs), water-soluble contaminants that infiltrate groundwater aquifers, flowing into nearby environments and towns while exhibiting environmental persistence, toxicity to aquatic biota, and potential risks to humans that become exposed. Spectroscopic and chromatographic study of the structural themes and spatial distributions of HOPs reveals preferential degradation of aliphatic (biolabile) …

N-Methylation Of Amphetamine By Phenylethanolamine N- Methyltransferase: Implications For Chronic Therapeutic Use, Mackenzie Pavlik

Master's Theses

In current forensic analysis, the presence of methamphetamine in a sample is routinely presumed to reflect methamphetamine abuse. This is due to the expectation that individuals either abusing, or receiving amphetamine for therapeutic purposes (e.g. as treatment for ADHD) will not generate any significant levels of methamphetamine as a product of metabolism. We have hypothesized however, that because amphetamine can serve as a substrate for methylation by phenylethanolamine n-methyltransferase (PNMT), (which will be in equilibrium with the reverse demethylation reaction) some individuals chronically taking amphetamine for therapeutic purposes may generate low levels of methamphetamine that would show up on a …

A Copper-Selective Sensor And Its Inhibition Of Copper-Amyloid Beta Aggregation, Ngoc Kim Nguyen, Bella Poduska, Mia Franks, Manoranjan Bera, Ian Maccormack, Guoxing Lin, Alexander P. Petroff, Samir Das, Arundhati Nag

Chemistry

Copper is an essential trace metal for biological processes in humans and animals. A low level of copper detection at physiological pH using fluorescent probes is very important for in vitro applications, such as the detection of copper in water or urine, and in vivo applications, such as tracking the dynamic copper concentrations inside cells. Copper homeostasis is disrupted in neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, and copper forms aggregates with amyloid beta (Ab42) peptide, resulting in senile plaques in Alzheimer’s brains. Therefore, a selective copper detector probe that can detect amyloid beta peptide-copper aggregates and decrease the aggregate size has …

Conversion Of Microcrystalline Cellulose To Hexane Using Hydrogenated Metal Oxides At Low Temperature And Pressure, Mubarak Osman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Increasing global energy demand and environmental concerns have fueled the exploration of sustainable and efficient methods for renewable fuel production. The conversion of cellulosic waste to hydrocarbon fuels using hydrogenated metal oxides presents a novel and eco-friendly approach to sustainably address energy demand. In this study, hydrogenated metal oxides were used as catalysts in a relatively low-temperature and atmospheric-pressure environment to facilitate the conversion of cellulosic waste into hydrocarbon fuels. Hydrogenated metal oxides have been introduced as potential hydrogen transfer catalysts. The expected result is the selective conversion of cellulose to hexane at relatively low temperatures, which significantly reduces energy …

Tripeptide-Assisted Gold Nanocluster Formation For Fe3+ And Cu2+ Sensing, Jonghae Youn, Peiyuan Kang, Justin Crowe, Caleb Thornsbury, Peter Kim, Zhenpeng Qin, Jiyong Lee

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Fluorescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have shown promise as metal ion sensors. Further research into surface ligands is crucial for developing sensors that are both selective and sensitive. Here, we designed simple tripeptides to form fluorescent AuNCs, capitalizing on tyrosine’s reduction capability under alkaline conditions. We investigated tyrosine’s role in both forming AuNCs and sensing metal ions. Two tripeptides, tyrosine–cysteine–tyrosine (YCY) and serine–cysteine–tyrosine (SCY), were used to form AuNCs. YCY peptides produced AuNCs with blue and red fluorescence, while SCY peptides produced blue-emitting AuNCs. The blue fluorescence of YCY- and SCY-AuNCs was selectively quenched by Fe3+ and Cu2+, whereas red-emitting YCY-AuNC …

Technology Development And Materials Research To Enable A Sustainable D-T Fusion Energy Fuel Cycle, Brenda L. Garcia-Diaz, David Babineau, James Klein, Robert Allgood, George Larsen, Holly B. Flynn, Dale Hitchcock, Tim Krentz, Chris Dandeneau, Lucas Angelette, Robert Sindelar

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Synthesis And Structure Of Curaxin Analogs, Elizabeth E. Brown

Forensic Science Master's Projects

Curaxins are small molecules that have demonstrated anti-cancer activity through the activation of p53 and inhibition of nuclear factor-kB. Curaxins interfere with DNA-histone interactions, impeding DNA repair and inducing chromatin destabilization. This leads to apoptosis through alterations in spatial genome organization and oncogene expression. The results are due to DNA binding activity. A team of researchers, including a Roswell Park Cancer Institute group, discovered these molecules. This project aims to synthesize a diverse library of novel analogs of curaxin through a modified literature protocol to enhance the chemotherapeutic potency while minimizing non-specific cytotoxicity. N-alkylation of diacetyl carbazole followed by saponification …

College Of Natural Sciences Newsletter, Spring 2024, College Of Natural Sciences

College of Natural Sciences Newsletters and Reports

Page 1 Dean's Message
Page 2 New Faculty and New Club on Campus
Page 3 2024 URSCAD Awards
Page 4 Day of Scholars 2024
Page 5 SDSU's First Representation at the Association for Anatomy's 2024
Annual Conference
Page 6-7 2024 Honor's College Convocation
Page 8 Other Student Activities
Page 9 Faculty Awards
Page 10-11 Other News
Page 12 2024 Drone Day and American Association of Geographers Convention - Hawaii
Page 13 55th Annual Geography Convention
Page 14 2024 Stethoscope Ceremony
Page 15 Open PRAIRIE Data

