28th Annual Student Research Conference
Colorimetric Detection of Chromium(VI) Using an Encapsulated Sol-Gel Matrix
Blake T. Inderski
Dr. David McCurdy, Faculty Mentor
Chromium(VI) is a toxic, carcinogenic material found naturally in trace quantities. Conversely, chromium(III) is more abundant and has nutritional properties. Current methods of chromium measurement are non-ideal as they often are incapable of distinguishing the various oxidation states of chromium, have insufficient detection limits, or are overly complex and expensive. This presentation will describe a technique for measuring trace chromium(VI) using oxidation reduction reactions encapsulated in a sol gel matrix that ultimately results in the formation of dark purple crystal violet from colorless leuco crystal violet within an optically transparent sol gel matrix, followed by spectrophotometric measurement directly in the sol gel material. This talk will focus on our efforts to create an improved sol gel material compared to previous methods. We believe that, with improvements, a method can be developed which offers simplicity and low cost compared to complicated instruments, yet extends the sensitivity of standard wet-chemical approaches.
Keywords: analytical, colorimetric, chromium(VI) detection, sol gel
Topic(s):Chemistry
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 410-1
Location: MG 2001
Time: 3:15