Electrochemistry Experiments to Develop Novel Sensors for Real-World Applications
Suzanne Lunsford, Miyong Hughes, Phuong Khanh Quoc Nguyen
These novel STEM (Science Technology Engineering and
Mathematics) Electrochemistry experiments have been
designed to increase the integrated science content,
pedagogical, and technological knowledge for real-world
applications. This study has focused on (1) the fundamental
understanding on the relationship of metal oxide films and
polymers to electrochemical sensors, and (2) the development
of new materials which have great application of electrode
materials.
Following the inquiry based learning strategy the research
students learn to develop and study the electrode surfaces to
meet the needs of stability and low detection limits.
Recently, new advances in environmental health are revealing
the anthropogenic or naturally occurring harmful organic
chemicals in sources of water supply expose a great health
threat to human and aquatic life. Due to their well-known
carcinogenic and lethal properties, the presence of human
produced toxic chemicals such as phenol and its derivatives
poses a critical threat to human health and aquatic life in such
water resources. In order to achieve effective assessment and
monitoring of these toxic chemicals there is a need to develop
in-situ (electrochemical sensors) methods to detect rapidly.
Electrochemical sensors have attracted more attention to
analytical chemist and electrochemistry engineers due to its
simplicity, rapidness and high sensitivity. However, there will
be real challenges of achieving successful analysis of chemicals
(phenol) in the presence of common interferences in water
resources, which will be discussed regarding the students
challenging learning experiences in developing an
electrochemical sensor. The electrochemical sensor
developed (TiO2 , ZrO2 or sol-gel mixture TiO2/ZrO2) will be
illustrated and the successes will be shown by cyclic
voltammetry data in detection of 1,2-dihydroxybenzenes
(catechol, dopamine and phenol). Full Text
|
