Electroanalytical Applications of Organically Modified Sol-Gel Materials

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This Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) project, supported in the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, aims to explore and characterize the formation, properties and applications of organically modified sol-gels. The unique properties of these hybrid inorganic-organic materials remain to be exploited fully. The mechanism by which solutes become entrapped in these materials and the control of this process will be studied. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) with ultramicroelectrodes will be used to follow local physical and chemical changes that occur during hydrolysis and condensation of alkoxysilanes on the surfaces of these materials. CV and electrogenerated chemiluminescence will be used to characterize the mobility and accessibility of small charged redox probes entrapped in the sol-gel matrix under processing conditions. Practical results from this CAREER research project will focus on the development of permselective coatings for electroanalytical investigations and the fabrication of electrochemiluminscent sensors. Professor Collinson will combine these research thrusts with an educational plan that includes the development of a course in scientific ethics for both undergraduate and graduate students. A major revision of the laboratory component of an undergraduate course in chemical analysis is also planned. Student interest is to be cultivated by also employing more creative and realistic samples for analysis in this course with particular attention to forensic and environmental applications. The development of a fundamental understanding of the characteristics of the sol-gel matrix as an environment in which to do chemistry is an important objective of this CAREER research proposal. In the long term being able to tailor these matrices to a particular application using organically modified silicates will have strategic impact. The xerogels that are produced upon drying of sol-gels have interesting properties in their own right which could lead to useful applications in electronic, magnetic, optical materials and derived products. Professor Collinson's aim to introduce formally contemporary issues in scientific ethics and scientific conduct is timely, and this course will enable the students at Kansas State University to more clearly understand this topic.