Inorganic Chemistry Commons^™

Coastal Watershed Monitoring And Management: Geomorphology, Geochemistry, And Hydrologic Modeling Of Los Peñasquitos Creek, Ca, Ravleen Khalsa-Basra

Theses

Rivers in semi-arid climates are directly influenced by local geographic and hydrologic conditions and impacted by modifications to hydrology via urbanization. Changes can influence erosion, morphology, habitat sustainability, and watershed health. In highly urbanized southern California coastal regions, these rare open spaces provide vital ecosystem services. Los Peñasquitos Creek in San Diego County is one such watershed. Using stream surveying and laboratory methods we quantified channel characteristics, grain size distribution, total metal concentration [M], organic carbon (%OC), and phosphate to longitudinally characterize the creek for improved management. Results identified three distinct reaches in the watershed (upper, middle, lower). Downstream, depth …

Cobalt, Molybdenum, And Nickel Complexes, Natural Zeolites, Epoxidation, And Free Radical Reactions, Nicholas K. Newberry

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Chapter 2 is based on the synthesis and study of the compounds of the bidentate ligand ((5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)methyl)phosphine oxide with molybdenum and cobalt as the transition metal. The complexes were analyzed via FTIR, NMR, UV-Vis, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, TGA, DFT, and XRD. Chapter 3 resulted in the synthesis of the complexes [Ni(II)SSRRL](PF6)2 and [Ni(II)SRSRL](Cl)(PF6) of which [Ni(II)SRSRL](Cl)(PF6) had not been previously analyzed. Both products were analyzed via FTIR, NMR, UV-Vis, CV, DFT, and XRD. Chapter 5 contains the results of the characterization and modification of 4 natural zeolites (AZLB-Na, AZLB-Ca, NM-CA, NV-Na) from the United States in an attempt to increase the …

Characterization Of Modern Ammunition And Background Profiles: A Novel Approach And Probabilistic Interpretation Of Inorganic Gunshot Residue, Korina Layli Menking-Hoggatt

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Gunshot residue (GSR) can provide essential clues in gun-related investigations. The standard practice for GSR analysis uses SEM-EDS, with the capability for single particle elemental and morphological analysis. However, the method is time-consuming and based on categorical classification models without considering case circumstances. Therefore, complementary and more encompassing methods are needed to improve evidence interpretation of modern ammunition. This research aims to fill these demands by developing standard materials and alternative methods to characterize and interpret IGSR.

This study developed primer GSR (pGSR) standards from sixty discharged primers that were fully characterized by three techniques. The number of GSR particles, …

Continuing The Metalation And Ring Closure Of Biliazine, Joshua Villers

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Continuing previous research conducted by Dr. Ziegler and his Graduate Students in which different metals were selected to metalate the compound Biliazine as well as finding metals that could be used to close the ring system in Biliazine.

Accurate Quantitation Of Hexavalent Chromium For Reference Standard Certification And Quality Control Testing Using Speciated Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry, James E. Henderson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The ability to perform accurate, repeatable, and defensible elemental and molecular speciated analysis is immensely significant for measurements that support human health, environmental science, and industry. This is especially true since trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] is necessary for proper nutrition, while hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is extremely toxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic. The main challenges associated with speciated analysis are related to reactive species that are continuously transformed or converted to other species during sample processing. Accurate determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species require a method that is capable of monitoring and correcting for interconversion, bias, and instrumental error. Traditional quantitative methods, such …

Visualization Without Vision – How Blind And Visually Impaired Students And Researchers Engage With Molecular Structures, Croix J. Laconsay, Henry B. Wedler, Dean J. Tantillo

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

This article examines the tools and techniques currently available that enable blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals to visualize three-dimensional objects used in learning chemistry concepts. How BVI individuals engage with and visualize molecular structure is discussed and recent tactile (or haptic) and auditory methods for visualization of various chemistry concepts are summarized. Remaining challenges for chemistry education researchers are described with the aim of highlighting the potential value of educational research in further enabling BVI students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The Synthesis Of A Mepeg-Based Hydroxide Conducting Electrolyte And The Optimization Of The Mepeg-Tosylation Reaction, Andrew Ladner

