Catechol-Based Colorimetric Sensors for Heavy Metal Ions
Location
Science Center: Bent Corridor
Document Type
Poster - Open Access
Start Date
4-28-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-28-2023 2:00 PM
Abstract
Catechols are important functional groups found in melanin pigments. Earlier our lab found that coating formed from the polymerization of catechols on membrane discs can change color when exposed to various metal ions, including toxic metals such as lead and cadmium. Optimization of the response and selectivity could lead to practical colorimetric sensors. However, there are gaps in our understanding of the structural changes and response selectivity to metal ion binding for catechol materials. Thus, we are working to understand the color change process at a molecular level via quantitative colorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infared (IR) and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Experiments thus far have shown that exposure to metal ions causes changes on even after removing metal ions. Preliminary NMR findings indicate there is breakdown within the aromatic region of our compounds over the course of synthesis and equilibriation with metal ions. Different types of catechol, e.g. 4-methyl-catechol and 4-ethyl-catechol, experience differences in their responses to metal ions that we are beginning to correlate to changes in their NMR spectra. This helps us understand the temporary noncovalent and permanent covalent processes that develop and trigger colorimetric changes in catechol-based coatings. This poster will cover recent results toward the goal of developing practical colorimetric sensors for toxic metal ions in water.
Keywords:
Lead, Sensor, Catechol, Color
Recommended Citation
Murphy, Cody; Choi, Rachel; Jiminez, Jose; Nguyen, Hieu; Parsons, Laura; Shen, Andrew; and Belitsky, Jason, "Catechol-Based Colorimetric Sensors for Heavy Metal Ions" (2023). Research Symposium. 3.
https://digitalcommons.oberlin.edu/researchsymp/2023/posters/3
Major
Prospective Neuroscience; Chemistry
Project Mentor(s)
Jason Belitsky, Chemistry and Biochemistry
2023
Catechol-Based Colorimetric Sensors for Heavy Metal Ions
Science Center: Bent Corridor
Catechols are important functional groups found in melanin pigments. Earlier our lab found that coating formed from the polymerization of catechols on membrane discs can change color when exposed to various metal ions, including toxic metals such as lead and cadmium. Optimization of the response and selectivity could lead to practical colorimetric sensors. However, there are gaps in our understanding of the structural changes and response selectivity to metal ion binding for catechol materials. Thus, we are working to understand the color change process at a molecular level via quantitative colorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infared (IR) and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Experiments thus far have shown that exposure to metal ions causes changes on even after removing metal ions. Preliminary NMR findings indicate there is breakdown within the aromatic region of our compounds over the course of synthesis and equilibriation with metal ions. Different types of catechol, e.g. 4-methyl-catechol and 4-ethyl-catechol, experience differences in their responses to metal ions that we are beginning to correlate to changes in their NMR spectra. This helps us understand the temporary noncovalent and permanent covalent processes that develop and trigger colorimetric changes in catechol-based coatings. This poster will cover recent results toward the goal of developing practical colorimetric sensors for toxic metal ions in water.
Notes