Materials Chemistry Commons^™

Synthesis Of Complex/Multifunctional Metal (Hydr)Oxide/Graphite Oxide/Aunps Or Agnps Adsorbents And Analysis Of Their Interactions With Chemical Warfare Agents, Dimitrios A. Giannakoudakis

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

One of the most widely used chemical warfare agent (CWA) is mustard gas, which is a highly toxic blistering agent. In this study we investigated the interactions of mustard gas surrogates’ vapors on zinc and zirconium hydroxides and their composites with graphite oxide (GO) and/or Au or Ag nanoparticles. Even though a small quantity of reports about the detoxification of CWAs on metal oxides is reported in the literature, almost all of these studies are performed in the liquid phase. Both herein reported Zn(OH)₂ and Zr(OH)₄ showed a good adsorption performance, with the former being photoactive under visible …

One Ion To Rule Them All: Combined Antibacterial, Osteoinductive And Anticancer Properties Of Selenite-Incorporated Hydroxyapatite, Vuk Uskoković, Maheshwar Adiraj Iyer, Victoria M. Wu

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Although hydroxyapatite (HAp) has been doped with dozens of different ions, the quest for an ion imparting a combination of properties conducive to bone healing is still ongoing. Because of its protean potency and the similarity in size and shape to the phosphate tetrahedron, the selenite ion presents a natural ionic substitute in HAp. The incorporation of selenite into synthetic HAp using two different methods – co-precipitation and ion-exchange sorption – was studied for its effect on crystal properties and on a triad of biological responses: antibacterial, anticancer and osteoinductive. Co-precipitation yielded HAp with a higher selenite content than sorption …

Regenerative Electroless Etching Of Silicon, Kurt W. Kolasinski, Nathan J. Gimbar, Haibo Yu, Mark Aindow, Ermei Mäkilä, Jarno Salonen

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Regenerative electroless etching (ReEtching), described herein for the first time, is a method of producing nanostructured semiconductors in which an oxidant (Ox1) is used as a catalytic agent to facilitate the reaction between a semiconductor and a second oxidant (Ox2) that would be unreactive in the primary reaction. Ox2 is used to regenerate Ox1, which is capable of initiating etching by injecting holes into the semiconductor valence band. Therefore, the extent of reaction is controlled by the amount of Ox2 added, and the rate of reaction is controlled by the injection rate of Ox2. This general strategy is demonstrated specifically …

Probing The Structural Evolution Of Gold−Aluminum Bimetallic Clusters (Au2AlN−, N = 3−11) Using Photoelectron Spectroscopy And Theoretical Calculations, Navneet S. Khetrapal, Tian Jian, Gary V. Lopez, Seema Pande, Lai-Sheng Wang, Xiao Cheng Zeng

Xiao Cheng Zeng Publications

We report a combined photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical study of the structural evolution of aluminum cluster anions doped with two gold atoms, Au₂Al_n^– (n = 3−11). Well-resolved photoelectron spectra have been obtained at several photon energies and are used to compare with theoretical calculations to elucidate the structures of the bimetallic clusters. Global minima of the Au₂Al_n^– clusters were searched using the basin-hopping method combined with density functional theory calculations. Vertical detachment energies were computed for the low-lying isomers with the inclusion of spin−orbit effects and were used to generate simulated …

Choline Chloride Eutectics: Low Temperature Applications, Kaila M. Kuehn, Camille M. Massmann, Natalie R. Sovell

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have a lower melting point than each of their individual components due to ion dipole interactions or hydrogen bonding. Traditionally, DES are used for processing metals through plating and have many synthesis applications. DES are able to be substituted for hazardous solvents that are traditionally used for metal plating and synthesis. This, along with many other advantageous properties, appear promising for the use of DESs as solvents or for use in electrochemical systems, particularly at low temperatures. Choline chloride:propylene glycol was a novel DES synthesized and analyzed for its properties, including melting point, viscosity, conductivity, heat …

Nitric Oxide Release From Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles And Titanium Alloy, Nina A. Reger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Current methods for the treatment of bacterial infection involve the use of systemic antibiotics, which are high concentrations of antibiotics delivered over a long period time. Unfortunately, the use of systemic antibiotics can cause harmful side effects to the patient and increases the possibility for antibiotic resistance. The delivery of antibiotics or alternative antimicrobial compounds, such as nitric oxide, directly to the site of infection would decrease the amount of antibiotic necessary to treat a bacterial infection.

Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)/polyvinyl alcohol nanoparticles and a titanium- aluminum-vanadium metal oxide alloy implant were surface functionalized to deliver nitric oxide. Polymer nanoparticles can …

Charge Transfer At The Liquid/Solid Interface To Affect Nanostructure Formation, Kurt W. Kolasinski

Chemistry Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Development Of Diverse Size And Shape Rna Nanoparticles And Investigation Of Their Physicochemical Properties For Optimized Drug Delivery, Daniel L. Jasinski

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

RNA nanotechnology is an emerging field that holds great promise for advancing drug delivery and materials science. Recently, RNA nanoparticles have seen increased use as an in vivo delivery system. RNA was once thought to have little potential for in vivo use due to biological and thermodynamic stability issues. However, these issues have been solved by: (1) Finding of a thermodynamically stable three-way junction (3WJ) motif; (2) Chemical modifications to RNA confer enzymatic stability in vivo; and (3) the finding that RNA nanoparticles exhibit low immunogenicity in vivo.

In vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetics are affected by the physicochemical …

Investigation Of Host-Sensitized Luminescence Of Trivalent Lanthanide Doped Yttrium Phosphate Using Vuv Spectroscopy, Zachary Way

All Master's Theses

Host-sensitized luminescence of yttrium phosphate doped with trivalent lanthanide elements prepared via two synthetic approaches was studied using VUV spectroscopy. A correlation between an unusually intense 150 nm excitation intensity and the ground state energy level of select trivalent lanthanide elements was proposed. Using spectroscopy, the host-to-activator transfer efficiencies of YPO₄:Ln³⁺ (Ln³⁺ = Sm³⁺, Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺) were evaluated for two synthetic approaches. Electron-hole pair trapping efficiencies and S_loss values were calculated using published kinetic models.

Rationalizing The Band Gap Tunability Of Semiconductors Via Electronic Structure Calculations, Matthew N. Srnec

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The polymorphs of titanium dioxide and various diamond-like semiconductor materials are promising candidates in photovoltaic solar cell applications. Several of these polymorphs have been studied with experimental and computational methods, which often aim at tuning the electronic structure, particularly the band gap value of the crystalline solid. Prior studies report that the addition of a substituent into the structure of titanium dioxide decreases its band gap value, but the reasons for this are unknown. Possible explanations for the change in band gap involve the substituent atom's crystal radius, electronegativity, and ionization energy. Understanding the cause of these changes will provide …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Metallic Nanoparticles For Catalytic Applications, Sarah Smith

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, research has focused on reducing the cost of catalysts in a variety of ways including using less expensive materials, improving the synthetic method, and increasing the catalytic activity, recovery, and recyclability. Typically with nanoparticles, the size, shape, composition, and surface coating have an effect on catalytic activity.^1-2 In this work, we focused on reducing the cost of precious metal based catalysts by altering the synthetic methods.

One way to lower the cost of synthesizing precious metal nanoparticles is by debasing the precious metal with a second cheaper more abundant metal. CuPd nanoparticles were synthesized in oleylamine …

Synthesis, Characterization, And Enhanced Magnetic Properties Of Iron Carbide Nanomaterials, Brent M. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Permanent magnets are classified as hard magnetic materials with the main purpose of generating flux for applications such as electric motors, turbines, and hard drives. High coercivity, magnetic remanence, and saturation values with high stability are some of the requirements for permanent magnets. Rare-earth magnets including neodymium and samarium based magnets are known to have superior magnetic properties due to their high magnetocrystalline anisotropy. However, due to the price of rare-earth materials development of alternate permanent magnets composed of inexpensive materials is an ongoing process. Previously cobalt carbide (Co_xC) have shown promise as a potential rare-earth free magnet …

Investigations Into Structure And Properties Of Atomically-Precise Transition Metal-Chalcogenide Clusters Of Crte And Ligated Cr6te8(Pet3)6, Anthony F. Pedicini

Theses and Dissertations

The complete understanding of a clusters electronic structure, the primary mechanisms for its properties and stabilization is necessary in order to functionalize them for use as building blocks within novel materials. First principle theoretical studies have been carried out upon the electronic properties of Cr_xTe_y (x = 1 – 6, y = 0 – 8, x + y ≤ 14), as well as for the larger triethylphosphine (PEt₃) ligated cluster system of Cr₆Te₈(PEt₃)₆. Together, we aim to use the information garnered from the smaller clusters to address …

Preparation And Evaluation Techniques Of Porous Materials And Mixed Matrix Membranes For Targeted Co2 Separation Applications, Tsemre Tessema

