http://www.lewisu.edu/academics/chemistry/index.htm

Lewis University Chemistry, Romeoville, IL (2026)

11/21/2013

A paper co written by Dr. Jason Keleher in the Journal of the Electrochemical Society in 2009:

Synergy of Ammonium Oxalate and Hydrogen Peroxide on the Dissolution of Copper at Neutral pH

Complexing agents in Cu chemical mechanical planarization slurries promote dissolution of the copper surface. We explored the effect of two chelating compounds, ammonium oxalate and oxalic acid, with and without hydrogen peroxide, on the dissolution and surface morphology of a Cu(111) surface at neutral pH. Without hydrogen peroxide, static etch rate (SER) measurements were highest for oxalic-acid-containing solutions, but with peroxide, ammonium-oxalate-containing solutions demonstrated the highest rates. The largest anodic and cathodic currents were seen in solutions containing ammonium oxalate and peroxide using cyclic voltammetry. In the presence of oxalic acid, atomic force microscopy revealed a thick layer on the surface, identified as Cu2O on the basis of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, that changed little over time. In the presence of ammonium oxalate, the film was thinner and showed accelerated dissolution. It is proposed that the dissolution processes of oxalate and ammonium operate independently at the same time. In the presence of peroxide, more Cu2+ is created which allows for the formation of more copper oxalate, and H2O2 also increases the concentration of copper oxide species at the surface, which drives the ammonia complexation reaction. These two events give rise to a large increase in SER.

11/21/2013

Researcher Spotlight: Kevin Burke (Senior majoring in Biochemistry). Kevin worked on a project involving the novel methods to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial nanoparticles. He also worked on a project to efficiently synthesize antimicrobial nanoparticles based on their particle size.

11/21/2013

Researcher Spotlight: Thomas Rickhoff (Senior majoring in Chemistry). Thomas worked on using confocal fluorescence microscopy to characterize quantum dots. Quantum dots are nano-sized semiconductor crystals that hold unique properties due to their very small size. Their applications range from electronics to cell imaging and cancer therapy. Here, a confocal fluorescence microscope is constructed and used to characterize quantum dots synthesized for solar cell applications.

11/21/2013

Researcher Spotlight: Meghan Nichol -- Junior majoring in Chemical Physics. Meghan did research on Interferometric Measurements of Liquid Indices of Refraction. These measurements determined the indices of refraction for various liquids. She also worked on evaluating the mechanisms relevant to the chemical planarization of HDD Media experiment which is working on the next generation of NiP slurries.

11/21/2013

Researcher Spotlight: Natalie Garcia -- Senior majoring in Chemistry. Natalie did research on how flexible anodic quantum dot nanocomposites can be used for Bio-inspired Solar Energy Applications. It builds on research done in photosynthesis and establishes the electron transfer properties of qunatum dot sensitized solar cells. The hope is to make flexible anodic nanomaterials for use in solar cells.

11/21/2013

Researcher Spotlight: Dominic Rebollar -- Senior majoring in Chemistry. Dominic also worked on the project involving the splitting of quantum dots nanocomposites into Hydrogen using photo-induction. He also synthesized Functionalized
Nanoparticles for Enhanced Latent Print Quality. This research is important in Forensic Science and sought to develop an aerosol-based reagent to develop latent prints on different surfaces.

11/21/2013

Researcher Spotlight: Kelsey Schmitt -- Senior majoring in Chemistry. Kelsey did research on parabens in Shampoo products. Her study used High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to quantify the amounts in various shampoos.

