Surface modification of carbon-fiber microelectrodes for improved sensitivity of trace metals
Conference Year
2022
Abstract
Trace metals in bound forms within an optimal concentration window play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. But when present as free ions, even at low concentrations, they are toxic, resulting in catastrophic changes like altering the biota in a niche. Rapid and sensitive measurement of these trace metals in contaminated coastal seawater is essential to monitor trace element contamination. In this talk, we use electrochemical deposition to modify the surface moieties of the carbon fiber microelectrode in a controlled manner to enhance sensitivity towards trace metals to detect them in the environment/ecosystems. Our modifications offer a significant improvement in sensitivity compared to existing methods.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Yangguang OU
Graduate Student Mentors
Princess Rodriguez, PhD, Hana Paculova, PhD
Faculty/Staff Collaborators
Joseph Boyd, MS, Hilde Schjerven, PhD
Student Collaborators
Anna Sellon
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Chemistry
Primary Research Category
Engineering & Physical Sciences
Secondary Research Category
Food & Environment Studies
Surface modification of carbon-fiber microelectrodes for improved sensitivity of trace metals
Trace metals in bound forms within an optimal concentration window play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. But when present as free ions, even at low concentrations, they are toxic, resulting in catastrophic changes like altering the biota in a niche. Rapid and sensitive measurement of these trace metals in contaminated coastal seawater is essential to monitor trace element contamination. In this talk, we use electrochemical deposition to modify the surface moieties of the carbon fiber microelectrode in a controlled manner to enhance sensitivity towards trace metals to detect them in the environment/ecosystems. Our modifications offer a significant improvement in sensitivity compared to existing methods.