Theses and Dissertations

The use of porous sorbents for physisorptive capture of CO₂ from gas mixtures has been deemed attractive due to the low energy penalty associated with recycling of such materials. Porous organic polymers (POPs) have emerged as promising candidates with potential in the treatment of pre- and post- fuel combustion processes to separate CO₂ from gas mixtures. Concurrently, significant advances have been made in establishing calculation methods that evaluate the practicality of porous sorbents for targeted gas separation applications. However, these methods rely on single gas adsorption isotherms without accounting for the dynamic gas mixtures encountered in real-life applications. …

Efficient Integration Of Plasmonic And Excitonic Properties Of Metal And Semiconductor Nanostructures Via Sol-Gel Assembly, Dilhara Liyanage

Theses and Dissertations

Research in nanoscience has gained noteworthy interest over the past three decades. As novel chemical and physical properties that are vastly different from extended solids are realized in nanosized materials, nanotechnology has become the center of attention for material in research community. Much to our amazement, investigations in the past two decades revealed that the nanocrystalline semiconductors are “THE PRIME CANDIDATES” to meet the growing energy demand, sensor development, cellular imaging and a number of other optoelectronic applications. Nonetheless, synthesis of nanostructures with control over physical parameters is not sufficient, yet assembling them into functional nanoarchitectures with unique and tunable …

Sol-Gel Chemistry: An Advanced Technique To Produce Macroscopic Nanostructures Of Metal And Semiconductor Colloids, Lamia Nahar

Theses and Dissertations

The fascinating physical properties that arise in materials limited to dimensions of 1-100 nm have gained noteworthy interest from the scientific community. Accordingly, there has been a lot of attention paid to the synthesis of discrete nanoparticles (NPs) and they are being investigated for a range of advanced technologies. Nonetheless, efficient use of nanomaterials in device applications require them to be assembled into solid state macro-structures while retaining their unique, nanoparticulate properties. To date, most commonly investigated assembling techniques include: covalent coupling of NPs surface groups, control evaporation of the solvent to produce ordered supercrystals or non-ordered glassy films, and …

Exploring The Effects Of Different Classroom Environments On The Learning Process. Synthesis Of Thiazole-Linked Porous Organic Polymers For Co2 Separation And Nitro-Aromatics Sensing., Davide D'Urbino

Theses and Dissertations

When attempting to study the learning process of undergraduate chemistry student, the classroom and any interaction that take place within it constitute the social context of interest. By studying how different approaches can foster different classroom environments, it is possible to approach course design from an informed and scientifically sound perspective. Thus, it becomes necessary to identify and quantify the factors that have a positive or negative effect on the classroom environment. Social comparison concerns, comfort levels and self-efficacy have been shown to be social factors that affect each other as well as the learning process and have therefore been …

Energetic Effects Of Hole Transporting Materials On The Performance Of Organometal Halide Perovskite Photovoltaic Cells, So Min Park

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Efficient, inexpensive, lightweight and flexible solar cells are desired to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. Organometal halide perovskite (OMHP) photovoltaic (PV) cells have shown dramatic increases in solar cell efficiencies increase over the last 5 years. OMHP PV cells have attracted significant attention due to their broad absorption spectra, high electron and hole mobility, and low production cost. The interface between hole transporting layer (HTL) and perovskite thin films have a significant influence on charge transfer and overall solar cell performance. 2,2’,7,7’-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)9,9’-spirobifluorene (Spiro-OMeTAD) is a small molecule largely used as HTL in perovskite solar cells. However, this material …

Biomimetic Devices To Drive A Thermodynamically Uphill Reaction Using Light And To Degrade Industrial Waste Stream Components, Madison Joanne Sloan

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Given the amount of industrial waste produced each year, as well as the accruing amount of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere produced by the burning of fossil fuels, it is imperative that humanity develop environmentally-sustainable sources of energy and methods of remediation. Nature achieves both of these by use of enzymes as catalysts, inspiring interest in designing biomimetic systems capable of harnessing clean energy and remediating industrial waste. This study examined the ability of enzymes in electrochemical and convective flow systems to achieve these tasks. The first portion studied the incorporation of enzymes into an electrochemical system to drive the …

Heterogeneous Base Metal Catalyzed Oxidative Depolymerization Of Lignin And Lignin Model Compounds, John Adam Jennings

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

With the dwindling availability of petroleum, focus has shifted to renewable energy sources such as lignocellulosic biomass. Lignocellulosic biomass is composed of three main constituents, lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. Due to the low value of cellulosic ethanol, utilization of the lignin component is necessary for the realization of an economically sustainable biorefinery model. Once depolymerized, lignin has the potential to replace petroleum-derived molecules used as bulk and specialty aromatic chemicals. Numerous lignin depolymerization strategies focus on cleavage of β-aryl ether linkages, usually at high temperatures and under reductive conditions.

Alternatively, selective benzylic oxidation strategies have recently been explored for …