Electrochemistry

 

Electrochemistry is a well-established and very diverse technique which has found utility in analytical chemistry, materials chemistry, organic synthesis, and others. Our interest in electrochemistry relates to aspects which have largely been ignored in academia. Currently our two main focusses are: (i) using magnetism to influence electrochemical reactions and processes and (ii) investigating the fundamental nature of liquid-liquid interfaces.

Magnetism

The interaction of charged particles and ions with electromagnetic fields has been known for over 200 years, and it was Hendrik Lorentz who formulated the now well-known equation which bears his name: F = q(E + v x B). Although the Lorentz force is a well-known phenomenon, simple systems to study, manipulate, utilize, and view this force are lacking.

Liquid-Liquid Interfaces

Electrochemistry at the liquid-liquid interfaces is a plausible method for studying the partitioning of ions ranging from protons to macromolecules such as proteins. Our interest is in understanding the effect of molecular structure on the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of ion transfer across this interface using electrochemical methods. This study will lead to rational design of electrochemical sensing devices/molecular receptors for redox inactive organic ions and biomolecules.

Universal Wireless Electrochemical Detector (UWED)

The fundamental studies into magnetism and liquid-liquid interfaces will be performed under a variety of conditions, such as in oxygen-free atmospheres. The UWED, a wireless potentiostat, can be operated with a smartphone, and allows experimentation to be performed in closed containers such as desiccators and gloveboxes.1

ElectroChem-Fig1 Figure 1: Universal Wireless Electrochemical Detector

 

 

References:

  1. A. Ainla, M. P. S. Mousavi, M. N. Tsaloglou, J. Redson, J. G. Bell, M. T. Fernandez-Abedul, and G. M. Whitesides, Open-Source Potentiostat for Wireless Electrochemical Detection with Smartphones. Anal. Chem., 90, 6420-6426, 2018.