STUDENT RESEARCH SHOWCASE 2019 PRESENTATIONS

Chemistry

Creating an Innovative Cocatalyst Nanostructure for Enhanced Photocatalytic Water Splitting
Satya Alagarsamy, American Heritage School Plantation

The use of solar energy to produce hydrogen and oxygen gas (H2 and O2) via water splitting is a promising means of renewable energy. In the past 40 years, various systems have been developed as photocatalysts for water splitting driven by visible light (solar light driven water splitting). These photocatalysts, however, still suffer from low efficiency and/or poor stability. In this work, a metal-free carbon nanodot (carbon nanoparticle)–carbon nitride (C3N4) nanocomposite was designed and fabricated, demonstrating its impressive performance for photocatalytic solar water splitting. We found an overall solar energy conversion efficiency of 2.0%. The catalyst comprises low-cost, Earth-abundant, environmentally friendly materials and shows excellent stability.

Using a Quantum Equilibrium Ensemble to Uncover the Effects of Cage Flexibility on the Diffusion of Hydrogen Gas in Clathrate Hydrates
Philip Brous, Bronx High School of Science

I attempted to clear up confusion regarding the effects of flexibility of the structures of clathrate hydrates in simulation on the calculated diffusion rates of hydrogen throughout the crystal lattice, in an effort to improve simulation accuracy so it can either be scaled up when it becomes possible, or compared with experiment when that becomes possible. Once theoretical results match up with experiment, clathrate hydrates will have the potential to become a part of the energy economy, storing hydrogen efficiently and cleanly, making hydrogen powered vehicles a possibility in the future.

Synthesis and Characterization of Elastin-Like Polypeptides
Justin Coleman, Tougaloo College

Elastin-Like Polypeptides (ELP) are class of biopolymers that are composed of a repeating pentapeptide sequence that mimics mammalian elastin with the structure VPGXG. ELP has a Low Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) which enables it to dissolve in solution at lower temperatures and above the LCST the ELP aggregates into insoluble coacervates. This work makes use of a robust chemistry to attach various biocompatible Lewis bases to the ELP molecules. This will allow the ELP to act as an electron donor to specific types of atoms that are electron deficient. These atoms will act as coordination centers for the ELP molecules and allow them to exhibit certain advantageous and tailorable properties. This work will explore how stereochemistry, and different electron deficient molecules change the behavior of ELP and its transition temperature. Nanodrop UV vis will be used to explore how changing the electron deficient molecules effects the electrons in the ELP and thus the UV wavelength absorbance. FT-IR will demonstrate the change in functional groups after the reactions have occurred. Lastly, dynamic light scattering will be used to show a change in transition temperature of the ELP when exposed to different variables.

How Toxic Is Your Mascara: A Study Into The Dangers of Makeup
Jaynie Curzi, American Heritage School Boca/Delray

Mascara is one of most commonly used cosmetics in today’s society. However, research has shown that, in products such as mascara, dangerous chemicals such as mercury and parabens are present. In this experiment, the levels of mercury and the presence of parabens were tested among the top three purchased mascara brands to see how concerning the toxin issue is in the product and be further used to address the issue of consumers not being aware of what is truly in the products that they purchase and use in everyday life.

Development of a Novel Silver Triazole Metal-Inorganic Framework as Reusable Method of Cleansing Benzene Derivatives from Water
Jehil Mehta, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science

In this research, a new superhydrophobic material known as a fluorous metal inorganic framework was developed to clean out hydrocarbons such as benzene in contaminated water from oil spills or oil fracking processes. Current methods are inconvenient, expensive, and incapable of completely separating the water from the contaminants.

Developing a Novel, Double-Layer Film Dosage Form for Buccal Administration
Christian Prestegard, Pine Crest School

I made a double-layer film dosage form, which I eventually plan to load with epinephrine to create a safer, cheaper alternative to the EpiPen.

Cation Effect on the Redox Properties of a Europium-Bridged Polytungstate
Natasha Shah, Quinnipiac University

This past summer, I worked with Dr. James F. Kirby and the Quinnipiac University Interdisciplinary Program for Research and Scholarship to study the effect a cation can have on the redox properties of a europium-bridged polytungstate.

Optimal Method to Reduce the Effect of Saponification on Methyl Ester Yield After Transesterification of High Free Fatty Acid Oils
Smit Viroja, American Heritage School Boca/Delray

This presentation is about a project focused on improving biodiesel production methods by reducing crude soap formation (saponification) during transesterification of non-pure oils, which are typically high in FFA's, which react with the basic catalysts that are typically used. Various alternative methods are proposed and tested to identify the most effective one.

STUDENT RESEARCH SHOWCASE 2019 PRESENTATIONS

Chemistry

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