Honors Theses

As society is becoming increasingly aware of the effects of climate change and the ever-looming threat of a fuel shortage, exploring green and renewable alternative energy production, such as fuel cells, is paramount. This project investigates the synthesis of a polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (MePEG_n) based polymer as well as the optimization of the MePEG Tosylation reaction. The MePEG explored contains seven polymerized ethoxy groups (MePEG₇). The MePEG₇ polymer was modified by substituting a positively-charged trimethylamine group in the place of the alcohol functional group at the end of the PEG chain. The reason for …

Comparison Of The Vibrational Modes Of Thiolated Gold Nanoparticles Undergoing Core-Conversions Via Raman Spectroscopy, William Gregory Cannella Jr.

Honors Theses

In this project, the vibrational characteristics/vibrational modes are explored via Raman Spectroscopy for thiolated-gold nanoparticles. This class of compounds is also known as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). They remain of great interest in research areas such as catalysis, gold dependent nanoelectronics, drug delivery, and sensing, due to their unique size-dependent optical, chiroptical, and electronic properties. Vibrational spectroscopy of thiolated gold nanoparticles are oftentimes considered nontrivial as the compounds strongly absorb light in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, are generally considered weak scatterers, and give off large amounts of fluorescence. This combined with their black appearance, susceptibility to localized heating, …

Hypervalent Iodine Compounds With Carboxylate And Tetrazolate Ligands, Avichal Vaish

Chemistry Theses and Dissertations

In modern organic chemistry, hypervalent (HV) iodine(III) compounds are frequently used as oxidizing agents but application of λ³-iodanes in polymer and material chemistry is still underexplored. This dissertation describes the preparation of dynamic and self-healing materials by employing ligand exchange reactions involving HV iodine(III) compounds of the type ArIL₂ (Ar = Aryl, L = ligand, e.g., carboxylate or (pseudo)halide). These compounds can undergo ligand exchange reactions in presence of nucleophiles (Nu^-) to form ArINu₂. Diacetoxyiodo benzene was successfully employed as a crosslinker to prepare dynamic and self-healing gels derived from carboxylate-containing polymers. Furthermore, …

Methodologies For Metal Functionalization Of Phosphorus Based Photopolymer Networks, Vanessa Béland

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Photopolymer networks with phosphonium cation, alkyl phosphine and olefin functionality were designed, synthesized and functionalized with metals by metathesis, coordination and hydrometallation reactions, respectively. The materials were strategically designed so that the metal functionalization step could be monitored and quantified. In some cases, this involved characterization by IR, NMR, or X-ray spectroscopic techniques, or by comparison to molecular analogues. It was found that by using a bi-functional photopolymer network, the material could be bi-metallized by orthogonal mechanisms. All metallized polymer networks were tested for their suitability as precursors to metal-containing ceramics. The polymers were pyrolyzed, and on analysis it was …

It's Elementary: A Review Of Forensic Analysis Techniques Of Inorganic Components Of Explosives, Sadie Schultz

Chemistry & Biochemistry Student Projects

No abstract provided.

Antioxidants And Beta-Carotene: A General Overview, A Research History, And Modern Scholarship, James Joseph Dickman Iv

Chemistry & Biochemistry Student Projects

This paper seeks to provide a cursory overview of oxidative stress and the accompanying biomolecules which are used to combat it. From there, the paper will provide a somewhat comprehensive list of major historical discoveries regarding antioxidant molecules, in particular beta-carotene. After this, an overview of more modern scholarship on the issue of these molecule’s antioxidant properties specific (from the 1970s onward) will be discussed up to modern times. The paper will conclude with an in depth look at the modern scholarship on beta-carotene that was performed here at Taylor University.

