Chemistry Commons^™

A Promising Statistical Approach For Studying The Collisional Excitation Induced By Co: Application To The Cs-Co System, Amélie Godard Palluet, Richard Dawes, Ernesto Quintas-Sánchez, Adrian Batista-Planas, François Lique

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

The calculations of rate coefficients for the interpretation of molecular spectra are a recognized computationally expensive task. This is particularly true for media like comets, where the dominant species (CO, CO₂, and H₂O) have relatively high masses. Currently, no clear methodology exists to treat the collisional excitation of heavy species at low temperatures, thus limiting the number of collisional studies on such species. We present here a promising statistical approach to determine collisional rate coefficients of heavy systems as an alternative to fully quantum calculations when heavy projectiles such as CO are considered. This is illustrated …

Ambient Co2 Capture And Valorization Enabled By Tandem Electrolysis Using Solid-State Electrolyte Reactor, Yan-Bo Hua, Bao-Xin Ni, Kun Jiang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction is a promising technology for addressing global energy and environmental crises. However, its practical application faces two critical challenges: the complex and energy-intensive process of separating mixed reduction products and the economic viability of the carbon sources (reactants) used. To tackle these challenges simultaneously, solid-state electrolyte (SSE) reactors are emerging as a promising solution. In this review, we focus on the feasibility of applying SSE for tandem electrochemical CO₂ capture and conversion. The configurations and fundamental principles of SSE reactors are first discussed, followed by an introduction to its applications in these two specific areas, …

Advancing The Sensitivity And Precision Of Overhauser Dynamic Nuclear Polarization With A Foundation In The First Principles Of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Physics, Alexandria Guinness

Dissertations - ALL

Overhauser Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (ODNP) analyzes the translational dynamics of hydration water surrounding macromolecules as well as water in confined or tight porous environments. It requires instrumentation comprising an Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer, an Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectrometer, as well as a microwave power source that are not currently available as an integrated commercial system. It analyzes the translational motion of water passing through the magnetic field generated by a spin label, which lasts for tens to hundreds of picoseconds. ODNP most sensitively detects these motions when the magnetic field is chosen such that the ESR resonance frequency …

Poly(Pyridinium Salt)S Containing 9,9-Bis(4- Aminophenyl)Fluorene Moieties With Various Organic Counterions Exhibiting Both Lyotropic Liquid-Crystalline And Light-Emitting Properties, Pradip K. Bhowmik, David King, Haesook Han, Andras F. Wacha, Matti Knaapila

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Research

Main-chain conjugated and non-conjugated polyelectrolytes are an important class of materials that have many technological applications ranging from fire-retardant materials to carbon-nanotube composites, nonlinear optical materials, electrochromic materials for smart windows, and optical sensors for biomolecules. Here, we describe a series of poly(pyridinium salt)s-fluorene containing 9,9-bis(4-aminophenyl)fluorene moieties with various organic counterions that were synthesized using ring-transmutation polymerization and metathesis reactions, which are non-conjugated polyelectrolytes. Their chemical structures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), proton (1H) and fluorine 19 (19F) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers, and elemental analysis. They exhibited polyelectrolytic behavior in dimethyl sulfoxide. Their lyotropic liquid-crystalline phases were …

Chemical And Physical Characterization Of Verbenaceae Essential Oils Using Modern Analytical Methods And Chemometrics, Aleksandra N. Hilliard

Master's Theses

Essential oils have been used for generations to treat various health issues, including mitigating insomnia, reducing stress, inflammation, and preserving foods, to mention a few. Essential oils have complex chemistry, which defines the essence of the host plant. Recently, increased commercial uses of essential oils have prompted attention at the governmental level to monitor the chemical, physical, or biological activity of essential oils. This study is an attempt to add new information for consumers to the understanding of the composition of essential oils.