Exploring The Potentials Of Delafossite-Coated Cotton Textiles: Photocatalytic Self-Cleaning, Uv-Blocking, Anti Microbial Activity And Hydrophobicity, Shahria Ahmed

Theses and Dissertations

Delafossite materials demonstrate multifunctional applications due to their excellent catalytic properties, which vary depending on their morphology, particle size, and synthetic method. Herein, a few novel applications of the delafossites are reported, which can be implemented in commercial, medical, and domestic settings. In present work we are presenting two different delafossite CuGaO2 and CuFeO2 nanoparticles and its composite with cotton fiber. Multifunctional cotton fabric is prepared by depositing a uniform coating layer of CuGaO2 and CuFeO2, exhibits excellent photocatalytic self-cleaning, UV blocking, and antimicrobial activity. CuGaO2 and CuFeO2 nanoparticle concentrations of 1mM and 2mM were deposited over the cotton fabric …

3d-Printed Microfluidic Devices For Electrochemiluminescence Detection Of Mirna, Oscar Clement

Honors Scholar Theses

This thesis outlines the research conducted over the past two years on the production and application of microfluidic devices (MFDs) in electrochemiluminescent-based bioanalytical assays. The work is categorized into two main projects: designing and manufacturing MFDs and developing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) assays for detecting Alzheimer's disease (AD) associated microRNAs (miRNAs) using CRISPR technology. The process of learning to design MFDs involved acquiring proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing, and iterative design techniques. The development of the ECL-based assay for AD miRNA was a multidisciplinary endeavor, combining elements of inorganic and biological chemistry. Although the research on the …

Modeling Sex-Specific Changes In Myocardial Fibrosis, Grace Martin

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Heart disease the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Cardiac fibrosis, or accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the heart, can occur after a heart attack and increase the risk for further complications. Current treatments for heart disease do not include extracellular matrix regulators, partly due to the complicated signaling network responsible for the production of these proteins. By using a computational model of the signaling network in cardia fibroblasts, the relationship between particular molecules and downstream extracellular matrix production can be examined.

Biological sex is an important factor for cardiac health and …

Selective Transfection Of A Transferrin Receptor-Expressing Cell Line With Dna-Lipid Nanoparticles And Synthesis Of Parasite-Derived Glycans As Biomarkers For Leishmaniasis, Irodiel Vinales Lozano

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Despite notable progress in lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-mediated gene delivery, achieving selective transfection of specific cell types, such as cancer cells, remains a significant hurdle, hindering the advancement of innovative gene therapies. In this study, we engineered an LNP formulation encapsulating plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding the monomeric Green Lantern (mGL) fluorescent reporter protein. The DT7 peptide ligand targeting human transferrin receptor 1 (hTfR1) was also conjugated to the LNP surface for targeted delivery to hTfR1-expressing cells. Optimization of LNP composition yielded favorable particle diameter, ζ-potential, yield, and pDNA encapsulation efficiency. Evaluation of transfection selectivity using a panel of two engineered cell …

Relations Between Printability And Rheology In A Ceramic Paste Extrusion Process, Nicholas Durand

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Ceramic additive manufacturing (AM) uses the same fundamentals as material extrusion (MEX) that utilizes polymers or resins for printing applications. Ceramic AM uses the same process of slicing an STL file to determine a toolpath for the printer that will facilitate material deposition to manufacture full parts; ceramic AM also provides a low-cost advantage when compared to processes that require high powered lasers for melting metal powders or heated nozzles used for dispensing thermoplastics. Despite having the similar design freedom and ability for rapid prototyping that other printing methods benefit from with the addition of low cost, ceramic AM has …

Analysis Of Additively Manufactured Inconel 718 Combustion Behavior In Promoted Oxygen Environments, Dominic George Dieguez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Promoted combustion testing is a vital tool for engineers to establish the combustion and flammability characteristics of materials (metallic or otherwise) in oxygen enriched environments. Historically, much of the established data for metallic promoted combustion has been with regards to materials in their cast and wrought forms. However, with the emergence of additive manufacturing as a preferred method of fabrication, the need exists to evaluate how metals in that form behave. Recent testing has demonstrated that even if a metal or alloy is nominally the same with regards to chemistry, flammability between samples in the wrought form can differ significantly …

Sustainable Methodologies For Synthesis Of Small Organic Molecules Using Micellar Catalysis., Deborah Sam Ogulu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Organic synthesis is a critical process in the creation of small molecule pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. However, most methods for synthesizing these small molecules rely on toxic organic solvents as the reaction medium which account for approximately 80% of pharmaceutical waste. Moreover, many catalytic reactions require expensive endangered precious metals like palladium and costly metals. This dissertation presents research that aims to develop sustainable, eco-friendly reaction conditions to address these issues. We developed a ligand-free bimetallic nanocatalyst for the hydrogenation of unsaturated enones. This ligand-free nanocatalyst was prepared from nickel and ppm loading of palladium and was stabilized by harnessing the …

Boron-Doped Diamond As A Resilient Electrode Material In Molten Salts, Hannah Katherine Patenaude

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Molten salt chemistry has a range of applications within nuclear technology, including for the Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) and pyroprocessing to recover valuable actinides for energy and national security needs. However, the high-temperature, corrosive nature of molten salts makes them particularly challenging to deploy on an industrial scale and study in benchtop measurements. Material accountability and corrosion monitoring of MSR fuels are essential components to the successful deployment of MSRs, and electroanalytical techniques like cyclic voltammetry (CV) and spectroelectrochemistry (SEC) can provide a wealth of information to describe salt systems in situ. To perform such measurements, it is imperative to …