The Development of an Upper Division Chemistry Teaching Lab: Chalcogenide Nanocrystal Synthesis and Analysis
Major
MS Chemistry
Department
Chemistry
Degree
Graduate
Mentor
Judith L. Jenkins
Mentor Department
Chemistry
Recommended Citation
Durr, Allison, "The Development of an Upper Division Chemistry Teaching Lab: Chalcogenide Nanocrystal Synthesis and Analysis" (2015). University Presentation Showcase Event. 27.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2015/graduate/27
Abstract
The synthesis and characterization of functional solid-state materials is an increasingly important chemical field. As such, the purpose of this project was to develop an experiment for a CHE 515/715 laboratory in order to expose students to one such material—lead sulfide semiconductor nanocrystals—which can be used in a variety of applications including photovoltaics, photodetectors, and as photocatalysts. To design this teaching lab, first several student learning outcomes were developed to focus this experiment on both the important qualities of the material as well as the new synthetic techniques. Then, an introduction to the lab procedure was prepared by doing a literature review of relevant source materials. A possible procedure was found that allows students the opportunity to learn Schlenk line and hot injection synthesis techniques, and this procedure was tested and modified to ensure reasonable reproducibility. Finally, post-lab questions were also developed to assist students in understanding the concepts and to frame these concepts in relation to the information learned in CHE 515/715 and other chemistry courses, as CHE 515 is the capstone course for all Chemistry students graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry from EKU.
Presentation format
Poster
Poster Number
08
The Development of an Upper Division Chemistry Teaching Lab: Chalcogenide Nanocrystal Synthesis and Analysis
The synthesis and characterization of functional solid-state materials is an increasingly important chemical field. As such, the purpose of this project was to develop an experiment for a CHE 515/715 laboratory in order to expose students to one such material—lead sulfide semiconductor nanocrystals—which can be used in a variety of applications including photovoltaics, photodetectors, and as photocatalysts. To design this teaching lab, first several student learning outcomes were developed to focus this experiment on both the important qualities of the material as well as the new synthetic techniques. Then, an introduction to the lab procedure was prepared by doing a literature review of relevant source materials. A possible procedure was found that allows students the opportunity to learn Schlenk line and hot injection synthesis techniques, and this procedure was tested and modified to ensure reasonable reproducibility. Finally, post-lab questions were also developed to assist students in understanding the concepts and to frame these concepts in relation to the information learned in CHE 515/715 and other chemistry courses, as CHE 515 is the capstone course for all Chemistry students graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry from EKU.