Modern analytical techniques including FTIR-ATR, GC-MS, LC-MS-MS, multivariate analysis statistics, and physio-chemical techniques (electrochemistry, DPPH, TRC, and …

Potent Acridone Antimalarial Against All Three Life Stages Of Plasmodium, Papireddy Kancharla, Rozalia A. Dodean, Yuexin Li, Xiaowei Zhang, Sean Kelly, Jordan Charlton, Angley Binauhan, Laurize Garcia, Diana Caridha, Jane X. Kelly, Multiple Additional Authors

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

New antimalarial therapeutics ideally should target all three major life cycle stages. Here we present an acridone antimalarial chemotype that is potent against blood, liver, and mosquito stages of malaria parasites, with the potential for single-dose cure of bloodstream infections, radical cure of liver infections, and blocking of transmission to mosquitoes. Attributes of lead candidate T111 include potent in vitro activity against cultured parasites, ex vivo activity against clinical isolates, oral single dose cure in an asexual blood stage rodent model, inhibition of sexual blood stage parasites, activity against relapsing parasites in non-human primate liver cells, prevention of parasite development …

The Synthesis Of A Photo-Affinity Probe Library For The Fatty Acid Amide Proteome And The Endocannabinoid System Within, Robert E. Feeney Iii

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Fatty acid amides are a large family of endogenous metabolites with significant biological activity, including that of the endocannabinoid system. Currently little is known about how this system of tightly regulated compounds works within humans. This work lays the foundation to explore the structure-activity relationship driving the selectivity of ligand-protein interactions involved with fatty acid amides. A library of activity-based proteomic profiling probes for fatty acid amides has been synthesized to this end. Additionally, progress towards phytocannabinoid probes has been made as well.

Development Of Lead-Free Perovskite Passivated Core/Shell Perovskite Nanocrystals With Enhanced Optoelectronic Properties And Environmental Stability, Hanjie Lin

Dissertations - ALL

All-inorganic lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have great optoelectronic properties with promising applications in light-emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, photodetectors, solar cells, and photocatalysis. However, the applications of perovskite NCs face many challenges, including environmental issues and poor endurability of the perovskite-based devices caused by the intrinsic toxicity of Pb and the poor stabilities of perovskites against moisture, heat and light. To address those issues of the lead halide perovskite NCs, we utilized stable lead-free perovskite as a shell to protect the lead halide perovskite NCs, as well as developed lanthanide ions (Ln3+) doped/based-lead-free perovskite NCs to enhance their optical properties, …

Enhancement Of Phenolic, Flavonoid, And Biological Activi-Ties In Fermented Pea (Pisum Sativum) Extracts Via Frac-Tionation, Anastasia Fitria Devi, Euis Filailla, Setyani Budiari, Hani Mulyani, Nina Artanti

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In this study, peas were fermented for 24 h using either Rhizopus oligosporus or Aspergillus oryzae. The resulting fermented peas, along with unfermented peas, were extracted using either methanol or water. The methanol extracts showed greater improvements following fermentation compared to the water extracts, as shown by the IC₅₀ values, which progressed from >500 to ≤200 µg/mL, as determined via the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) method. Consequently, further fractionations focused on the methanol extracts of the fermented peas. Six bands were resolved on thin-layer chromatography plates for each extract. Their positions demonstrated significant effects (p < 0.05) on bioactivity. The bottom band (i.e., Band 1) exhibited approximately 70% inhibition, as determined via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and 35% inhibition according to the ABTS method, while the other bands displayed lower to negligible inhibition. Band 5 displayed 85–97% cytotoxicity, while Band 1 did not show any cytotoxicity. The total phenolic content (TPC) of Band 1 and the total flavonoid content (TFC) of Band 6 increased 4.4- and 8.9-fold, respectively, compared to those of the unfractionated extracts. Furthermore, a correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between TFC and the three observed bioactivities. The different cultures significantly (p < 0.05) affected the antioxidant activity of either the fermented pea extracts or the resulting bands, as determined via the DPPH method. These results indicated that fermentation enhanced the antioxidant activity of peas. Subsequent fractionations separated and concentrated compounds from the fermented peas, improving the bioactivities, TPC, and TFC of the resulting fractions.