11/18/2013

Other classes for Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemical Physics majors:

*13-200-1 == Calculus I (4) == Br. Mascari == MTWF 9-9:50 == Complete Math Analysis or have 3 years of high school math including trigonometry
*13-201-1 == Calculus II (4) == Margaret Juraco == MTWF 8-8:50 == Complete Calculus I
*13-201-2 == Calculus II (4) == Margaret Juraco == MTWF 11-11:50 == Complete Calculus I
*13-250-1 == Calculus III (4) == Br. Tom Dupre' == MTWF 10-10:50 == Complete Calculus II
*13-300-1 == Differential Equations (3) == Br. Tom Dupre' == MWF 12-12:50 == Complete Calculus III
*02-110-1 == General Biology I (4) == William Chura == MWRF 11-11:50 == ACT Score of 21
*02-111-1 == General Biology I Lab (1) == Sarah Powers == R 12-1:50 == Be enrolled in General Biology I
*02-115-1 == General Biology II (4) == James Rago == MWRF 8-8:50 == Complete General Biology I and lab
*02-115-2 == General Biology II (4) == Jerry Kavouras == MTWF 10-10:50 == Complete General Biology I and lab
*02-116-1 == General Biology II Lab (1) == Jeanette Pifer == M 12-1:50 == Be enrolled in General Biology II
*02-116-2 == General Biology II Lab (1) == Jeanette Pifer == M 2-3:50 == Be enrolled in General Biology II
*02-116-3 == General Biology II Lab (1) == TBD == T 12-1:50 == Be enrolled in General Biology II
*02-116-4 == General Biology II Lab (1) == TBD == T 2-3:50 == Be enrolled in General Biology II
*02-116-5 == General Biology II Lab (1) == Jeanette Pifer == R 12-1:50 == Be enrolled in General Biology II
*02-116-6 == General Biology II Lab (1) == ? == R 12-1:50 == Be enrolled in General Biology II
*17-205-1 == College Physics 2 (4) == Chuck Crowder == MWTF 8-8:50 == Complete College Physics 1
*17-205-2 == College Physics 2 (4) == Chuck Crowder == MTWF 9-9:50 == Complete College Physics 1
*17-206-1 == College Phyiscs 2 Lab (1) == Ryan Hooper == T 8-9:50 == Be enrolled in College Phyiscs 1
*17-206-2 == College Phyiscs 2 Lab (1) == ? == T 12-1:50 == Be enrolled in College Physics 1
*17-206-3 == College Phyiscs 2 Lab (1) == ? == T 2-3:50 == Be enrolled in College Physics 1
*17-210-1 == General Physics 1 (3) == Ryan Hooper == MWF 10-10:50 == Take Calculus I concurrently
*17-211-1 == General Physics 1 Lab (1) == Ryan Hooper == T 2-3:50 == Be enrolled in General Physics 1
*17-215-1 == General Physics 2 (3) == Joe Kozminski == MWF 12-12:50 == Connections program, Complete General Physics 1, Be enrolled in Calculus II
*17-215-2 == General Physics 2 (3) == John Parker == MWF 10-10:50 == Complete General Physics 1, Be enrolled in Calculus II
*17-216-1 == General Physics 2 Lab (1) == John Parker == R 12-1:50 == Be enrolled in General Physics 2
*17-216-2 == General Physics 2 Lab (1) == John Parker == R 9:30-11:20 == Be enrolled in General Physics 2
*17-216-3 == General Physics 2 Lab (1) == John Parker == TR 8-9:15 == Be enrolled in General Physics 2
*17-218-1 == General Physics 3 (3) == John Parker == TR 8-9:15 == Complete General Physics 2
*17-219-1 == General Physics 3 Lab (1) == Ely Leon == T 12-1:15 == Be enrolled in General Physics 3
*17-296-X == Research Methods Workshop (1) == Joe Kozminski == F 1-1:50 == Complete General Physics 1
*17-300-1 == Mechanics (4) == Joe Kozminski == F 1-1:50 == Complete General Physics 1 and Calculus III
*17-405-1 == Quantumn Mechanics (4) == Chuck Crowder == MWF 1-2:15 == Complete Modern Physics
*17-341-1 == Modern Physics (3) == Ryan Hooper == MWF 1-1:50 == Complete General Physics 3 and Calculus III

11/18/2013

Find your classes with your favorite Chemistry professor:

Dr. Cyndi Misischia
----------------
*03-102-1 == Basic Inorganic Chemistry Lab (1) == M 12-2 == Must be Forensic Criminal Investigation Major

