SILICA GEL WITH CARBON NANODOTS AS AN ENHANCER MATERIAL FOR COLUMN CHROMATOGRAPHY
Location
SU-217
Department
Chemistry
Abstract
Carbon nanodots (CNDs) are eco-friendly carbon nanomaterials synthesized from organic compounds. For this experiment, sulfuric acid and urea were used to create sulfur- (S-CNDs) and nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots (N-CNDs), which were later combined with silica gel. After the development of a stable recipe, both CND-treated silicas were tested in the separation of selected pharmaceutical compounds and food dyes through column chromatography. In order to separate these compounds, a homemade low-pressure liquid chromatography system was built. The elution volumes and the absorbance readings from each compound were measured with a spectrometer to determine speed and proficiency. It was observed that CND-treated silicas generally had a shorter retention time than untreated silica, and the compounds were efficiently separated. The incorporation of CNDs into silica gel could indicate that CND-treated silica may be a promising enhancement for column chromatography, leading to quicker and more efficient separations of different chemical compounds.
Faculty Sponsor
Stefan Tsonchev
SILICA GEL WITH CARBON NANODOTS AS AN ENHANCER MATERIAL FOR COLUMN CHROMATOGRAPHY
SU-217
Carbon nanodots (CNDs) are eco-friendly carbon nanomaterials synthesized from organic compounds. For this experiment, sulfuric acid and urea were used to create sulfur- (S-CNDs) and nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots (N-CNDs), which were later combined with silica gel. After the development of a stable recipe, both CND-treated silicas were tested in the separation of selected pharmaceutical compounds and food dyes through column chromatography. In order to separate these compounds, a homemade low-pressure liquid chromatography system was built. The elution volumes and the absorbance readings from each compound were measured with a spectrometer to determine speed and proficiency. It was observed that CND-treated silicas generally had a shorter retention time than untreated silica, and the compounds were efficiently separated. The incorporation of CNDs into silica gel could indicate that CND-treated silica may be a promising enhancement for column chromatography, leading to quicker and more efficient separations of different chemical compounds.