Synthesis Of Gold Nanoparticles Using Hordeum Vulgare Leaf Extract And Their Antibacterial Activity, Mohamed M. Sehree, Shakir Ghazi Gergees, Pakhshan A. Hassan

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Plant extracts and gold nanoparticles are promising alternatives for combating antibiotic resistance in light of the increasing bacterial resistance. Leaf extract of barley was used to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Barley gold nanoparticles (BL-AuNPs) were produced by adjusting some reaction parameters. These BL-AuNPs were characterized through employing the UV-visible spectroscopy technique, the scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). BL-AuNPs were tested for antibacterial efficacy against two strains of Gram-negative bacteria, clinically isolated and considered as multidrug-resistant pathogens, Acinetobacter baumannii and Salmonella typhi. The antimicrobial efficiency of the compounds was evaluated …

The Impact Of Microplastics On Water Quality, Heavy Metals, And Health Risks In Bioflocbased Tilapia Farming Systems, Dian Rizky Afriani, Deswati Deswati, Rahmiana Zein, Putri Ramadhani

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Along with microplastics, pollution of heavy metals, including iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), in freshwater ecosystems poses a serious environmental threat that can adversely affect human health. This study investigates the use of biofloc technology to reduce microplastic and heavy metal contamination while improving water quality. By utilizing microbial aggregates that capture microplastic and heavy metal particles through flocculation and biosorption processes, four experimental treatments were applied, i.e.: A (without biofloc and microplastics); B (with biofloc, without microplastics); C (with biofloc and low-density polyethylene microplastics); and D (with biofloc and high-density polyethylene microplastics). The results indicate that fish …

Synthesis Of Carboxymethyl Cellulose From Nypa Fruticans For Coating Metformin On Zn-Based Metal-Organic Framework Nanohybrid As A Bionanocomposite Drug Delivery System, Delviani Delviani, Viola Giary Rizkillah Maharani, Putri Nur Shadrina, Tri Warni, Regina Wan Azizah, Indra Lasmana Tarigan, Madyawati Latief

Makara Journal of Science

Diabetes is a common and rapidly spreading disease that affects 6.6% of the world’s population. Metformin hydrochloride (HCl) is an effective oral pharmacological treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients because of its capability to reduce glucose levels and the risk of hypoglycaemia. However, gastrointestinal sensitivities to this drug can cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and stomach ache. An alternative is controlled release technology by coating metformin with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and zinc-metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF) through the encapsulation method. Therefore, this study aimed to coat metformin formulations using CMC in a Zn-MOF to control release into the body and minimise …

Removal Of Heavy Metals From Motorcycle Washing Wastewater Using A Zeolite-Embedded Sheet, Noverita Dian Takarina, Hanies Ambarsari, Sekar Arum Pramudyawardhani, Maria Fatima Niken Kris Rahmawati, Erni Johan, Naoto Matsue, Mohammad Afdhal Adidharma

Makara Journal of Science

The increased use of motorcycles for transportation has heightened environmental challenges related to their washing, particularly the discharge of untreated wastewater containing heavy metals, such as copper (Cu) and lead (Pb), into drainage systems. This study explored the effectiveness of zeolite-embedded sheets (ZESs) in the removal of these pollutants from motorcycle washing wastewater. ZESs were prepared through treatment of nonwoven sheets with Linder Type A (LTA Zeolite) powder and heat treatment, washing, and drying. Characterization was performed via scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Over a 60 min adsorption period, the ZES achieved removal …

Colloidal Hot-Injection Synthesis Of Cubse2 Nanocrystals: Tetragonal Chalcogenide Templates For Superionic Lithiation Pathways, Yunhao Xu, Niket Powar, Kelly Zervos, Isabella Campbell, Simran Choudhary, Layan Al-Khaled, Progna Banerjee

Chemistry: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Copper boron selenides represent a previously unexplored class of materials with tetragonal structural symmetries and bonding chemistries potentially relevant to lithium-ion conduction. In this work, the first colloidal synthesis of nanocrystalline copper boron selenides is reported, enabling access to nanocrystals with reaction times shown as the synthetic knob to control composition and morphology. Copper boron selenide nanocrystals are synthetically designed as precursors for lithiation reactions aimed at probing structural evolution and ionic mobility pathways toward superionic conductors applicable as solid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries. Postsynthetic lithiation studies under ambient conditions reveal a series of phase transformations and morphological changes, which …

