Nanomaterial Synthesis for Various Applications
CdSe and PbS Nanoparticles for Solar Cells
One area of research that is being explored in the Zemke lab is creating functional nanomaterials for solar energy conversion. We use semiconductor nanoparticles and functionalize the surfaces of these materials to investigate their potential efficiency at harvesting light energy. Potential student projects include synthesis of materials, characterization of materials, and photoelectrochemistry of materials.
Hybrid Carbon-Metal Oxide Materials as Supercapacitor Electrode Materials
We have been working on appending metal oxide nanoparticles to carbon sources including graphite oxide and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. These metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (typically cobalt, nickel, iron, manganese and palladium-based particles) on very light carbon substrates can offer excellent double-layer capacitance to be used in supercapacitors which have incredibly high charge densities and the ability to go through many more charge/discharge cycles than conventional batteries. Potential student projects include mixed metal synthesis of these capacitor materials which requires the use of a conventional microwave oven that helps erupt our samples into a plasma...don't worry, we have one specifically labelled in the lab for this purpose! Projects also include characterization of materials which requires FTIR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and potentially Raman spectroscopy.
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Ion Detection with Silver Nanoparticles
Recently the lab has become interested in using specifically-functionalized silver nanoparticles for the detection of metal ions. Several ions have been targeted within the group such as lithium ions, lead ions, cobalt ions and nickel ions. This project can take on many forms as there are many ions of interest. Additionally, students can design ligands for specific or broad ion binding. Students projects within this area could include nanoparticle synthesis, functionalization with commercial ligand, ligand design and synthesis, and ion binding studies.
Magnetic Nanoparticles for Identification and Treatment of Water Contamination
A budding area of research in the lab surrounds the investigation of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with specialized polymers on the surface for the removal of small molecule contaminants from waste water or other commercial streams. We are currently working to create polymers imprinted for biomarkers such as caffeine as well as environmental contaminant such as small molecule pesticides and small molecule pharmaceuticals. Potential student projects include synthesis of nanomaterials and binding studies of targeted analytes.
Synthesis of Activated Carbon from Spent Coffee
Above: Various concentrations of methylene blue (MB) with varied amounts of activated carbon. Below: example UV-Vis spectra as the concentration of MB incresases. Right: an example standard curve extracted from the absorbance of MB at 663 nm.
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Recently we have been using spent coffee grounds as a carbon source to create activated carbons for various purposes. Thus far we have synthesized carbons via a traditional furnace method and a greener microwave irradiation (MWI) method. To analyze our carbons, we have been determining aqueous adsorption behavior toward common organic dye pollutants such as methylene blue. This project has a wide array of applications which means it is a project that is easily tailored to the specific interests of new research students!
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Chemical Education Projects
Developing Engaging Activities, Lab Experiences, and Hands-on Materials throughout the Chemistry Curriculum
I will forever be interested in updating and creating curriculum for my classes. Naturally then, part of my research efforts are to create interesting and relevant projects for all of my classes. Of particular interest to me are activities that engage both chemistry majors and non-science majors at an early level. Research efforts here are ever-changing, but some of the projects to date include:
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Information Literacy in the Chemistry Curriculum
Chemical information literacy (CIL) is an essential skill for any chemical professional. In our lab, we are interested in probing CIL skills as a function of curricular design. For example, we have used problem-based learning (PBL) activities to probe how students retrieve, catalog and use chemical information sources to understand a problem, design experiments and come to solutions on a given problem.
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The Correlation of Math Preparedness to Success in General Chemistry
In addition to traditional chemistry research as mentioned above, the Zemke lab is also interested in projects related to chemical education. One project allows researchers to take a look at several markers that indicate the preparedness or fluency of students taking general chemistry at WSU. Student researchers have analyzed ACT: Math scores, HS GPA, and pre-term Math Assessment scores in terms of how these markers correlate to success in general chemistry. Potential projects include further study on markers that correlate mathematical fluency to general chemistry success. Additionally, researchers can identify and carry out specific interventions pertaining to this topic.