简介

Our research program is directed around the use of voltammetric electroanalytical techniques for both applied and fundamental research problems. Stripping Analysis is a means to typically determine trace heavy metal ion concentrations in clinical, environmental, and forensic applications, and constitutes a major use in our laboratories. Research in progress includes analysis of gunshot residue (GSR) for antimony, lead, and barium. Also, metallic ions present in acid mine drainage in locally impacted water bodies, such as Monday Creek, are being monitored. LCEC (liquid chromatography combined with amperometric electrochemical detection) is being used in the analysis of isoflavones and coumarins. These compounds are natural plant products. The coumarins are responsible for astringency and fragrances. The isoflavones possess both estrogenic and anti-cancer properties. Electrochemical oscillatory, nonlinear dynamics and chaos observed in the oxidation of copper electrodes in acetate solutions has been under study for several years. The control of chaos and stabilization of periodic oscillations and the chemical analysis and interpretation of the oscillatory processes continue to be of interest. Lithium ion batteries have recently become a new focus for the research group. We are investigating the oxidation of the graphite-coated copper electrode current collectors in LiPF6-organic carbonates battery electrolyte/solvent.