Pyrene-Based Hole Transport Materials For Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells, Madiha Irfan, Aamer Saeed, Sania Tahir, Muhammad Rehman Yaqoob, Sohaib Ahmed Zia, Muhammad Usama, Junaid Mukhtar, Usama Farrukh, Sara Rehman

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

In the past few years, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained a lot of attention and become a well-known topic in solar studies due to their lower manufacturing costs and improved efficiencies. Previously utilized hole transport materials (HTMs), such as poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine] and 2,2ʹ,7,7ʹ-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)-9,9ʹ-spirobifluorene, are challenging due to their high price, complicated synthesis, limited carrier mobility, and poor device stability. Developing HTMs for PSCs that are inexpensive and high-performance has gained much interest. Currently, many HTMs of organic molecules are used to improve photovoltaic qualities and reduce synthesis costs. Effectively using HTMs is essential for producing the best photovoltaic efficiency in …

Determination Of Mitoxantrone In Environmental Waters: A Spectrophotometric Method With Preconcentration By Salt Saturated Pipette-Tip Micro Solid Phase Extraction Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer, Sayyed Hossein Hashemi, Massoud Kaykhaii, Ahmad Jamali Keikha, Mina Esmailiun

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

In this research, a fast and simple spectrophotometric method is presented for mitoxantrone determination in various aqueous samples. It utilizes preconcentration by salt saturated pipette-tip micro solid phase extraction with a selective molecularly imprinted polymer adsorbent packed in a micropipette tip. Prior to sample loading, they were saturated with a mixture of NaCl, Mg (NO3)2.6H2O and KNO3 salts, enhancing extraction efficiency by 27.5% compared to salt-free conditions. Key microextraction parameters (amount of molecularly imprinted polymer, sample pH, eluent type/volume, and adsorption/desorption cycles) were optimized using response surface methodology and one-variable-at-a-time methods. The method achieves a low detection limit (0.2 μg …

Enhanced And Proficient Chitosan Membranes Embedded With Polyaniline-Tio2 Core-Shell Nanocomposites For Fuel-Cell Hydrogen Storage, Mallikarjunagouda Patil, Sridhar N. Mathad, Arun Y. Patil, Abdulaziz Abdulah Al-Kheraif, Sachin Naik, Sajith Vellapally

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

This study investigates the preparation and properties of aniline polymerized in situ onto a nanosized TiO2 surface to form core-shell nanoparticles at ambient temperatures. The in situ polymerization of aniline to polyaniline (PANI), in conjunction with the utilization of an anionic surfactant, was employed in this investigation. The prepared PANI-TiO2 core-shell nanoparticles were integrated with chitosan at a gravimetric ratio and cast as core-shell nanocomposite membranes. The nanocomposites were subjected to structural analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction patterns. The surface morphologies of the PANI and its nanocomposites were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Direct current conductivity …

Removal Of Ddt, Ddd, And Dde From Washing Extracts Of Contaminated Soil Using Polyaniline/Bagasse Composite Material, Hop Quang Nguyen, Bach Xuan Nguyen, Thien Quang Tran, Anh Van Nguyen

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Polyaniline (PANi) was hybridized with a bagasse (BG) substrate to treat Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane compounds, which are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) causing environmental contamination. The PANi/bagasse (PA/BG) composite was synthesized using ammonium persulfate and sulfuric acid, achieving efficiencies ranging from 82.63% to 86.92% with different ratios of PANi monomer to BG. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the synthesized materials. The adsorption capacities of DDT, DDD, and DDE compounds were investigated under various conditions, including adsorbent type, adsorption time, adsorbent dosage, and adsorbate concentration. Both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were …

1,3,4-Thiadiazole Derivatives As Pi3ks Inhibitor: Design, In Silico Studies, Synthesis, Characterization, And Antimicrobial Evaluation, Dharmvir Singh, Pankaj Kumar, Anoop Kumar, Vivek V. Bhosale, Kalicharan Sharma, Deepak Kumar, Ramchander Khatri, Tanuj Hooda, Amit Lather

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Since PI3Ks are targeted by a variety of bacterial pathogens, they represent a promising target for host-directed immune therapy and may be beneficial in managing persistent bacterial infections. In the present study, computational studies of 5-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine derivatives for phosphoinositide-3-kinases (PI3Ks) inhibitors were carried out using dock scores, Glide scores, and the MMGBSA dG method, with comparison to standard drugs (ofloxacin and fluconazole). A series of 5-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine derivatives (D1-D17) were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains, as well as fungal strains, using the tube dilution method. The synthesized compounds were characterized …

