Research
Current Projects
Our projects focus on the development of new curricular materials which model the application of green chemistry principles in the design of environmentally-friendly polymers. These guided-inquiry experiments are implemented in classrooms that target K-12 and undergraduate students with the intent of engaging them in hands-on experiences with current technologies that incorporate sustainable polymers into daily life usage.
Curriculum Development and Exploratory Research
Greener Catalysts For the Synthesis of Sustainable Polymers
Replacing tin octanoate, which is a common catalyst for polymerizations of lactones is ideal in achieving greener chemistry for sustainable polymers. Bismuth subsalicylate (BiSS), the active ingredient of Pepto-Bismol has been shown to be a promising alternative to tin catalysts in the synthesis of polylactic acid. We are exploring the usage of BiSS and other bismuth catalysts in the polymerizations of lactones.
Biobased Hydrogels
Known for their swelling properties in retaining enormous amounts of water several times their weight, hydrogels are polymers that have a wide application as vehicles for drug delivery and smart materials. The interesting and observable properties of hydrogels make them ideal model systems to engage students in learning about polymers and materials. While a lot of common hydrogels are derived from petroleum feedstocks (which are typically non-renewable), we are focusing on carbohydrate based hydrogels as means of introducing core fundamentals of chemistry and green methodologies in classrooms.
Edible Biodegradable Water Pods
These fun and squishy capsules are generated from sodium alginate and calcium lactate, which are materials derived from natural renewable sources. Sodium alginate can be extracted from brown algae, and is commonly used in food products as a thickener. Calcium lactate comes from plant sugars, and is used as a preservative or source of calcium When aqueous solutions of sodium alginate are dropped into an aqueous calcium lactate bath, a pod (capsule) is formed through a network of ionic interactions between the carboxyl groups on the carbohydrate polymeric backbone of alginate and calcium cations. Guided-inquiry experiments with alginate water pods involved manipulating the conditions (i.e. delivery method, source of liquid, pH, cation linker) in their synthesis.