Bone Regeneration Via Inorganic/Organic Compatibility In A Newly Synthesized Hydrogel: Nhap-Bmp-2, Hannah Ewing

Chemistry & Biochemistry Student Projects

In this paper, nHAp-BMP-2 hydrogel is carefully synthesized in order to optimize the organic and inorganic compatibility which induces osteogenesis—the formation of new bone. This new method is a novel development within the medical field, giving more hope to those suffering from traumatic bone injuries. A drawback with using hydrogels is the difficulty of controlling peptide release in the affected areas. Too quick of a release alarms the human inflammatory response resulting in more substantial injury and an even prolonged recovery time. On the other hand, if the peptides that promote bioactivity are released too slowly, the bone will not …

Quantum Chemical Methods: Its History And Future, Erica Mitchell

Chemistry & Biochemistry Student Projects

No abstract provided.

Significance And Implications Of Vitamin B-12 Reaction Shema- Eth Zurich Variant: Mechanisms And Insights, David Joshua Ferguson

Chemistry & Biochemistry Student Projects

This is an undergraduate chemistry thesis document. This involves a discussion of the mechanisms and overall reactions involved in the total synthesis of vitamin B-12.

The History And Development Of Identification: Rediscovery And Application Of Egyptian Blue, Bailee Allen

Chemistry & Biochemistry Student Projects

The use of fingerprints as a form of identification in criminal cases has become a common method of conviction within the criminal justice system. However, with the recent rise in the number of people wrongly convicted, the typical sources of evidence have come into question about their reliability. Multiple common drawbacks found when using fingerprints dusting to obtain prints from crime scenes has led to researchers looking for more efficient ways to collect them that maintain high sensitivity and contrast. These are the two aspects that create the largest problem, especially on highly reflective and highly patterned surfaces. The discovery …

The Chemistry Of Jellybeans, Andrew Carter

Chemistry & Biochemistry Student Projects

Jellybeans are an amazing work of chemistry. In my paper, I outline the history and science behind this little candy. My paper describes taste receptors, molecular structure, and the analytical chemistry that help to make flavor science an interesting field of work.

Metallodrugs And Their Various Impacts On Disorders And Diseases, Paige Wagner

Chemistry & Biochemistry Student Projects

No abstract provided.

Synthesis And Characterization Of Heteronuclear Inorganic Complexes For The Photodegradation Of Persistant Organic Pollutants, Matthew A. Moyet

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this thesis is to investigate the structural modification and characterization potential of common photocatalysts that have various uses for environmental remediation purposes. Pollution involving organic chemicals is one of the most common scenarios found in communities throughout the country. Efforts to rid contaminated drinking water supplies of these chemicals include physical and chemical filters, which have limited ability and efficacy. This lack of efficient filtration services has led to an increased demand for more effective treatment methods. Chemical species that react in the presence of light are known as photocatalysts and have been used in previous studies …

Non-Traditional Metallation Of Metallothioneins With Xenobiotic Therapeutic Metals, Daisy L. Wong

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The rise of the Anthropocene has seen more global pollution than before in history. With the explosion of consumer electronics in the last half century, the rise of metal pollution from their extraction and disposal results in the unnatural introduction of heavy and rare metals into the ecosystem. Organisms have a metal defense protein, metallothionein, which has multiple roles in essential metal regulation and protection against minimal toxic metal exposure. However, these modern heavy metals prominent in electronics are not found biologically and their interactions in the body are generally unknown. Some of these metals are employed as therapeutic agents …

Synthesis, Stabilization, And Modification Of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles For Biological Applications, Allison Kimberly Freese

MSU Graduate Theses

Nanoparticles have become very useful as delivery systems in biomedicine. The nanoparticles can be layered with different compounds to produce a vessel for transport of biological materials. Specifically, gold nanoparticles layered with a reducing agent, lysozyme, and polyelectrolytes can be synthesized to transport lysozyme into a cell. However, zinc oxide nanoparticles are cheaper, biocompatible nanoparticles that can be used for the same process. Here in, zinc oxide nanoparticle conjugates were synthesized, modified, and analyzed to be used as a biological material delivery system. The zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using zinc chloride and sodium hydroxide. The particles were then layered …

Development Of Bismuth Oxyhalide Photocatalysts For Environmental And Industrial Applications, Robert Arthur