Highly Sensitive And Selective Detection Of Klk4 In Human Serum With A Low-Cost Electrochemical Biosensor, Eli̇f Burcu Aydin

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

An ultrasensitive impedimetric immunosensor was fabricated using a poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) polymer-covered indium tin oxide (ITO) platform for the quantification of kallikrein 4 (KLK4), an important prostate cancer biomarker. PGMA had suitable biocompatibility and nontoxicity for loading of antiKLK4 antibodies on the ITO substrate surface. Anti-KLK4 biomolecules were directly attached to the PGMA-covered electrode surface via epoxy groups of the PGMA polymer. The preparation method for the PGMA matrix-modified electrode was simple and inexpensive. The proposed biosensor immobilization layers coated on the ITO electrode were characterized with electrochemical techniques. The experimental parameters that affect biosensor response were optimized, and the …

Determination Of P53 Biomarker With A Smart Electrochemical Biosensor Based On Brush Polymer-Functionalized Disposable Electrode, Muhammet Aydin

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

A label-less impedimetric biosensor modified with poly(thiophene)-graft-poly(glycidyl methacrylate) polymer (PThi-g-PGM) was manufactured for p53 protein quantification in human serum samples. In this study, PThi-g-PGM polymer was synthesized, and this polymer matrix was coated using the spin-coating technique on the single-use indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate for anti-p53 antibody immobilization. The anti-p53 antibodies with high affinity for p53 proteins were covalently attached onto the PThi-g-PGM-coated electrode surface. In addition, the affinity of anti-p53 for the p53 protein was monitored at a constant frequency. Under optimized conditions, the impedimetric changes were linearly related to the p53 concentrations, ranging from 0.05 to 15 …

Pt-Enhanced Wo3 Nanoparticles For Efficient Hydrogen Production: Synthesis And Electrochemical Evaluation, Merve Akbayrak

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

In this study, Pt/WO3 nanoparticles were synthesized using a simple room-temperature impregnation-reduction method and characterized by advanced techniques including ICP, TEM-EDX, FE-SEM-EDX, and XRD. The ICP-OES analysis confirmed a 1.0 wt. %Pt loading on the WO3 support. TEM and FE-SEM analyses revealed that the Pt nanoparticles were well dispersed with an average size of approximately 3.7 nm. The XRD patterns showed characteristic WO3 peaks without any detectable Pt diffraction peaks, indicating the high dispersion of Pt. Electrochemical evaluations demonstrated that the Pt/WO3 catalyst exhibited outstanding hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance, with –27.8 mV vs. RHE onset potential and –37.4 mV …

Dispersive Micro Solid Phase Extraction Of Cadmium On Mil-53(Al)@Batio3 Nanocomposite From Seafood Samples, Mustafa Soylak, Eda Bora, Furkan Uzcan

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

This study’s main goal was to produce a user-friendly dispersive micro solid phase extraction (dmSPE) technique with a MIL-53(Al)@BaTiO3 nanocomposite for the extraction and preconcentration of cadmium (Cd) in various seafood matrices, followed by using high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-FAAS). The MIL-53(Al)@BaTiO3 nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized using a range of techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis. The dmSPE technique involved the dispersion of the MIL-53(Al)@BaTiO3 material in the sample solution, followed by its separation from the sample matrix. The optimized method exhibited a …

A Single Batch Synthesis Of Pure Phase Mo2c From Ammonium Molybdate: Pathway And Properties, Melek Cumbul Altay

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

This study presents an original, effective, and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing pure molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) from ammonium molybdate tetrahydrate (AMT) without generating carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. The process involves the sequential transformation of AMT to Mo2C, which follows the reaction pathway of (NH4)6Mo7O24→MoO3→MoO2→Mo→Mo2C. This transformation is achieved by strategically altering the gas atmosphere, switching from Ar to H2 at 800 K and then from H2 to CH4 at 1000 K. Thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were used to characterize AMT and the products. Mass measurements were used to follow the conversion of …

