Behaviors of Zeolite L and Brooker's Merocyanine

Faculty Sponsor

Jennifer Holt

College

Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Chemistry Department

ORCID Identifier(s)

0000-0002-4952-2761, 0000-0002-1512-8838, 0000-0001-5215-8553

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-29-2019

Abstract

Zeolites have a versatile role in industry as purification devices, catalysts, and ion exchange micro-vessels. Thus, understanding the behaviors of porous Zeolite L and how it interacts with molecules has become increasingly significant. In order to study the behavior Zeolite L, Brooker's merocyanine was chosen for its interesting properties that can be affected by the channels of Zeolite L. This organic dye is a zwitterionic molecule with second harmonic generation potential, thermochromic and solvatochromic properties. This study focused on the behaviors of Brooker's merocyanine in and around Zeolite L. Zeolite L crystals were generated through hydrothermal synthesis using a high pressure apparatus. X-ray diffraction was used to confirm the identity of the crystalline product. Then, dye loading occurred by soaking the crystals in an acidic dye solution. UV/Vis photospectroscopy was used to determine how much dye adsorbed to the zeolite. BET analysis was used to determine the location of the dye molecules on the crystals. These results showed that the dye did adsorbed to Zeolite L, but only on the surface of the crystals. Consequently, solvent studies were performed to find the optimal choice of solvent for dye loading, such as alcohols and other common solvents. Many small organic solvents, such as methanol, were tested in the solvent study. The solvent study suggested that water was not the best solvent for dye loading and rather, it was a small organic solvent. Overall, this study has developed a better understanding of the interactions between Zeolite L and Brooker's merocyanine.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Annamaria Durante is a senior chemistry and biology double major with a minor in neuroscience. She joined this project because of the interesting synthesis techniques and its real world applications.

Ethan Ross is a junior chemistry major with a physics. He was chose to work on this project to develop new skills, techniques, and also to increase his knowledge of chemistry.

Payton Wills is a sophomore biology and chemistry double major with a music minor. She joined this project to enhance her critical thinking skills, which are necessary for medical school.

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