Dr. Samar Makhlouf
------------------
*03-105-1 == Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry (3) == MWF 9-9:50
*03-105-2 == Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry (3) == MWF 10-10:50
*03-105-3 == Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry (3) == MWF 11-11:50
*03-407-1 == Biochemistry II (3) == MWF 1-1:50 == Complete Biochemistry I
*03-408-1 == Biochemistry II Lab (1) == W 2-4:50 == Be enrolled in Biochemistry II
*03-450-4 == Biochemistry Research (1)
*03-450-5 == Biochemistry Research (2)
*03-450-6 == Biochemistry Research (3)
*03-470-1 == Chemistry Internship (3)

Alan Widek
----------
*03-105-4 == Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry (3) == M 6-8:30
*03-106-T == Topics: Chemistry of Mind Altering Drugs (3) == ONLINE == General Education Class
*03-106-W == Topics: Chemistry for Wall Street (3) == ONLINE == General Education Class
*03-106-V == Topics: Chemistry for Wall Street (3) == ONLINE == General Education Class

Analiese Stahl
---------------
*03-106-1 == Topics: Chemistry of Mind Altering Drugs (3) == MWF 10-10:30 == General Education class
*03-108-T == Chemistry and the Enviornment (3) == ONLINE == General Education Class
*03-116-4 == General Chemistry II Lab (1) == W 2-4:50 == Biology Majors, Be enrolled in General Chemistry II
*03-116-6 == General Chemistry II Lab (1) == R 9-11:50 == Biology Majors, Be enrolled in General Chemistry II
*03-116-7 == General Chemistry II Lab (1) == R 2-4:50 == Biology Majors, Be enrolled in General Chemistry II

Rosemary Jurgens
-----------------
*03-106-T == Topics: Chemistry of Mind Altering Drugs (3) == ONLINE == General Education Class
*03-107-T == Chemistry of Hazardous Materials (3) == ONLINE == General Education Class
*03-226-1 == Organic Chemistry II Lab (1) == M 2-4:50 == Chemistry Dept majors only, Must be enrolled in Organic Chemistry II
*03-226-2 == Organic Chemistry II Lab (1) == T 2-4:50 == Must be enrolled in Organic Chemistry II
*03-226-3 == Organic Chemistry II Lab (1) == R 9-11:50 == Must be enrolled in Organic Chemistry II
*03-326-4 == Organic Chemistry II Lab (1) == R 2-4:50 == Must be enrolled in Organic Chemistry II

Mary Charles
---------------
*03-109-1 == Chemistry and Society (3) == MWF 11-11:50 == General Education Class
*03-110-1 == General Chemistry I (4) == MWRF 9-9:50
*03-111-1 == General Chemistry I Lab (1) == T 9-11:50 == Be enrolled in General Chemistry I
*03-116-2 == General Chemistry II (1) == T 1-3:50 == Biology majors only, Be enrolled in General Chemistry II

Br. Pierre St. Raymond
------------------------
*03-115-2 == General Chemistry II (4) == MTWF 10-10:50 == Chemistry and Physics Dept only, Complete General Chemistry I and Lab
*03-115-2 == General Chemistry II (4) == MTWF 8-8:50 == Connection Program, Complete General Chemistry I and Lab
*03-116-1 == General Chemistry II Lab (1) == T 2-4:50 == Chemistry and Physics Dept only, Be enrolled in General Chemistry II
*03-116-3 == General Chemistry II Lab (1) == W 2-4:50 == Biology Majors, Be enrolled in General Chemistry II
*03-235-1 == Organic Chemistry II for Chemistry/Biochemistry Majors (3) -- MWF 9-9:50 == Chemistry Dept majors only, Complete Organic Chemistry I

Dr. Teresa Bixby
-----------------
*03-115-3 == General Chemistry II (4) == MTWF 9-9:50 == Biology Major only, Complete General Chemistry I and Lab
*03-115-4 == General Chemistry II (4) == MTWF 11-11:50 == Biology Majors only, Complete General Chemistry I and Lab
*03-116-5 == General Chemistry II Lab (1) == R 9-11:50 == Connections Program, Be enrolled in General Chemistry II
*03-320-1 == Analytical Chemistry I (3) == T 2-4:50 == Complete General Chemistry II
*03-321-1 == Analytical Chemistry I Lab (1) == R 2-4:50 == Be enrolled in Analytical Chemistry I