Removal Of Heavy Metal Iron(Ii) Ions From Wastewater Using An Ultrasonic System With Climbazole-Alcohol, Melek Gökmen Karakaya, Bahdi̇şen Gezer, Abdullah Menzek, Özlem Gündoğdu Aytaç

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Climbazole (CBZ) is an antifungal active pharmaceutical ingredient often used in antidandruff products. In this study, the ketone group in the racemic CBZ molecule was reduced to synthesize CBZ-alcohol, named 1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-1-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-ol, and the optimum adsorption conditions were investigated for removing iron(II) (Fe2+) ions from wastewater by adsorption from aqueous solutions using the economical and environmentally friendly ultrasonic method. The parameters and levels used in the study were designed using response surface methodology and model equations were derived to optimize the results. The independent variables selected were the initial pH (1, 3, and 5), adsorption time (30, 45, and 60 min), …

Physical And Chemical Characterization Of Recycled Glass Sand For Environmental Restoration, Shehbaz Ahmad, Julie P. Vanegas, Nicholas Borne, Natalia Butler, Toby Mendels, Leah A. Michaeloff, Diego Molina, Mary Salvaggio, Samantha Tamayo, Franziska Trautmann

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

Introduction

We rely on coastal resources for food, water, and energy. However, over 75% of U.S. coastlines are eroding. Concurrently, the U.S. recycles less glass than other developed countries, landfilling hundreds of millions of tons every year. Recycled glass sand has many potential benefits over natural sand for combatting land loss; for example, it can be produced with controlled particle size to better resist erosion, making it an excellent—and underutilized—material for environmental restoration.

Objectives

This research compares the physical and chemical properties of recycled glass sand to natural sands (beach and dredge) from the U.S. Gulf Coast to assess environmental …

Technical Communication Instruction Partnership With Engineering Faculty, Ashley S. Mcguire, Michael M. Lipscomb

Libraries Professional Work

Graduate students in STEM fields are often expected to communicate – both in writing and orally – at a professional level by the time they submit their theses and dissertations. Unfortunately, many graduate students lack opportunities to learn how to do that in a STEM setting. An informal review of US programs revealed that many offer writing courses modeled on traditional composition courses, which are not necessarily directed to the needs of STEM students. Further, many of these courses provide a series of isolated learning modules with little continuity or encouragement to revise and in which technological writing assistance is …

Applying The Learning Cycle To Introduce Research Practices In General Chemistry Lab, Teresa J. Bixby, Matthew Kubacki, Jasmine Casanova

Chemistry Department Faculty Conferences

CUREs are a great way to engage students in research practices but can be onerous for instructors and teaching assistants to administrate and facilitate. There is added challenge in providing research experiences to students at the introductory level when they have developed limited knowledge and skills. Here we describe a more structured approach that applies the learning cycle to a traditional experiment to allow students to explore the technique, “invent” the parameters for systematic analysis, and apply the technique to a researchable question of their own construction.

Why Real Impact Stories Of Forest-Dependent Communities Are Essential In Carbon Marketing, Andrew Mwape

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

As the global carbon market matures, the pressure on companies and project developers to prove the integrity and social value of their carbon offset initiatives has never been greater. At the heart of this growing scrutiny lies a key opportunity: to move beyond metrics and tell authentic, human-centered stories that reflect the real impact of carbon projects; especially those rooted in forest landscapes.

2d Cuo/Rgo Nanocomposite: A Novel Architecture For Enhanced Cr(Vi) Photo-Reduction, Islam Gomaa, Nasser M. Hosny, Medhat A. Ibrahim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

he urgent need for efficient detoxification of carcinogenic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in aquatic environments has driven the development of advanced photocatalytic materials. This study presents the synthesis of 2D CuO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite via probe sonication, designed to synergistically enhance the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III). The nanocomposite was meticulously characterized using XRD, HRTEM, FESEM, XPS, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Structural analysis confirmed the formation of CuO nanosheets (average size: 396 nm, thickness: 6 nm) integrated with rGO, where the rGO acted as an electron acceptor, mitigating charge recombination. XPS revealed Cu²⁺ in CuO and …