22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Spectroscopic Determination of Chromium (VI) by Preconcentration Using Sol-gel Encapsulation
Phillip W. Hewitt
Dr. David McCurdy, Faculty Mentor
Chromium naturally occurs in soils and water as chromium(III) and chromium(VI). Many measurement methods exist to measure total chromium, but relatively few can selectively measure only chromium(VI). Of those that can measure chromium(VI), some possess inadequate detection limits and others are too expensive for routine use. Our work intends to develop a simple, rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive new colorimetric method for the selective determination of chromium(VI). A multi-step reaction scheme which is initiated by only chromium (VI) and ends in the formation of crystal violet forms the basis for this method. Encapsulation of crystal violet in a sol-gel matrix allows for preconcentration of chromium (VI) and potentially large improvements in the limit of detection, when compared to standard colorimetric methods. In this presentation our efforts to consistently synthesize sol-gel matrices which are durable and optically clear will be shown with preliminary data involving the analytical determination of chromium(VI).
Keywords: sol-gel, preconcentration, chromium, spectroscopic, encapsulation, synthesis, chemistry, spectroscopy
Topic(s):Chemistry
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 11-3
Location: PML
Time: 4:15