Dr. Jason Keleher
-----------------
*03-225-1 == Organic Chemistry II (4) == MTWF 8-8:50 == Biology Majors only, Must have completed Organic Chemistry I with lab
*03-236-1 == Organic Chemistry Lab for Majors (2) == M 1-1:50, W 1-4:50 == Chemistry Dept. majors only, Must be enrolled in Organic Chemistry II for Chemistry/Biochemistry Majors
*03-401-1 == Advanced Organic Chemistry (3) == MW 11-12:15 == Complete Organic Chemistry II and either Instrumental Analysis or Physical Chemistry I
*03-450-1 == Chemistry Research (1)
*03-450-2 == Chemistry Research (2)
*03-450-3 == Chemistry Research (3)

Dr. Joe Kozminski
------------------
*03-296-X == Research Methods Seminar (3) == F 1-1:50

Dr. John Parker
----------------
*03-305-1 == Physical Chemistry II (3) == MWF 8-8:50 == Complete Physical Chemistry I or Biophysical Chemistry I
*03-306-1 == Physical Chemsitry II Lab (1) == M 2-4:50 == Be enrolled in Physical Chemsitry II
*03-450-7 == Chemical Physics Research (1)
*03-450-8 == Chemical Physics Research (2)
*03-450-9 == Chemical Physics Research (3)

Dr. Salim Diab
---------------
03-415-1 == Advanced Forensics Chemsitry I (4) == TR 11-12:15

11/18/2013

A paper published by Lewis University Chemistry in Forensic Science International (June 2012): Evaluation of the catalytic decomposition of H2O2 through use of organo-metallic complexes – A potential link to the luminol presumptive blood test.

Abstract--
Forensic scientists use several presumptive tests to detect latent blood stains at crime scenes; one of the most recognizable being the luminol reagent. Luminol, under basic conditions, reacts with an oxidizing species which, with the help of a transition metal catalyst facilitates a luminescent response. The typical oxidizing species used in the luminol reaction is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). While the luminol reaction has been studied since its inception, the mechanistic pathway is still an area of great debate. Previous work suggests that the luminol reaction with latent blood stains possesses a correlation to the Fenton-Decomposition reaction mechanism, which decomposes H2O2 into the strongly oxidizing hydroxyl radical (*OH) species. This work seeks to understand the luminol reaction on a mechanistic level and to determine if a synergy exists between the chemiluminescence observed in the reaction and the production of the hydroxyl radical via Fenton-like processes. Results indicate that organo-metallic complexes produce hydroxyl radicals at different rates and different concentrations. These findings appear to be related to structural differences in the organo-metallic complex, which conform to the 18 electron rule or are one electron rich/deficient. Furthermore, the production of *OH is controlled by the chemical environment which governs complex stability at high pH conditions, reflective of the luminol process. Model hemoglobin systems reveal a strong correlation between the rate of *OH production via the Fenton-like pathway and maximum chemiluminescent intensity.

11/18/2013

Researcher Spotlight: Matthew Kubacki -- Senior majoring in Chemistry. Matthew's research involves the use of confocal fluorescence microscopy to characterize quantum dots. Quantum dots are nano-sized semiconductor crystals
that hold unique properties due to their very small size.
Their applications range from electronics to cell imaging
and cancer therapy. Here, a confocal fluorescence
microscope is constructed and used to characterize
quantum dots synthesized for solar cell applications.

11/18/2013

Researcher Spotlight: Sara Meyer -- Senior majoring in Chemistry. Sara's research is on the molecular level evaluation of the binding mechanisms between pesticides and herbicides and soil. The team she worked with explores the physio chemical interactions between simulated soil particles and a widely used agricultural herbicide for w**d management. More specifically, this work determined which conditions had a significant effect on the binding/adsorption of the herbicide to the simulated soil media. Langmuir binding isotherms coupled with molecular simulation provide mechanistic understanding that will play a role in shaping the design of next generation remediation technologies for reduction of herbicide transport in the soil.

Lewis University Chemistry

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