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Heterogeneous semiconductor photocatalysis, of interest for water splitting and environmental remediation applications, uses light to drive reactions. Metal oxide and sulfide semiconductors have been previously studied but have limitations that include large band gap energies and high rates of recombination. Bismuth oxyhalides (BiOX) are an emerging class of photocatalysts with tunable band gaps and low rates of recombination due to their unique crystal structures. Studies of BiOX photocatalytic activity have largely focused on removal of azo dyes from aqueous solutions, with little attention paid to degradation byproducts. Furthermore, these catalysts have not been explored as a means to conduct organic …

Gas Chromatography Analysis Of Co2 Reduction Photocatalysis With Zinc Dipyrrin Complexes, Alex Day

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Bis(1,3,7,9-tetramethyl-5-mesityldipyrrinato)zinc(II) (ZnDPY) was synthesized in the lab by the McCusker group and a procedure was created to analyze its ability as a photosensitizer, a molecule that provides the energy for the reaction to occur by capturing light energy and turning it into a form that can be used by the photocatalyst. While more work is needed, preliminary steps have been made to create a process that can analyze the amount of carbon monoxide produced by a photocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction with ZnDPY as the photosensitizer. Progress has been made via the setup of a reaction apparatus, targeted gas chromatography …

Development Of Granulated Adsorbent For Clean-Up Of Water Contaminated By Cesium, Esther Alorkpa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A study was conducted on sol-gel synthesis of an adsorbent (phosphotungstic acid embedded in silica gel, H-PTA/SiO­₂) of radioactive cesium. A novelty of this work is covalent bonding of PTA to the surface of solid support that prevents leaching from the surface of the material. The sample was granulated with a binder, aluminium oxide (γ-Al₂O₃). Solid-state NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy were used to confirm the presence of Keggin units of PTA in the bound materials. Thermal analysis of H-PTA/SiO­₂ - γ-Al₂O₃ (50 %) showed that the water content in the …

Drug Improvement And Design Involving G-Protein Coupled Receptors, Gabriel Saliba

Chemistry & Biochemistry Student Projects

No abstract provided.

A Chemical Overview Of Opioid Receptors And Their Agonists, Noah Kuszak

Chemistry & Biochemistry Student Projects

This work is a brief overview of the three main opioid receptors and some current research of the ways we can change the agonists and how they affect the opioid receptor pathway.

Dentin Biomodification Potency Of Proanthocyanidins, David J. Ryker

Chemistry & Biochemistry Student Projects

No abstract provided.

Stabilized, Hybrid Solid-State Photocatalysts For Water Purification: Preparation, Properties And Performance Under Visible Light Irradiation, Karpagavalli Ramji

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Stabilized heterogeneous photocatalysts that use only solar light and air have been prepared and successfully employed to decontaminate water from organic pollutants. Organic dye pollutants present, for example in textile effluents, are one of the major sources of water pollution owing to their limited biodegradability, toxicity and potential carcinogenic risks. Before certifying water for public consumption, reuse in industries or for discharge in surface water the organic pollutants must be degraded, an effort that is energy intensive and currently requires complex methodologies. We report solid-state photocatalysts that use only visible light and air to treat wastewater. Perfluoroalkyl perfluoro-substituted zinc phthalocyanine …

Pressure Tuning Of Energy Storage Materials Probed By In-Situ Vibrational Spectroscopy And Synchrotron Radiation, Pan Wang

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Clean and renewable energy has drawn much attention recently due to the increasing demand for more energy and environmental issues. New materials have been developed and the improved performance of such materials have been achieved in the past decades. It has been proved that application of external high pressure can significantly tune the structure of materials. Consequently, the properties of the materials could also be modified. Therefore, in this thesis, we focused on the high-pressure studies of two classes of energy storage materials, hydrogen storage materials and solar cell materials. Ammonia borane (AB) has been extensively investigated as an excellent …

Nanoparticles And Their Use In Cancer Imaging, Prevention And Treatment, George Gray

Chemistry & Biochemistry Student Projects

No abstract provided.