SIR Chemistry Investigation Abstract
EFFECTS OF MERCURY IONS ON L-CYSTEINE CHITOSAN THIN FILMS
Presenter:
Jennifer M. Kang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor:
Dr. Caroline Schauer, Drexel University
Abstract:
The presence of high concentrations of heavy metals in water has been shown to have carcinogenic effects. Monitoring water sources, therefore, is an important issue. Thin films have been shown to undergo changes in film thickness, and hence film color, upon contact with certain ions. Thin film metal ion sensors are a relatively quick and inexpensive method of monitoring water and have the potential to be distributed for use to the general public, due to the fact that they are also easy to use. Submerging thin films spun using solutions of L-cysteine chitosan in various metal ion solutions showed that the sensors undergo the most significant color change after contact with lead.